St. Patrick Parish | Pastor's Notes

God is doing something great in our midst

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:41:34 GMT

Christ is Risen!

I am writing this to you on Easter Monday and am completely wiped out! It is an absolutely joyful exhaustion, however. What a glorious Holy Week and Sacred Triduum we shared together! I am still in awe about those beautiful days.

At the Easter Vigil, I had the privilege to baptize six adults, receive four adults into the Catholic Church, and confirm all of them. In addition, I confirmed one other parishioner who needed to complete his own Christian initiation. What an amazingly joyful outpouring of sacramental graces! The Risen Lord and his victory over sin and death is happening still today, here at St. Patrick Parish. Those newly baptized became new creations in Christ, were set free from all of their sins, and were made temples of the Holy Spirit.

Speaking of Christ’s victory over sin and death, my best guess is that the priests at St. Patrick’s heard somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 confessions since Ash Wednesday! On Good Friday alone, the three of us heard non-stop confessions for 2 ½ hours. Each good confession is another instance of Christ’s victory at work here and now.

Another thing that really has struck me during these days is the attendance both at daily Masses during Lent and during the Sacred Triduum. The presence of so many parishioners devoutly participating in these sacred liturgies was a sight to behold.

During the Easter Season we often read from the Acts of the Apostles. This book shows us how the explosion of Christ’s resurrection continued through the life of the infant Church. The victory of Christ is extended through time and place through His Mystical Body, the Church. The first disciples of the Lord go and announce the Gospel to the whole world. As we read through Acts, we are struck by how God was doing amazing things through the life of the Church.

After witnessing so many beautiful things happening in the life of our parish and parishioners during these days, I have the sense that God is doing something great in our midst. Something is happening here. The power of Christ’s victory is being unleashed in powerful ways in our midst. Some of you have mentioned to me that you have had the same sense.

When these things happen, it is a pure gift from the Lord. It’s not like we are the ones doing it. We just happen to be the recipients of the Lord’s gift. What it demands of us in return is that we obey these movements of the Spirit. It demands that we follow where the Lord is leading and that we are faithful to the path that he is marking out for us. It’s not like we need to create something on our own. Instead, we have to remain faithful to the path that he is showing us.

I have a sense that the Lord is not only doing something among us as a parish community, but he is doing something great in a lot of individual hearts and lives. The greatness that we are experiencing is not about us being so great. That would be kind of boring. The greatness we are experiencing is the greatness of the Risen Christ. It is the experience of being caught up in His Victory. I find myself looking around and feeling convinced that Jesus is doing something new among us. That newness is the evidence of His Victory and it makes me (and I hope, you) more convinced and more ready to proclaim the Truth that never grows old: He is Risen. He is Risen, indeed.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Christ is Risen!

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:57:10 GMT

Christ is Risen!

This proclamation is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. In fact, the very phrase, “Christ is Risen,” became the common way in which Christians greeted one another during the Easter Season. We do not say simply, “Christ rose.” That is because Christ’s resurrection and its power is as new and transformative today as it was on that very first Easter. Yes, we believe that Christ rose on a particular day and hour, but He “is risen” still today. The resurrection is a permanent state.

Other past events lose something of their newness and personal impact with the passage of time. It takes effort to maintain the commemoration of other historical events. For example, there are often yearly commemorations of epic battles that changed the course of history. It is good to remember and honor those who fought such battles, but when those with living memory of those events die, the memory of the events also pass away. This is natural. It then takes a certain effort (a noble and good effort) to honor the memory of those events.

The resurrection, however, is not like that. It is an event that began on a particular day and time, but the memory of that event did not pass away with the last of the apostles or of those women who went to the tomb. We come to Mass today—and in fact, every Sunday—not merely to try and keep the memory alive. We come to Mass each Sunday—and especially on Easter Sunday—because we are living in the resurrection. Christ is alive here and now. Christ is risen and we are caught up in that new life. Christ’s resurrection changes everything. Through faith, we live in newness of life here and now. The announcement, “Christ is Risen” is as new and as relevant this morning as it was two thousand years ago. The explosion of new life that happened on that day is still happening.

That new life of grace—the life of the resurrection—begins in each one of us through baptism. It is the seed of immortality and a share in the new creation. In baptism, we become new creations and already begin to live in newness of life. The sacraments are the privileged instruments through which God communicates the new life that Christ has won for us. More and more, our life as Christians becomes a living proclamation that Christ is, in fact, Risen. More and more, Christ comes to live in us, transform us, and make us into new creations. A whole new way of life is now open to us. We aren’t merely reenacting something that happened two thousand years ago. No, we are living in that event here and now. That event of the resurrection is still happening.

Whether you are here with us every week or if you have not been with us in a while, I want you to know that we love you and that you are welcome here. More importantly, I want you to know the most important and life-changing news possible: Christ is Risen! This is truly good news. It is news that has been changing lives for two thousand years. It is not old news. It is the news that never gets old. I hope today that you are able to hear this proclamation and be truly and thoroughly transformed. It is good news precisely for you. Christ is Risen!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

As We Enter Holy Week

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:17:30 GMT

It is Sunday afternoon after a wonderfully long and exhausting week. There is nobody in the parish offices right now, the hall is empty, nothing going on in the church, and no meetings taking place. The crowd from the Mass and reception with the Archbishop has all gone home. The peace and quiet feels pretty amazing!

It was a beautiful day today. The Archbishop’s visit, the Mass, and the reception were all a real time of grace. What a real joy it was to all worship at Mass together and to enjoy such a fun reception. I know many of you spoke to me about how beautiful the Mass and the reception were. In your name and in my own name, I thank the people who are actually responsible for that.

The Choir and musicians, the servers, readers, ushers, and clergy all did a great job. I also thank those who worked so hard in providing such a wonderful reception. It was such a great time.

Holy Week–which we begin today–is always an exhausting time for those who work at a parish, but this year, I realize that we have been running on high gear long before Holy Week began. There has been so much happening that it is hard some days to remember what day it is and what comes next. The parish staff has been absolutely amazing. They are just so good. They really pour themselves out for all of you. I know you all know this, but they really go way above and beyond for the sake of this parish. They never stop. The many good things that we are able to do as a parish are possible because they are selfless. We are very blessed. They are the best.

Speaking of Holy Week . . . and so it begins. This week is the high point of the Liturgical Year. These are the most solemn days of our Catholic life. Please see the schedule of Masses and Services this week. Basically we should all do our very best to be here on Holy Thursday evening, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday. The Sacred Triduum is in a league all its own in terms of beauty. Don’t deprive yourself of it. Live it as completely as possible. You won’t regret it!

Last Sunday I mentioned at my Mass that when Jesus told them to take away the stone from the tomb, Martha tried to prevent it by quite practically mentioning that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days already (and it was hot) so, “There will be a stench.” That certainly was true. But, Jesus came precisely in order to enter into the stench of people’s lives.

I mentioned that perhaps someone at that Mass had something in their life that they have buried away, afraid to ever confess it because they were ashamed of the stench of that sin. But, burying it only increases the rot. In confession, we roll away the stone of the tomb and allow the Lord to call us into new life. Jesus wants us to roll away the stone so that we can be set free. His mercy is for everyone. Lazarus was dead for four days and the stench must have been overwhelming, but Jesus is unafraid. He only shows mercy. He forgives. He sets free.

After Mass, numerous people confided to me that they might be the person I was speaking to. Good! We are all tempted to bury our sins out of sight and seal them away in a tomb to rot. So, my reason for sharing this again is simply to say to anyone else who has “that thing” buried away that rots away at you, go to confession before Easter. Jesus is not afraid of the stench of our sins. Jesus loves you and wants you to be free. He only brings mercy. He only brings goodness. He only brings life.

I look forward to living these beautiful (and exhausting!) days with all of you.

Fraternally in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:34:36 GMT

On the front of our bulletin each week are the words: “Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ.” This past week I have seen so many instances of those words being brought to life in our parish. There has been something so wholesome about all that has taken place in these days. Many times this week I had the sense that the Lord is doing something beautiful among us.

Last Saturday morning our weekly Men’s Group was well-attended. During Lent the Men’s Group has been doing a study on the Seven Deadly Sins and the opposing Virtues.

We celebrated this week both the Feast of St. Joseph and the Feast of our patron, St. Patrick. Last Saturday evening over two hundred parishioners gathered for dinner, dancing, and singing. It was so beautiful to see parishioners in their eighties, only a few weeks old, and everything in between, all enjoying one another’s company. Many thanks to Fr. Harrington, our parish staff, and the incredible parishioners who put the whole thing together. It felt so wholesome.

On Monday, the second graders at St. Patrick School received their First Reconciliation. What a beautiful privilege it was to witness the devotion of those children.

On St. Patrick's Day I had the school Mass. I was so impressed by how knowledgeable the students were about St. Patrick! During my homily, at one point I asked, “What is the food that strengthens our friendship with Jesus?” A child said, “The Bread.” I said, “Well, it is correct but it’s more than just ordinary bread. What is it really?” Some pre-k four-year-old yelled out, “It’s the Body of the Lord!” Made my day. Also at that Mass, one of our third-graders received her First Holy Communion.

After that Mass, the whole school gathered for a celebration of St. Patrick where they put on a play about St. Patrick’s life, saying hymns to St. Patrick, offered prayers, and had a big parade. I was really moved when they were marching to the words, “For God and for St. Patrick!” Again, I was struck by how wholesome it all was.

After the Noon Mass on St. Patrick’s Day, we had Irish Bread and tea in the parish hall for all of those who were at Mass.

On March 19th, the Feast of St. Joseph, the Men’s Group hosted parishioners after the 6pm Mass and provided zeppole.

This Saturday Fr. Sijo had a morning of retreat to help people live Lent in a deeper way.

I have been very moved by the fidelity of so many of you to our two daily Masses during Lent and to the long confession lines! You’re an impressive lot!

And today, of course, we welcome Archbishop Richard Henning for the Noon Mass. In a very real sense, us gathered together around the Eucharistic Altar with our Archbishop is the fullest expression of those words, “Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ.” It is in the Eucharist that we encounter the One who is Beauty, Goodness, and Truth. It is the Eucharist that binds us together into a communion of friendship with Christ and His Church. It is such a great joy and gift to be together with our Archbishop today.

Repeatedly during these (and many other) events this week, I had that peaceful sense that, “This is just how things are supposed to be.” They were beautiful and wholesome moments. They are signs to me that Christ is here at work among us. Beauty, goodness, truth, and friendship in Christ are not merely words. They are a fact that is present and lived among us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

It’s important to say “Thank You”

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:23:17 GMT

I know that I use this column quite frequently simply to say, “Thank You,” but saying it is important. I am not going to list every person because I do not have the space, but generally speaking, I want to thank everybody who makes it possible for so many great things to be happening in this parish.

Just this month alone there are so many things happening. All of which require the generosity and effort of many people. Each thing that happens in our parish happens because of the generosity and dedication of many people. Eighty young people were confirmed last week, six people will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, four others will be received into the Church, and a total of eleven will be confirmed. Our second graders at our parish school and in our religious education program will make their first confessions this month. There is the St. Patrick’s Day Party, various bible studies, Fr. Sijo’s Lenten day of retreat, the Saturday morning Men’s Group, the Tuesday Evening Holy Hours, two Lenten reflection groups, Irish Bread and Tea after the Noon Mass on St. Patrick’s Day, and next week the visit of Archbishop Henning for our Sunday Noon Mass with a reception following. And during the month of March, there will be approximately forty hours worth of Confessions heard. And, let’s not forget all of the everyday stuff like those who visit the hospital, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and the homebound. There are those who dedicate themselves to prayer, those who offer their musical gifts to the parish, and those who assist us in various capacities for our Liturgical life, mentor our youth, and serve the poor. I’m sure there are others.

It is a lot. And all of that happens because so many people pour themselves out for the sake of everyone else. We can do a lot because we have parishioners and staff who are selfless. Thank you for that!

I hope that many of you will be able to join us next Sunday for Mass with the Archbishop and the reception afterwards. It would be great for you to meet the Archbishop and for him to meet all of you.

Please keep in your prayers those who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist–this Easter. I think it is so encouraging to have so many folks coming into the Church at our parish this year. So beautiful.

In a parish our size sometimes certain things can slip through the cracks. One thing that we cannot let slip through the cracks is our duty to safeguard the Most Blessed Sacrament. We have many persons who bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. In order to make certain that the Eucharist is being properly cared for, there will be a mandatory meeting on April 13th. If you are someone who brings communion to the sick and homebound, you must attend one of these two sessions. I have an obligation to make certain that the greatest care is given to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Thank you for your understanding.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the Catholic Appeal thus far. If you have not yet donated, please make a pledge and be sure to put St. Patrick Parish Stoneham as your parish on the pledge form. This is how the Archdiocese will know to credit it towards our parish goal. Again, thank you!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

We Can Be Free

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:19:43 GMT

On Sunday March 22nd, Archbishop Henning will be coming to St. Patrick Parish to offer the Noon Mass and will join us for a reception afterwards. His office called several months ago and expressed the Archbishop’s desire to visit us and celebrate Mass with us. Archbishop Henning is our shepherd and he desires to know us and it would be good for us also to know him. Please make an effort to join us that day for the Noon Mass.

This weekend begins the Catholic Appeal. I will speak briefly at all of the Masses asking you to join me in supporting this important effort. The Catholic Appeal provides support for Archdiocesan ministries that provide invaluable support to all parishes throughout the Archdiocese. Every parish in the Archdiocese is required to meet its goal. I would be grateful if we could meet our goal quickly! Please make your pledge today. Before asking you to make your pledge, I have already made my donation. Please join me.

For the next several Sundays the Gospel passages we hear will come from the Gospel of St. John. They are lengthy passages that are extraordinarily beautiful and deeply moving. These scenes from our Lord’s life really help us to encounter the Lord in a more profound way. If we take the time to pray with these passages during the week, we cannot help but be drawn more closely with the Lord.

We will not simply hear these accounts read to us. We enter into these encounters. This week we are there when Jesus encounters the woman at the well. Next week we enter into the encounter of Jesus with the man who was born blind. The week after that, we stand with Martha and Mary and all the others who were there when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Although each one of these Gospel accounts is filled with innumerable points of meditation, today I want to mention just a single theme that runs through all of them.

In each of these encounters the person encountering Christ seems to be in an impossible situation. The obstacle to happiness seems insurmountable. The woman at the well was immersed in a life of sin and infidelity. Her shame was great. She was an outcast and seems to have thrown herself ever more deeply into sin. The man born blind suffered not only from his physical impairment, but also from the judgement of others who presumed his affliction was a punishment from God. And Lazarus, well, he confronted the greatest obstacle of all, death itself.

Into each one of these situations, Christ entered in and set the person free; the woman at the well from sin and shame, the man born blind from his affliction, and Lazarus from death. This is who Christ is. He saves. He rescues. He has power to overcome what appear to be definitive obstacles to happiness.

I know that I speak and write often about the Sacrament of Confession. That is not to place a burden upon you. It is just the opposite. It is because in this great Sacrament, the Lord enters into what seems an impossible situation and he sets us free. The same Jesus who entered into the lives of these suffering people in the Gospels, he is the same Jesus whom we encounter in the Sacraments.

We can be free. Freedom is not trying to ignore or suppress our past sins. If you have any conscience at all, these things will always resurface. Past sins tend to blackmail us. They whisper to us that we will always be the person that did “such and such.” Present sins paralyze us and blind us to the love of God. Since they are freshly committed, we are tempted to wait until “some future time” to confess them so that we can feel better when we say, “Well, that was not recently.” (The problem is that when the future comes, we are still ashamed and, in the meantime, we only grow worse.) These obstacles stand in the way of moving forward in our life.

Does Jesus want this for us? Absolutely not! Just as he entered the lives of those three individuals and set them free, so Jesus–our Good Jesus–seeks to enter our lives and set us free. The whisper that your past sins are a permanent disqualification from a life of grace is a lie. The whisper that your sins are an insurmountable obstacle that defines your worth is a lie. All lies.

In the confessional, we encounter the gentle Jesus. In the confessional, we encounter the Jesus who overcomes the shame, the blindness, and the death that sin always brings. In the confessional, we encounter the Christ who lifts up, who gives sight, and who restores life. No sin has more power than Christ.

In this Season of Lent, I encourage all of us to have recourse to this great Sacrament. Jesus loves you and desires that every obstacle in your life be removed by Him so that you can be free. He is Lord. He can do it.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Why I Am Grateful

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:03:16 GMT

I think we will run a betting pool to see what date the last mounds of snow around the church will melt. I’m thinking the prime spots will be around the Fourth of July. Speaking of the snow, I want to acknowledge and thank our dedicated maintenance team for the long hours and hard work they’ve put in this winter. Even as the blizzard was in full force, they were suited up for battle and getting our property cleared of snow. I am very grateful for their amazing work.

This past week, as I was preparing for our Finance Council meeting, I was thinking about how grateful I am to be your parish priest. You all make it easy and a joy to serve here. It can sometimes be a drain for priests when they offer things for their parishioners and receive little or no response. It can be disheartening. You, however, are always responsive. When various opportunities for formation–holy hours, bible studies, men’s group, book studies etc.–are offered, you show up. I often bring a book with me for when I am hearing confessions, but I never get to read it. We offer confessions and so many people take advantage of it! We ask for food for the poor and you bring it. We mention that Catholic patients in the hospital are in need of the Eucharist, and you respond.

In a similar vein, I am grateful that you possess a strong sense of fiscal responsibility for the parish. Over the past few years, each year the weekly offertory collection has increased. Unfortunately, that is not the case in every parish. For a long time, Catholics felt like all they needed to do was “throw a buck” in the collection. That general attitude has persisted in many parishes. People often think of the weekly offertory as “giving what I happen to have in my pocket” on a particular Sunday. That lack of intentionality and lack of a sense of responsibility has destabilized many Catholic parishes.

There seems to be a never-ending list of necessary maintenance issues to be addressed on our buildings and properties. Those issues are immediately obvious to us. If the heat, the sound system, or the air conditioning isn’t working, we notice. When the roof leaks, we notice. Those are kind of the “body” of the parish. At the same time, we have to tend to the soul of the parish. These needs are not always quite as obvious, but they are even more urgent. They are about making it possible for as many people as possible to encounter Jesus Christ, especially in the Sacraments and in His Word. This happens through our life together as a parish family. Everybody needs Jesus Christ, whether they know it or not. Everything we do as a parish is ultimately aimed at helping people to come to know, love, and follow the Lord. That is why we have daily confessions, more daily Masses during Lent, and so many opportunities to gather together for formation and friendship.

This year, I was particularly moved by the vast crowds who filled our church on Ash Wednesday. I know people sometimes dismiss the once a year people as being insincere, I honestly am amazed by their presence. In a culture that has become so secular and de-Christianized, I think it is an amazing work of grace that so many people are still drawn to church on that day to be told they need to repent. Deep down, they know it is true. That, I think, is why they come.

One of my goals as pastor is to find ways to reach those kinds of people; people who are not often here, but who are open to the Gospel. Our attempt to build up our parish is not only for those who are already here. It is also so that those who are looking for something find it here.

I know that sometimes priests can feel as though the burden for all these things is entirely upon them. I am very grateful to all of you because I do not feel that way. I feel like all of us are working together–each in his or her own way–to build up our parish and help others to encounter Jesus Christ. This mission that is given to all of us–in different ways–by Jesus Christ becomes a joyful burden. This was a long-winded way of saying, “Thank you for making this a great place to be a priest.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Furrowing the Field

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:25:18 GMT

Welcome to Fr. Brian Flynn! This weekend Fr. Brian Flynn will celebrate the Ten and Noon Masses on Sunday. Fr. Flynn is the Episcopal Vicar for the North Region of the Archdiocese of Boston and is the pastor of St. Theresa Parish in North Reading. While Fr. Flynn is saying Masses here, I will be covering his Masses in North Reading this morning. Please join me in giving Fr. Flynn a very warm welcome.

The ashes that were placed upon our foreheads a few days ago have now disappeared, but the spirit of sincere repentance with which we received those ashes ought to be carefully cultivated. To repent means to turn away from sin and to turn more decisively toward God. All the things we “do” for Lent are not a mere self-improvement project. Instead, they are like a farmer preparing the land for sowing. In a sense, when the land is ploughed and furrowed, it is like a certain form of violence to the earth. Things are upturned and unsettled. Why does the farmer go through this effort? If it were simply to tear up the ground, it would be a waste of energy.

No, the farmer goes through this process in order to prepare the land. He prepares the land to receive the seed and then to bear fruit. During Lent, we do a certain violence to ourselves. We inconvenience ourselves, deny ourselves, interrupt our routines, and carve a place in our souls in order to be prepared to receive. Fasting, for example, is like furrowing the landscape of our soul so that the emptiness created can be filled. This hunger creates a place within us for us to receive the Word and for that Word to grow within us and bear fruit.

The disciplines of Lent–fasting, prayer, and almsigiving–are not really ends in themselves. Their purpose is not just to tear up the ground. Their purpose is so that something beautiful and life-giving can grow within us. We, of course, tend to want to avoid this “furrowing!” But, if we do not allow ourselves to be furrowed, how will anything be planted within us?

In a sense, the Sacrament of Confession does something similar. For all of us, below the surface, are the sins that we would rather just cover over, pretending that they are not there. There is a real hesitance to go digging around, turning up the earth of our soul, and exposing what lies beneath. When, however, we allow this earth to be upturned in the confessional, it makes space in our souls for the life of grace to take root, to grow, and to flourish within us, bearing rich spiritual fruit.

We may be tempted to look over the vast span of our life and see how much land needs to be plowed and furrowed. That might cause us to become discouraged and to give up. This happens to many during Lent. We set out with good intentions, but the sheer size of the project and the hardness of the soil wears us out. We give up. Some do not even begin. Others harden their hearts at the mere suggestion that they need to repent. Others go through the motions, but without ever scratching the surface.

As we look at the field of our soul this year, let’s not become paralyzed by how much work needs to be done. Instead, let’s decide to furrow one tiny portion of the field. Take on some small portion of the field and be faithful to that work. Some form of fasting, some form of prayer, some form of almsgiving done with the intention of creating space in our heart for God to plant his grace. In place of our pride, perhaps God will plant humility. In place of our anger, God will plant meekness. In place of our lust, God will plant the seed of a chaste life. In place of our greed, God will plant generosity. In place of our spiritual laziness, God will plant a spirit of zeal, piety, and prayerfulness. Who knows what God will plant? Whatever it is, it will be life-giving and fruitful.

Let us encourage one another! We are in this great work together. Look around and see that you are not alone! Everyone has a field in need of tending! We begin this season of ploughing and furrowing together. Each of us has soil to be upturned, rocks to be removed, space that needs to be opened for grace. Do not be discouraged or overwhelmed! Pick one tiny spot in the field of your soul and begin there today. Tomorrow, we plough again. And then the next day. And on Easter, we will see what beautiful things have risen from the land.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Are You Ready?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:15:17 GMT

And just like that, Lent begins this Wednesday! Are you ready? Do you have a plan? Do you have a realistic plan? Is this plan actually going to help you grow in holiness and in your relationship with the Lord?

The three traditional practices during Lent are Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving.

Fasting: Pick something that is doable, but challenging. Fasting can take many forms. We should opt for something that we might actually fulfill. That, of course, depends upon each individual. Some might be able to eat just one meal a day. Others might be able simply to give up snacking between meals. Some might opt to give up some particular food that is a regular part of their diet. I remember when I was at BU, one of the kids gave up drinking anything but water for all of Lent. (That was pretty impressive to me!) Another kid gave up sitting on furniture (except when he was in class)! We can fast from TV, from earbuds, from alcohol, from coffee, from scrolling on our phones etc. etc. I think it’s a good idea, however, to always have some experience of physical hunger during Lent. That growling stomach can remind us that our deepest hunger is for God. Again, don’t pick all of the things I just mentioned, but perhaps pick one or two. It can even be like, “I won’t scroll on my phone until after I’ve prayed in the morning for ten minutes and won’t scroll after 9:00 pm.” Again, make it doable, but challenging.

Prayer: There are so many ways to deepen our prayer life during Lent. We could combine, for example, our fasting with prayer. An example of this might be fasting from sleep. No, not no sleep, but deciding to wake up fifteen minutes earlier every day and spending those first fifteen minutes of the day with the Lord.

The parish wants to help us all in our prayer life. Like last year, we will add an additional daily Mass during Lent. Almost every day during Lent, there will be a Noon Mass and a 6:00 pm Mass. Last year, numerous people told me that after they attended daily Mass during Lent, they began going all year long to daily Mass. I can think of no better way to grow in the spiritual life during Lent than by attending Mass more frequently. Try to go every day. Maybe that is not possible. If so, commit to going two extra times a week. You’ll never regret it.

Adoration: The church is open most of the day, every day. Decide to pay a visit to the Lord every day during Lent. Pop into church and spend some time with Him.

Bible Study: On Thursday evenings, after the 6:00 pm daily Mass, Fr. Sijo leads a bible study. Perhaps Lent can be an opportunity for you to come to know the Lord more intimately through the study of the Word.

On Friday evenings after the 6:00 pm Mass there are Stations of the Cross. The Stations are a beautiful Catholic custom of deepening our friendship with the Lord by meditating on his Passion.

Rosary: Decide to pray the Rosary every day. Maybe you can’t commit to the whole thing. Then, decide to pray one decade a day.

Confession: Our parish has abundant opportunities for you to frequent the Sacrament of Penance. Take advantage of it!

Almsgiving: Lent is a time to exercise generosity. When was the last time you upped the amount of money you give to the weekly collection? Did you give yet to the parish’s Grand Annual Collection? What are you planning to give to the Archdiocese’s Catholic Appeal? Giving up chocolate is fine, but we do it knowing that in forty days that chocolate is ours again. Giving from our money cuts closer to the bone, doesn’t it? When we give money, we do so knowing that what we give is gone. A good question to ask before Lent begins is what percentage of your income do you give to the Church? Do you consider that to be generous? (And yes, I am asking myself that same question.)

In any event, lots to think about before Wednesday! My piece of advice is decide before Wednesday! Don’t put it off. Be ready to begin on Ash Wednesday! Other advice: Don’t make your penance everyone else’s penance. If giving up coffee is going to make you mean to your family, give up something else. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Pick something doable. If you fail once, twice, or seventy times, don’t use it as an excuse to quit. Get up and begin again.

All of these are just suggestions. I’m sure you can go online and find many other options.

Lastly, I was afforded the opportunity to write a small book of reflections on the Way of the Cross, published by “Magnificat”. We are making the book available to all of you this weekend. I hope that these reflections are beneficial to your own spiritual life. It is my hope that in praying them, you might become more certain of the Lord’s love for you and may, in turn, grow in your love of Him. We have limited copies, so please only take one for yourself. They can also be purchased on the Magnificat website.

I look forward to living this Lent with all of you. Can we please all pray for one another during Lent?

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Nitty-Gritty of Life

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:03:41 GMT

Firstly, just some practical, nitty-gritty aspects of our life together.

The sound system has been well-received. There are still a few things to be worked out, so please be patient.

Unless your vehicle is bright red with flashing red lights on top, please do not park in the Fire Lanes around the church.

The sidewalk in front of the church is also a public walkway, so please do not park on the sidewalk.

We have spent a lot of money in recent months: The front steps, the sound system, the HVAC system, ice dams on the roof of the church and parish hall causing damage etc. If you aren’t already, please be a consistent and generous contributor to our parish finances. It’s great if your parents and grandparents are generous to the parish, but if you’re in the workforce, join in the fun of supporting your parish.

There are some folks who use the foyer during Mass because they have some particular need to do so. For some it is a medical reason. Others might bring their small child there if the child is being restless. All good. But, please do not use the Foyer during Mass as a place to carry on conversations or scroll on your phone. Last week during Mass, a full-blown conversation was taking place back there during one of the Masses which I could hear all the way down at the altar! When we come to Mass, the goal isn’t simply to get Holy Communion. The goal is to worship God with as much love and attention as we possibly can. Thanks.

Now on to something less nitty-gritty, but I think it applies to many of you.

I just wanted to give a word of encouragement to the many of you who are dealing with a lot in life. In a particular way, I am thinking of those of you who come to Mass each week who are caring for a spouse, a parent, a child, or a loved one and who feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Some of you are caring for a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer's and are exhausted. Others perhaps have a child who is going through a lot. That child might be three or thirty. That weighs upon you. Some are perhaps going through some personal struggle or battle in their life.

Whatever it is, please know that others are praying for you. Sometimes I use those silent pauses during Mass to pray for people in those situations. In any event, I hope that St. Patrick Parish is for you a bit of an oasis in your life, a place where–in the midst of your trials–you find some refreshment. I hope you know that you are not alone.

With that, I am taking the week off. Just my luck that Florida is experiencing a cold spell right now. I keep telling myself, however, that 60 is better than -6.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Loving God is a Beautiful Thing

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:39:20 GMT

Chances are, if you asked most people to recite the Ten Commandments, they would struggle to do so. I’m willing to bet that, if asked to name them, most would probably begin with, “Uhm . . . thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery” . . . and then would maybe get one or two more. (I bet some of you reading this are testing yourselves right now!)

I wonder how many would remember the Third Commandment: “Keep Holy the Sabbath?” It’s quite amazing that in this very brief list of serious commandments, even before we get to murder and adultery, is the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath. That fact should alert us all to the seriousness with which God takes that command. God provided Moses with ten commandments and among these, he chose to include the command to keep holy the Sabbath.

For two thousand years, Christians have celebrated our Sabbath on the Lord’s Day, Sunday. Since the earliest days of Christianity, Christians gathered together to celebrate the Mass. Many–during persecutions–risked or gave up their lives in order to be present at Mass. Believers feel deeply the responsibility and the joy of keeping the Lord’s Day. In fact, it is a grave obligation for every Catholic to participate in the Mass each Sunday.

There are occasions when one is excused from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass. Illness, danger due to weather, attending to the care of someone who is sick, mothers attending to a newborn, and similar situations are examples. Golf, lacrosse practice, or a dance recital are not. There is no commandment that says to keep holy dance class or lacrosse practice.

I mention all of this mostly because last weekend I felt such enormous gratitude for all of you. There was a big storm coming. We were bombarded with reports of the impending storm all week. What could have happened? Well, you could have allowed that atmosphere of chaos to affect your judgment and draw you away from fulfilling the Lord’s commandment. But, what actually happened?

So many of you rearranged your schedules in order to come to an earlier Mass. You prioritized Mass over everything else. You truly kept the Lord’s Day holy. I thought perhaps confessions last Saturday would be low because everyone was distracted by the impending storm. Instead, they were full as usual. You gave God your best.

God not only gives us commandments. He also gives us the grace necessary to live those commandments. So, last week, God gave you all some great graces. Did you squander them? Did you reject them? Did you turn your back on them? Nope. You accepted those graces and you did something so pleasing to the Lord. You came and worshipped Him at Mass. In doing so, you also provided a solid example to others (including me). Seeing all of you faithfully keeping the Lord’s Day last week was a real sign to me that God’s grace is at work in you.

Many of you probably think, “Of course I went to Mass. I would never miss it.” Others might be thinking, “I thought about not going, but I still went.” In doing so, you all loved God. What a beautiful thing. Thank you for your beautiful witness of faith and for your love for God. When we love God, He pours out even more blessings upon us. So, by loving God last week, you not only won great graces for yourself, but you also undoubtedly won great graces for the whole parish.

Your love for God is truly beautiful and I am grateful to witness it.

Your Brother in Christ,
Fr. David Barnes

Belonging to a Community Takes Effort

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:54:52 GMT

I often say that I grew up at the very end of a particular era. We lived right around the corner from the parish church, the rectory that housed five priests, the convent filled with nuns, and the school that my brothers and I attended. When it snowed, we would help shovel out the parish. During the blizzard of ‘78, my mother sent my older brothers with their sleds to help the sisters bring back the bundles from the supermarket.

We were altar boys, sang in the choir, and when we were older, were in the CYO. Our whole life revolved around the parish. Our friends were from the parish. Our parents’ friends were from the parish. It really was our whole life. When we went out to play, it was with friends from the parish. When we got into fights, it was with kids from the parish. When we got in trouble, it was someone from the parish who caught us.

I am always grateful for that experience. It was a real sense of community. We were bound together. Back then, maybe because we were just kids or maybe because life was different then, it didn’t seem to take much effort for us all to be bound together in community. It was just the way it was. If you lived in North Quincy, you belonged to Sacred Heart. That’s just how it was.

Today, belonging to a community takes a lot more effort. In a mobile and digital society, real belonging takes commitment. Social media attempts to provide people with a feeling of belonging, but somehow makes them feel more isolated. It creates a facade of community, but lacks the give and take of real life.

In a digital world, it is easy to escape from reality and to escape from true belonging. We might think that this is true only of young people, but it is not limited to them. How many people have disappeared from real community life? They are glued to screens; gambling away their money, scrolling through photos, buying useless products that they neither need nor will actually use, addicted to pornography, obsessed by news and tragedies, in a constant state of anger. So many people have been sucked out of reality and into an empty world. Extracting themselves from this abyss of emptiness feels impossible to them. The worst part of it is that so many Catholics have disappeared into this emptiness and have given up the very Bread of Life. It is terribly sad to see people–especially towards the end of their lives–let go of Christ and disappear into nothingness. They are lulled into a spiritual coma where they think they can live without the Eucharist, without confession, without God. They might not say it, but that is how they are living.

Nobody wakes up old and decides to live this way. It happens gradually. They stop praying daily. They don’t go to confession for long periods of time. They withdraw from the Sunday Mass. And step by step, they disappear from life.

All of us have an opportunity to rescue people from this prelude to hell. We do that by committing ourselves to the life of our parish community here and now. In doing so, we provide young people the opportunity to experience what a true, life-giving community is. I know parents have a lot on their plates, but I just want to encourage parents in modeling the Faith to their children. Their eternity is being worked out here and now. They need you to raise them in the Faith. Don’t let them down.

As far as parishioners who are homebound, I urge family members and friends to keep these folks from disappearing. No one should presume that someone who is homebound is no longer in need of spiritual nourishment, growth, and the Sacraments. It is just the opposite. These people are entering into the last years of their lives and NEED spiritual care. I am touched by the devotion shown by many of our parishioners who reach out to the homebound and make certain that they receive sacramental ministry. Their faith in the sacraments is really edifying.

If you disappear from social media, nobody really notices. And, truth to be told, it makes no real difference. If someone disappears from the Church–by effectively living as though God no longer matters–it is a tragedy of the highest order. If you are at Mass each week, but feel yourself getting sucked into the abyss, do something about it. Become more involved in the life of the parish. If you are homebound and living your whole life on social media, television, and home shopping networks, reach out to us. We will do our best to provide some regular spiritual care and the sacraments.

All of us clinging together to Jesus, to the Eucharist, to the Mass, and to our life together–this is how we are saved from that terrible abyss of nothingness that seems intent on swallowing us up. Together in Christ, we live REAL life. Together in Christ, we live eternal life.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

We Should Encourage One Another

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:05 GMT

I do not know if it was New Year’s resolutions or what, but the Masses last weekend were happily crowded! If you happen to be someone who is just getting back into the swing of things, welcome home! I remember when I belonged to a gym (and actually went!), the very beginning of January would be a mob scene, but would quickly return to normal within a week. If you’re trying to make Mass a part of your life again, be faithful to it for two months. That’s a good amount of time to form a good habit. Then, it gets easier. Remember also that the urge you had to return to Mass is itself a grace from God, so you are not doing this alone. He is giving you His help.

I mentioned last week at the Noon Mass how encouraged I am by seeing you all at Mass. St. Paul tells us that we should encourage one another and build each other up. When I look out from the altar and see all of you praying together, helping one another, and living lives of faith, I really am so encouraged. Your presence makes me want to be a holier man, a better priest, and a more faithful disciple of the Lord. In each of your hearts there is a remarkable drama taking place. The Lord Jesus is calling you, drawing you out into the deep life of faith, and immersing you more fully into His Saving Passion, Death, and Resurrection. When I look out and see you, that is what I see, and it fills my heart with a deep affection for you.

This Drama of Salvation sometimes gets forgotten by us. We get distracted. We focus on “what needs to get done,” but we forget that all of the other things in life—our families, our work, our obligations, our hobbies, our politics etc.—are all taking place within something much greater, the Drama of our being disciples of Jesus Christ. Every so often, I realize that this can be true even of parish life. In a big parish like ours, it is true that things have to get done. Sometimes, however, we go through the motions, doing the work, doing the same things etc., but forgetting the “why.” A lot of time and energy in parish life can be spent “doing things” because "we have always done them like this," but we forget that the reason we should do anything at all as a parish is in order to form lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus called his first disciples, he spent time with them. They lived a friendship together. It was through this small, intimate friendship that he taught them and formed them. This method is still the method. I see the fruits of this method in the life of our parish.

The other evening some members of the young couples and family group had a small potluck supper. It wasn’t huge, but it was beautiful. In the simplicity of that meal together, Christ was forming them and meeting them. I won’t list them all out, but there are various small groups—both official and unofficial—of which many of you are a part. Through these small friendships and companionships, Christ is forming you into his disciples. Do I love a crowded Sunday Mass? Absolutely! When I see the crowds, however, I also see how important and formative small groups are in the parish. In these intentional communities people become more attracted to Christ and the desire to remain with Him deepens within them. In these small friendships we learn from one another how to follow Christ.

My hope in writing all of this today is simply to put in front of all of us the reason we exist as a parish. It is to form lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. It might seem like that is totally obvious, but it feels like we somehow lose sight of it at times. I want to commit myself to making every aspect of our life as a parish centered on that mission. I’d be happy if you would join me in that.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Beginning This New Year Together

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:35:27 GMT

During one of the two wedding Masses I had on New Year’s Eve, I happened to glance over at the couple and saw them singing the responsorial psalm together, “May God bless us in his mercy.” For me, it was touching to see this couple–this new family– beginning a new life together, kneeling before the manger, and asking God to “bless us in his mercy.”

The next day I felt so deeply moved by our being all together on New Years Day at the Noon Mass. Often on Holy Days, we offer multiple Masses so that those who work can find a convenient Mass. On New Years, almost everybody can make it to the Noon (and if not, there are plenty of options in neighboring parishes). What I like about that New Year’s Mass is being all together as one family, beginning a new year together. Communion seemed to go on forever! There is also something very beautiful about being in a full church and worshiping God together. We–a parish family–were all together and praying, “May God bless us in his mercy.”

On Epiphany at the Ten, we blessed chalk and provided prayers for everyone to go home and bless their door for the New Year. (I think next year, we will bless chalk at all the Masses). After the Ten–thanks to the goodness of volunteers–we had coffee and doughnuts and it was great to see parishioners spending time with one another. Being together is important.

During this season, the priests at the rectory have hosted dinners for the priests in our area and for some of our priest friends. It is good and necessary for priests to spend time together and grow in our priestly fraternity and in holiness. We also hosted dinner for our high school youth ministry team. In all of those instances, it was good to be together, to deepen our friendship, and to grow in faith together. It is good to be together.

I really love Christmastime, but the calendar is telling me that just 4 ½ weeks from today, we begin Lent! If I ever become Pope, I’m going to lengthen Advent and shorten Lent! Until then, however, Lent is coming! (When I was chaplain at the Boston University Catholic Center, I apparently said, “Lent is coming,” so often that the kids would post various memes of me saying that.) Even though we are just ending Christmas, we are preparing for Lent as a parish. Like we did last year, we will add an evening Mass Monday thru Friday at 6:00pm during Lent. I am also happy to report that Archbishop Henning is scheduled to visit us on Sunday March 22nd and to offer the Noon Mass that day!

Speaking of planning (way) ahead, Fr. Bobby LeBlanc and I will be leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from April 5-15, 2027. So that is over a year away, but wanted to give you a heads up. I visited the Holy Land once before and it was an absolutely amazing experience. I hope that some of you might join us! Many times over these past few weeks, I felt like my heart was going to burst because of how much the Lord has blessed us in bringing us together, keeping us together, and drawing others into this life that we share together. Your faith, your love, your generosity, and your goodness are all signs to me of God’s mercy and love. As we begin this new year together, we do so with simplicity and with humility. May God bless us in his mercy.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Happy Epiphany!

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:04:22 GMT

Happy Epiphany!

Unlike the commercialized world that spends zero time preparing for Christmas and instead begins playing “holiday” music incessantly from November on, but then rushes to be done with Christmas by December 26th, the Church has spent four beautiful weeks preparing for the Lord’s Birth. The Liturgy–through its Advent readings, prayers, and hymns–opened our hearts to recognize our deep longing for God, our need for salvation. The need to prepare is so vital to the spiritual life. How did we begin preparing for Christmas? It was with the lighting of one solitary candle on the First Sunday of Advent. Gradually, one candle at a time, the darkness yielded to the light that is coming into the world.

Like a couple awaiting the birth of any child, the time of preparation–the time of waiting and anticipation–is itself part of the joy. And now that the great event has taken place, the Church does not rush to be done with it. She needs time to stand before the Mystery and contemplate the great thing that has taken place. It is too awesome a Mystery to limit to a few hours. Instead, the Church invites us to ponder with Mary all that has taken place.

There are so many beautiful things from today’s Feast that could help us enter into the Mystery of Christmas with greater fruitfulness. Without saying much about any of them, I just want to propose a few aspects of today’s Feast that might provide us with a more profound encounter with God.

The Magi were looking up when they discovered the star.

They were responsive to Revelation. They saw something and they followed. They sacrificed in order to follow the Truth. They lived their life as a journey toward Truth.

They worshipped Christ. They fell down in homage before him. They opened their treasures (their hearts to Him).

They found Him with Mary, His Mother.

They went home a different way. They were changed by the event. The Magi did not return to Herod. Sometimes in life, we have to have the freedom to go home a different way.

Our life together as a parish community can follow that same pattern. Together, we can look out from ourselves in humility to see what the Lord wants to show us. We are invited to respond to His Revelation and to follow where He leads us. We are called to follow in Faith even when it costs us; to be moved by joy. We are called to worship Christ, to fall down before Him in Love and in humility, and to open our hearts to Him. We discover Christ always with Mary, His Mother. And, we are changed by this encounter. We need not return to our former ways of living or our former habits. We can engage the world and our adversaries in a freer way because of our encounter with Christ. We do not need to be dragged into every battle. Sometimes, we can just go home a different way.

What the Lord did for the Magi in ages past, he does for us here and now in our Catholic life together. I am grateful to the Lord that somehow, each of us has been given some sign and has chosen to follow that sign to this place. And together, we discover Christ here in this place and, like the Magi, are overjoyed.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Grace can undo the "Vipers' Tangle"

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 15:52:46 GMT

Recently I woke up at what I thought was 5:30am. When it turned out that it was only 12:30am, and I knew that I definitely was not falling back to sleep, I spent the next four hours listening to an audio book entitled, “Vipers’ Tangle” by François Mauriac. Written in 1932, the book is almost entirely in the form of a letter penned by an angry and bitter man to his estranged wife. For almost all of their married life, there has been a simmering hatred that spills over into the lives of their children and grandchildren. Envies, greed, and resentments have poisoned the entire family.

As the letter progresses, it becomes clear that there is a battle occurring for the soul of the protagonist. Are hatreds and resentments set in stone? Is it possible to be changed? In many ways, he has lived his life fulfilling the expectations of the role assigned to him by everyone. He was considered to be a miserly and hateful man. Because everyone treated him in this way, the more he “dug in” to be that way. He also realizes that he too has done the same to others. He has observed some fault or weakness in that family member and reduced the person to that one trait or characteristic. He–and his family members–never give one another the benefit of the doubt. They ascribe nefarious intentions to every act of each other. Hatred, rivalry, suspicion, and antagonism become a way of life for all of them.

Although all of us know how a family ought to be, we also know that our families are made up of imperfect people who live through imperfect situations. One of the beautiful aspects of the “Vipers’ Tangle” is that the main character moves from the recognition that he is the way he is–in part–because of the ways that others have treated him, to realizing that others in his family are the way they are because of how he has treated them.

All of us can have a tendency to identify the fault or failure of another and then define the other by that fault or failure. None of us would particularly care to be identified by our worst moment in life. Yet, we are often all too willing to define others by their worst moment.

We are often all too easily willing to attribute nefarious motives to those with whom we have difficulty. There was a great line in the book that said (and I am liberally paraphrasing), “We attribute lofty intentions to people whose real motives are much baser.” In other words, when someone doesn’t wish you a happy birthday, it is more likely because they are absent-minded and forgetful rather than they have devised a sinister plot to make you feel awful on your birthday.

So many people feel locked into terrible family situations. They feel as though they are compelled to play a certain role. “I’m the rebellious one, so I have to live forever in rebellion.” “I’m the angry one, so I have to be angry.” “I’m the marshmallow, so I can never stand up for what is right.” “I am the failure, so I have to live up to being the failure.”

In “Vipers’ Tangle” grace begins imperceptibly to do its work. We begin to see that wherever the door is opened to Christ, something beautiful can happen.

Sin, brokenness, resentments, hardened hearts all dissolve before the beauty of the Christ Child. The tangle of vipers that can take up residence in the human heart and in so many familial situations has no power wherever the Christ Child is welcomed. The character in the book clung to money, resentments, and a prideful image of himself. It was only when he was willing to let go of these and cling to Christ that he was set free. Today, as we look into the manger, let us resolve to let go of all the bitterness, resentments, prides, lusts, envies, avarices, gluttonies, and rash judgments that we cling to and instead take the Christ Child into our arms. When we embrace Him, evil melts away.

(Apologies if you wind up hearing some of the above in a homily on Christmas or on Holy Family! I had to write this a couple of weeks ago and may decide to use it in a homily.)

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Very Merry Christmas to All

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:02:08 GMT

A Very Merry Christmas to you and to all those whom you love.

On Christmas night the church is filled with light, warmth, music, and faces. Some of those faces we see every Sunday, some we have not seen for a long time, and some we are seeing for the very first time. To all of you: Welcome Home. There is room here for all of you.

Christmas reminds us of the great truth that God does not wait for us to be perfect before he draws close to us. His Son is born in the cold and messiness of a stable. Is your life messy, chaotic, imperfect, cold, or confused? Do you feel forgotten or unworthy? Do you have regrets? Do you just not know how to re-establish a connection with the Lord or with the Church?

Wow, do I have good news for you! It is precisely into this kind of world that the Infant Jesus enters. God did not send His Son into a perfect world. He sent His Son into this messy world. That is how much He loves us.

If it has been a while since you’ve been to Mass, or if you feel life has been pulling you in a thousand different directions, please know that Christmas is for you and returning is easy!

In the new year, we’ll have many simple (and easy!) ways for you to reconnect, go deeper, or explore. Whether it is:

Sunday Mass (where there are always opportunities to meet others)
On Sunday, January 4th, a special 10:00 am Mass with coffee and donuts afterwards and a chance to meet others. (We will also bless chalk on that day for the children. Sounds strange, but it is an Epiphany custom to bless chalk and then use it to bless your home!).
Confessions: Scheduled many times during the week so that it is convenient.
Small Groups, Bible Studies, Young Adult Group, Young Couple and Families Group, Men’s Group.
A Church that is open most of the day and affords a quiet place to come and pray.
How about inviting a priest from the parish to come bless your home? I’d love to come!

For now, I hope the light, the warmth, the music, and the faces that surround you simply remind you how much the Holy Child who is born for us this day loves you. He loves you deeply and profoundly. He loves you no matter how messy life might be! Bask in that love today.

May the extraordinary peace and joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the coming year and may 2026 be the year you discover—or rediscover—how good it is to belong to Christ and His Church.

If you are reading this, please know that you are loved and that you are home.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Thank You to All Who Make This Parish Great

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:52:48 GMT

It must have been Christmas of 1979 or 1980 when I discovered under the tree a Millennium Falcon. It was amazing! I presumed that its tons of little parts and stickers had been assembled in the North Pole and had been delivered to me ready to go. I presumed that was the case for all of the gifts that appeared under the tree for my brothers and me each Christmas. I also presumed that, like my brothers and me, my parents had received a full night of sleep and that they would be delighted to be awakened at 4:45 am as we blared Christmas music and reveled in the bonanza of gifts that had magically appeared. While my parents were happy for us, perhaps they experienced in their own bodies the exhaustion that the elves up in the North Pole must feel after Christmas. For my brothers and me, all we knew was that a world of goodness had magically appeared in our parlor.

I’m still a lot like that kid in 1979. I show up for Mass and it seems the elves have come and set everything up. The facilities are always clean. Decorations go up and decorations come down. Plants get delivered to our homebound. Tons of toys and gifts are collected, sorted, and delivered to those who are in need at Christmas. Schedules are made, bills are paid, records are kept, the bulletin gets published, the website gets updated, the sick are visited, the poor are assisted, the youth are instructed, tons of confessions are heard, the phones are answered, mailings go out, the bereaved are attended to, parish events are organized and take place, altar servers get trained, youth groups meet, prayer groups and bible studies gather, those who are joining the Catholic Church receive formation, the pews get cleaned after every Mass, the pew hymnals are returned to their right places, the Mass intention list gets placed on the altar each week, funerals are booked and all of the details are attended to, servers set up and serve the funerals, music is planned and sung, the General Intercessions at Mass are typed out and prepared, the front steps of the church get repaired, and a host of other things happen . . . every single day, every single week.

If you’re like eight-year-old me, you might think it all happens by magic. You might forget that all of these things–and many, many more–are accomplished through the hard work of an extraordinarily dedicated staff and a host of volunteers. We all benefit and enjoy the fruits of their labor, but sometimes we might forget just how hard they work, how generous they are, and how much gratitude we owe them.

From time to time, I like to use this column to express–on behalf of all of us–gratitude to all of those who do so much for this parish. Often their work is either hidden behind the scenes or, we just become so accustomed to it happening that we forget that someone actually DOES it. They don’t do it for the thanks or for the credit. They do it out of love. Nonetheless, on behalf of myself and the whole parish, I want to say thank you to all of those who–through your hard work and generosity–make this parish so great.

I am grateful that I walk into this parish each day and experience childlike wonder and joy because charity always has a surprisingly beautiful newness about it. In 1979 I crept down the stairs to our parlor and was elated that magic had happened. Forty-six years later, I look at that same event with even deeper gratitude because I know it was not magic, but love. To all of those who fill this parish with love, thank you and a very Merry Christmas.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

What Are the Antiphons?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:44:30 GMT

You may notice in our pew missals that on every Sunday and feast day, in addition to the Responsorial Psalm, there are three antiphons–Entrance, Offertory, and Communion–listed. Eventually we will move toward using these antiphons more frequently in our Masses. They are almost always passages from Scripture and they help us to enter into the Liturgy in a deeper way. The antiphons help us to think and to pray with the Church. They are not randomly chosen, but rather give a profound cohesiveness to our prayer and meditation. The antiphons are a marvelous treasury of spiritual nourishment and I encourage you each week to look them over as a way of entering into the Sacred Mysteries.

A good example of this would be today’s Entrance Antiphon. The Third Sunday of Advent, which we celebrate today, is often referred to as, “Gaudete Sunday.” It is called that because the first word of today’s Entrance Antiphon is “Rejoice” (in Latin, “Gaudete”). It is taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, is, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”

This antiphon is a key for unlocking the mysteries of today’s Liturgy. It also binds us all together. It binds us not only to one another here at St. Patrick Parish, but it binds us together with the whole Church throughout the ages. It binds us to all of salvation history, to the patriarchs, prophets, to all who longed for Christ, to the apostles, the saints, and to Christians in every time and place.

One of the things that draws me to these antiphons is that they are for everyone. The antiphons are not chosen based upon how we feel or what we want to hear. They are given. Sometimes in life, we read things or listen to things depending upon our mood, right? In the Liturgy, it works the other way. The Liturgy indicates to us what our disposition should be. So, whether we arrived at Mass today in the mood for rejoicing or whether we arrived here feeling far from rejoicing, it does not matter. The antiphon is the same for all of us. It instructs us that all of us should rejoice.

Does that mean that the Liturgy is telling us that by our sheer force of will we should rejoice despite how we might feel? No. The antiphon tells us precisely why we should rejoice. We should rejoice because the Lord is near. We should always rejoice. We should rejoice when things are all going well and we should rejoice when things are falling apart. Why? Because the Lord is near. We rejoice not because of our circumstances, but because the Lord is near to us. True rejoicing is always because of the nearness of the Lord.

Does that mean that the Church’s liturgy is insensitive to people’s circumstances, sufferings, and pain? No! It’s the exact opposite. The Liturgy is saying, “You who are weighed down by many burdens, you can still rejoice because the Lord is near to you. He loves you. He is close to you. Circumstances and situations might be awful right now, but there is good news for you. The Lord is near to you.” This antiphon comes to us, in fact, during the darkest days of the year.

It’s as though the Liturgy is reminding us that whatever darkness is present in our life, we can still rejoice because the Lord is close at hand. I want to say to anyone who reads these words today, but especially to those who are heavily burdened; to those who are suffering from illness, those weighed down by grief, depression, addiction, anxiety, marital problems, family problems; to those weighed down by the memory of past sins or the struggle with present sins; to those who feel alone; to those who feel as though they are a burden to others; to those who feel as though they are a disappointment or that their life has not turned out how they thought; to those who feel weak in faith and who are on the brink of despair; and especially to those who feel unloved: To all of you: Today is for you. Today you are free to rejoice because the Lord is near to you. He is always near to you.

Are you still thinking that your situation precludes you from rejoicing? The Liturgy today is prepared for such a reaction. The Communion Antiphon is taken from the Lord’s words to the Prophet Isaiah: “Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear. Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.” God is speaking to you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

John the Baptist is Calling Us

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:32:47 GMT

A central, albeit mysterious, figure who appears especially during Advent is St. John the Baptist. He is the one who prepares the way for the Messiah. If John’s message were to be distilled into a single word, it would likely be, “Repent!”

There is something in us that recoils from this call to “repent.” Perhaps our reluctance to respond positively to this term arises from the experience of seeing some angry person on a street corner shouting, “Repent!” Often enough, people who call us to repentance seem less interested in our well-being than they do in promoting their own sense of self-righteousness. While telling us to repent, they seem to separate themselves from the rest of us. It can feel as though they are suggesting that they themselves have no need of repentance. They convey a sense that they are fully prepared already and they are warning the rest of us. (But, even though they are warning us, you get the sense that they would much rather leave us in our unprepared state. They like giving warnings more than they actually want to help us.)

John the Baptist appears as a sign. I think it is interesting that he appears in the desert. He is not on a street corner or in the main square. He is in the desert. He is where there is emptiness, dryness, and silence. He practices an ascetic life, wearing camel hair clothing and eating locusts. Unusual? Yes, but his witness attracts people. They come to see him. The people go out to the desert to see John and to hear him. Seeing his witness and hearing his message, what do they do? They acknowledge their sins and are baptized. They repent.

John’s figure is so interesting to me. Clearly, his appearance must have been somewhat startling. Startling too was his message. Yet, people were drawn to him. They came to him and were moved to do something that is so difficult for us human beings. They admitted their faults. They admitted that they needed to change. They admitted they were wrong. They acknowledged their sins. This humble acknowledgement of sins and the desire to turn away from them is what prepares us to welcome the Lord.

One of the greatest privileges of being a priest is to witness people repent of their sins. It is such an extraordinary thing to hear someone acknowledge that they, in fact, have sinned. I cannot tell you how moving it is to sit on the other side of the screen and listen to a person say things like, “I have been so arrogant. I have been so selfish. I have had such a hardened heart. I have been filled with hatred. I have committed lustful acts, been deceptive, or spiritually lazy.” When I hear those (and many other things), all I can think is, “Blessed Be God!” What an amazing work of grace must be happening in this person’s heart to make them able to do this courageous thing!

Similarly, it is absolutely extraordinary to hear someone come to confess something that they have been carrying around for years, maybe even decades. As time goes on, they feel paralyzed from ever bringing this matter to confession. They think too much time has passed. Somehow, however, by God’s grace, they bring this matter to the confessional, and what happens? Does the roof of the church collapse? Does the priest die of shock? No, the Church rejoices and provides this brave and repentant soul with the medicine of mercy.

John the Baptist is indeed a central figure of Advent. His appearance and his message are a bit startling. His appearance and his message are different. They do not seek center stage. He is not a social media influencer, a wielder of political power, or a TV personality. He appears outside the limelight, in the quiet of the desert. Somehow, people recognized that there was something true about his message. He was saying something that–even though difficult to hear–was necessary for their life. His call to repentance was authentic. The people went to him and acknowledged their sins. They prepared the way of the Lord.

Dear Friends, this Advent, John the Baptist is once again appearing and calling to us from the solitude of the desert. His message is as true today as it was two thousand years ago. He does not only call us to repent, but he wants us to know that repentance is indeed possible. He is calling us to risk leaving the busy cities of our lives; the places that seem to offer us flashy solutions to our weary hearts. He is calling us to the place of repentance, to the quiet of the confessional where we can humbly acknowledge our sins, receive mercy, and to prepare a place for the Lord.

In the next few weeks, there are innumerable opportunities to go to confession–here and elsewhere–and to experience that incredible joy that comes from repentance. Be courageous! And remember what the Gospel says today. All the people were going out to John and acknowledging their sins. You might think you’re the biggest and worst sinner in the whole world. If you do think that, “Blessed Be God!” That’s a sign of true sorrow and repentance. The rest of us who are standing in line with you, we are thinking the same thing about ourselves. And when we leave the confessional, we are no longer thinking of ourselves. We are thinking about the Lord and how kind and merciful He is.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

What Advent Is To Us

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:30:13 GMT

Each First Sunday of Advent, the Church begins a new liturgical year. At the same time that the new liturgical year begins, the cycle of readings also changes. The Church has three sets of Sunday readings. They are known as Year A, Year B, and Year C. We have just concluded Year C which draws primarily from the Gospel of Luke on Sundays. Year B draws most of its Sunday gospels from Mark, and the Sunday gospels for Year A, which we now begin, are most often from Matthew. St. John’s Gospel is interspersed throughout all three years.

When I was a boy, it felt like my Mother was dragging us around Filene’s Basement and Jordan’s in Downtown Crossing all the time. We were always taking the Red Line into Town. This time of year in Downtown Boston was always magical to me as a child. The Salvation Army bell ringers seemed to be on every corner accompanied by their brass bands playing carols. Once a week or so, there would be one of the animated Christmas specials on television. You had one chance to see it all year and everyone in the school yard was talking about it for days before and on the day after. There was an amazing sense of anticipation. At school, we would light the Advent Wreath every day. (I don’t think any fire chief would have dared challenged the Sisters about that)! In the days before Christmas, we all went to Confession. At home, we had the Advent Calendar where every day we could open one window. The Nativity Scene that my Mom made in Ceramics Class would be set up, but no Baby Jesus until Christmas. Gradually, wrapped gifts would appear under the tree and we would beg our parents–to no avail–to open just one present early.

Anticipation and waiting was on one level tortuous, but it was also amazing! Learning to anticipate, to long, to wait, and to live with expectation prepares us to experience true joy when what we long for is fulfilled. The heart needs to prepare itself to receive. And waiting is part of the preparation. When we wait with expectation, we experience greater joy when the object of our expectation arrives.

As a child, I wanted my parents to short-circuit the “waiting” and let me open a present “NOW!” In a similar way, the culture attempts to short-circuit the waiting by celebrating Christmas weeks before Christmas. Instead of awaiting with anticipation the coming of something great, the culture tries to force things and manufacture joy. The Church–loving and wise mother that she is–teachers her children the valuable gift of waiting.

This is what Advent is for us. The Church, by providing to us a season of waiting, helps us to experience true joy at Christmas. It is, as the Christmas hymn reminds us, a time for “every heart to prepare Him room.” The culture’s rush to celebrate Christmas early sucks the oxygen out of Christmas and deprives us of the opportunity to prepare ourselves for the joy that God wants to give to us.

I hope that during these next few weeks, our St. Patrick Parish might provide a place for all of us to practice the great art of waiting and preparing. Some possible ways for you to do that? Come to daily Mass or to our Tuesday night Holy Hour. Join the Monday Night Advent Group, the Thursday Night Bible Study, or the Saturday morning Men’s Group. Go to Confession.

For the stouthearted, we will also offer on Saturday, December 6th and 13th a 6:30am “Rorate Mass.” This Mass celebrated only by candlelight, begins before dawn. It recalls the coming of Christ, the Light, into the world and it honors the Blessed Virgin Mary. The term, “Rorate” is taken from the entrance antiphon of that Mass: “Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum,” which means, “Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One.” IS 45:8). It is a beautiful chant that well expresses the heart’s longing for salvation. It will be a chanted Mass.

Any of us who have ever sat under a Christmas Tree and shaken presents and tried to figure out what was inside knows that “waiting” is not a passive reality. True waiting is something we actually do. The anticipation prepares us to receive.

God wants to give us all great graces at Christmas. The best way to prepare to receive those Christmas graces is to live now the beautiful graces of Advent.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Belonging

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:03:49 GMT

This weekend at the Ten o’clock Mass, we will celebrate the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming. Some of these men and women are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist at Easter. Others who were previously baptized are seeking admission into the Catholic Church, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. Still others who were baptized as Catholics are preparing for Confirmation. They meet every Sunday morning with Diane McCarthy–our Pastoral Associate–and her team. That team does the hard work each week of helping to teach and form these men and women. I will have the privilege of baptizing, confirming, and administering the Eucharist to them.

The desire to belong is present in every human heart. In our present moment in time, one way that this desire is expressed is through social media. Many people spend enormous amounts of time scrolling, posting, liking, and seeking out “likes.” There can be an almost frenetic frenzy in the online world. And yet, it seems that this online world only deepens a sense of loneliness, isolation, and emptiness in people’s lives. The algorithms seem designed to isolate us into ghettoes of echo-chambers where we are exposed only to what our masters think we want to hear. Controversies are constantly being contrived in order to keep us contained in a never-ending circle of anger, bitterness, and antagonism. What begins as a desire to have contact with others can devolve into a race to the bottom of nothingness.

Many people set out online in search of some human contact or some shared experience. Of course, the online world offers many positive things. There is, however, as we all know, a dark side to it. The search for belonging in a virtual world can become a ruinous journey. Addictive gambling, online shopping, online gaming, pornography, hatred, and anger all portend to offer the human person a way to feel better, but they all leave the person more alone and empty. The bets get bigger, the UPS truck arrives more frequently, the need to get to the next level keeps people awake all night, the pornography gets more grotesque, the hatred and anger become all-consuming. In a world where the chemical rush of dopamine is a click away, people are becoming increasingly isolated.

Despite all of that, a recent study of Catholics discovered that what most people are looking for in a parish is authentic community and meaningful relationships. (There are other factors also like more traditional forms of worship, good sermons, and the Sacraments.) At the top of the list, however, was authentic community and meaningful relationships. Of course, in a Catholic context, authentic community and meaningful relationships will always arise from and lead to authentic community and meaningful relationship with God himself. And, of course, the Sacraments are all about drawing us into life-giving communion.

While I was a college chaplain, I was impressed by the evangelical genius of the young people there. At Sunday Mass, for instance, they would notice someone sitting alone. They’d go and introduce themselves to that person. They’d say, “Hey, a group of us are going to the dining hall after Mass for breakfast if you’d like to come.” And, one by one, that’s how community and meaningful relationships get built.

The men and women who today will be accepted and welcomed are here because they desire to belong. That belonging is a life-long and ever-deepening reality. For all of us too, we don’t belong simply because we filled out a registration card somewhere along the way. Belonging is something we cultivate and continuously deepen. As a parish, I hope that we are continuously drawing others into authentic community and meaningful relationships. That’s what people are looking for. That’s what we are all looking for. Let’s be serious and intentional about making it happen.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Building Community

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:08:44 GMT

A few weeks ago, our office received a phone call from a man who had been a parishioner here, but who had recently moved across the country. He was calling to let us know that he would be making a donation to the parish. The donation, a generous sum, was being given because he was grateful for how the Lord had worked in his life here at St. Patrick Parish. I was really touched by that. That young man’s donation–given after he had moved away–was a sign of his deep connection to this community. He not only received something from this parish, but he also wants to be part of the building up of this community.

Many who work in the Church have noted the nomadic nature of many young adults in terms of their commitment to a particular community. Sometimes, newer generations wander from place to place, but never seem to belong to any one community. They go to this young adult group on Mondays, that one on Tuesdays, adoration to another parish on Thursdays etc. All of which is great, but they do not always have a sense that being part of a community involves contributing to the life of that particular place. There are electric bills, heating bills, employees, roofs, HVACS etc. And, there are always things that need to be done in the life of the parish. For example, if you want a young adult community, don’t just go and try to find one somewhere else, but rather build one where you are.

I am grateful that in our parish there are many people–young and old–who are neither spectators nor consumers. They are participants and givers. Some offer their services in very quiet ways–like cleaning the sanctuary, tending to all of our altar linens, assisting in the handling of the weekly collection, setting up and cleaning up after each Mass etc. They are hidden from view, but they give time each week to building up our parish. Others are dedicated to a more public ministry, bringing communion to the ill, teaching and mentoring our young people, assisting in serving the poor, serving in various capacities in our Liturgical life, serving on various committees, leading small faith groups, and organizing various events.

It is deeply edifying to me, for instance, to walk into our confirmation preparation program and to see such wonderful role models of the Faith who generously pour themselves out for the youth of the parish. When I see those people, I have hope for the future. They are continuing to do what so many parishioners of this parish have done over the years: Give of themselves. That kind of generosity is what strengthens us as a parish.

On a more nuts and bolts level, I want to encourage everyone, if you haven’t already, to contribute to our Grand Annual! The Grand Annual supports our operating budget and supports the many aspects of our life together. I made my donation to the Grand Annual because I am grateful for our life together and because I want many others to enjoy a strong, healthy, and faith-filled parish. I encourage everyone who belongs to St. Patrick Parish to join us in advancing our mission.

I do not know if the man who moved away and made that donation ever checks out the bulletin online, but if he does, I want him to know that his generosity and example are deeply appreciated. His good example serves as an inspiration to me and I hope to others.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Helping One Another

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:43:40 GMT

On November 1st the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints and on the next day, the Feast of All Souls. In doing so, we are immediately reminded that the Church is “bigger” than St. Patrick Parish. Our parish is part of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Archdiocese of Boston is part of the Universal Church. The Church herself, however, is “bigger” than the world in which we inhabit. The Church also exists in Heaven where the saints–those holy men and women throughout the centuries–now live in beatitude. The Church also exists in Purgatory. In that place, those brothers and sisters of ours who left this world in the state of grace but needing further purification are preparing for Heaven. By praying for them and offering sacrifices for them, we help them on their way to Heaven. In return, they will pray for us and help us on our pilgrimage. We are one with all of them.

These two feasts assist us in remembering that we are all in this together. We are given to one another to help each other on the path to the Beatific Vision. I sometimes like to imagine the saints looking down at us as though we were running a race and they are cheering us on and encouraging us. “Don’t give up! We did it and you can too! The race is worth running! The prize is too good to surrender!” Not only do they cheer us on, but they assist us with their prayers.

We also do that for the souls in Purgatory. These souls are those who will indeed make it to Heaven, but when they died they were not yet ready to see God face to face. In God’s mercy, He provides to them a place of purification. Our prayers, Masses, and sacrifices assist them in this process. The most loving thing we can do for those who have died is to dedicate ourselves to assisting them.

The souls in Heaven and in Purgatory have passed beyond our sight. Some of them we can imagine, recall from memory, or come to know through our study of their lives, but we cannot look upon them with our eyes. They are very much, however, part of our life as Catholics. They are part, in a sense, of the invisible Church.

I recall many years ago, while doing training with the Navy, we had a Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant as our instructor. One day, we went on a run that felt like it would never end. While the rest of us were just trying not to die, he would run ahead to the front of the pack and give instructions as to where they needed to turn etc. Then, he’d run all the way back and encourage everyone along the way. He’d give helpful hints, dance around you in circles and say all sorts of funny things, and would menacingly add, “Don’t you dare quit.” That was thirty years ago and I remember it like yesterday. He was good at his job. He was good at getting people to give their all and their best.

That experience has always been for me an image of the Church and us together. We are all here helping one another finish the race. Some are quicker and some are struggling along, but we are meant to help one another and encourage one another. This past week, I was encouraged by many examples. Let me share a few:

While bringing the Sacraments to the home of two of our very faithful parishioners, I noticed a plaque on their wall with a blessing from the Pope on the occasion of their Wedding. The Pope? Pius XII who died the year they were married, 1958! They just celebrated their 67th Anniversary. Am I encouraged by their example? Absolutely.

Two Sundays ago, while I was distributing Holy Communion, I was struck by how many young people in their twenties and thirties were at the Noon Mass. Am I encouraged by them? Absolutely.

Who else? People who work from home and use their lunch hour to come to the Noon Mass. The twenty guys of all ages who showed up at 7am for Men’s Group. For the mentors in our Youth Ministry. For the parents whose children serve at our Masses. For the people who are so committed to the formation of our young people in religious education. For the example of our teachers and administrators at St. Patrick School who have been doing amazing work to bring Christ to the children there. For the St. Vincent DePaul Society members and for the St. Patrick Parish Food Group who tirelessly labor on behalf of God’s poor. For those who are in our parish who are preparing to enter into the Catholic Church at Easter and for those who assist them in this process. For the parishioners who participate each week in various small prayer groups or who participate in one of our bible studies. For the people who come to Confession. I cannot tell you how beautiful it is as a priest to hear so many confessions each week.

One more: This past Monday, as I was greeting students and parents at school drop-off, one little boy walked towards me with a huge smile on his face. I said, “Wow, you look happy!” His Mother said, “Tell him why.” The boy replied with great excitement, “We are going to Mass today!” Encouraging!!

There are many other examples. My point is simply this: Your fidelity and witness are for me like that crazy Marine Gunnery Sergeant running all over the place. Your example of fidelity is inspiring and it encourages me. I thank you for that.

(Lastly, on a side note, last week I joked about adding a 4:30am Mass and some folks thought I was serious. For the record, there is no 4:30am Mass coming our way)!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Fr. Harrington, All Soul’s Day, and Funeral Masses

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:11:59 GMT

Firstly, I am happy to welcome Fr. Matthew Harrington to St. Patrick Parish. Ordained a priest on May 25, 2024, Fr. Harrington grew up in Peabody and after high school entered Our Lady of Providence College Seminary in Rhode Island where he studied Philosophy and Political Science. He then entered St. John’s Seminary in Brighton for one year and then took a few years off from seminary. During that time, he taught at Catholic schools. He returned to the seminary, and after his ordination he spent the past year at St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Medfield and St. Jude Parish in Norfolk. Fr. Harrington reminded me that when he was in kindergarten at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in Beverly, I was assigned there as a priest. After that reminder, I am considering adding a 4:30 am weekday Mass to our schedule and assigning it permanently to him.

Today we commemorate the Feast of All Souls. On this day and throughout the Month of November, the Church prays especially for the souls of the faithful departed. One of the beautiful things about St. Patrick Parish is the deeply-engrained seriousness with which its parishioners pray for the dead. When I arrived here, I was surprised to discover how quickly the calendar of Masses is filled up by people having Masses offered for their deceased loved ones. That is evidence of a strong Catholic faith in the power and effectiveness of the Mass. It is also evidence of a true love for the dead, a deep understanding of the communion of saints, and a sure and certain hope in the Paschal Mystery, the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.

Every year around this time, I write about the importance of the Funeral Mass for the deceased. Sadly, many Catholics are depriving themselves and their loved ones of the privilege of a Funeral Mass. It is the ancient custom of the Church, at the time of death, to commend her children to the Mercy of God. The prayers, the rituals, and–most importantly–the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass are the most loving things we can do for a member of the Church who has died. In those rituals, the Church accompanies the deceased person to the threshold of eternity.

At every Mass, the saving effects of Christ’s death and resurrection are made present. At the Funeral Mass, we ask God to apply those saving effects upon the soul whom we are commending to God. To deprive oneself or a loved one of this salutary grace would have been unthinkable to our ancestors in the Faith.

On several occasions throughout my life, I have offered a Funeral Mass where the only people present with me were the funeral director, the organist, the cantor, and the server. Some people might think that such a funeral would be particularly sad because of the lack of mourners, but for me, I found it extraordinarily beautiful. This person whose friends and family were perhaps all gone was not forgotten by the Church. This person had the exact same Funeral Mass that every Catholic receives. In a way, because of the simplicity of those Masses, it was easier to pray more deeply. The only sounds were the cantor and I chanting back and forth.

(Last year when I wrote about this, a parishioner wrote back to me and mentioned that they thought Funeral Masses were “extra income” for the priest. It was a respectful letter, but unfortunately I lost the letter and could not reply directly. For the record, when an offering is made for any Mass, the priest who offers that Mass receives a $10 stipend. If a priest were to celebrate three Masses in a day, he would receive a $10 stipend from the first Mass but not for the other two Masses. So, I just want to assure you that I am not encouraging you to have a Funeral Mass as a “get rich quick scheme!” The parish does have to pay various costs involved in a Funeral Mass, so we do ask that those be covered by the family. If, however, there was a financial hardship, of course, we would provide nonetheless.)

So, put it in your Will! Tell everyone you know! Wear a sign around your neck: “I want a Funeral Mass!” Even if everyone you know is already long dead and buried. Or, even if your family and friends would prefer just to have a brunch “celebrating your life,” you have the Funeral Home bring you here. If I’m still around, I will offer the most beautiful Funeral Mass I can for you.

No soul in Purgatory has ever said, “I wish they didn’t have a Funeral Mass for me.”

You are a Catholic. Live like one, die like one, and be buried like one!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

One thing at a time

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:05:59 GMT

Recently I shared with a friend of mine that I had a series of projects that I needed to work on and that I set aside a good portion of the day to do them. No matter how many times I sat down at my desk, however, my brain just wouldn’t produce. Part of the problem is that as I sat down to work on one project, I suddenly found myself thinking about the other projects. And thinking about everything at once wasn’t helping to get any one particular thing accomplished.

I’m sure all of our lives can be like that at times. I recall one of my nuns in grammar school, Sister Rosamond, used to say, “One thing at a time–and that’s done well–is a very good thing, as many can tell.” The image that comes to mind is that of a messy house. When looked at as a whole, it could be overwhelming and paralyzing, but if we look at just cleaning one small area, something gets accomplished and then, we have a sense that the whole thing can eventually be put back in order. One thing at a time–and that’s done well–is a very good thing, as many can tell.

In parish life there are always more pastoral and spiritual opportunities we would like to provide. The most important thing, of course, is providing the Sacraments, but beyond that, we want everyone more involved. We want something for everyone and everyone doing something for others. Patience, however, is needed because well, one thing at a time and that’s done well . . . .

Another aspect of parish life is all of the administrative and physical plant issues that need to be addressed. By way of update, I wanted to fill you in on some of the nitty-gritty:

Since I arrived here, I have received many comments on the poor sound quality in the main church. It seems like sound systems are always an issue in parishes. In any event, a new sound system will be installed in the coming weeks.

During the past couple of weeks the Systems Controls for the church and parish offices have been updated. The old system was no longer viable and we had little actual control over much of the building.

In the coming weeks, you will see work being done on the steps of what was once the main entrance of the church. They are in rough shape and need some major work. In a way, it kills me to spend money on stairs that almost never get used, but letting them deteriorate further is not really an option.

There are always projects that need addressing on our physical plant, and the needs sometimes can seem overwhelming. They cannot all be done at once, but thanks to our excellent staff, these issues are getting addressed methodically and well. After all, one thing at a time and that’s done . . . .

Speaking of nitty-gritty, we are aware that the offertory envelopes arrived late for almost everybody. We have communicated to our envelope company our displeasure. Thanks for your patience. If there are ever issues in that regard, you can just use a regular envelope and put your name and address on it.

I do not want to use this whole letter only talking about stairs, envelopes, and sound systems. So, let me make one quick spiritual connection:

There are times in life when the Lord may put into our heart a desire to grow in the spiritual life or to put our spiritual life in order. Maybe we recognize we have a lot of faults, sins, weaknesses. Maybe the whole thing seems a bit overwhelming. If so, remember that the spiritual life is a life-long event. You don’t have to do it all at once. Just start somewhere. Do one thing. Beyond Confession and Mass, pick one thing. Begin building. Decide to join one of our small groups. Decide to pay a daily five-minute visit to the Blessed Sacrament each day. Decide to pray the Rosary or some part of it each day. Spend ten minutes a day reading the Gospels. Whatever. You don’t have to do all of them. Just pick one and do it well. It’s a very good thing as Sister Rosamond and many can tell.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Snapshots on my heart

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:35:03 GMT

It is a rainy Columbus Day afternoon and I am sitting in my office thinking about the days ahead; days which are really jam-packed. I am also thinking about various images from the previous days that keep returning to my mind. When I drafted this letter the first time, I realized it started to sound like a “to do” list. I hope that the second draft has corrected that. I share these “snapshots” with you because they are on my heart, and I hope that they in some way do for your heart what they do for mine.

A woman who is new to our parish introduced herself, her husband and their children to me after Mass. She is preparing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church this year.

As I preached last Sunday on baptism, I saw a young man in the congregation who is preparing to be baptized here at Easter.

I saw two young boys from our school come into Mass with their parents. I see them at school drop-off each morning. They are always smiling.

I saw a little girl at Mass diligently practicing holding her hands in the “prayer” posture.

On Columbus day, I showed up five minutes early for our daily confessions. I heard confessions from 11:15am until 11:55am. I had to end so that I could get ready for our daily Noon Mass. I was really struck as I looked around at the Noon Mass on Columbus Day that so many people who had the day off of work, opted to come to daily Mass. Their presence really moved me. After Mass, I went back and heard another thirty minutes of confessions!

I will meet with our Vice-Principal and the parents of two of our older students in our school who–on their own volition–have asked to receive First Holy Communion. (Well, by their own volition and by the Grace of God.)

I will meet with a couple of seminarians (I still am an adjunct spiritual director for the seminary) and I will also meet with a man who is preparing to become a permanent deacon.

I will hear confessions and have a Holy Hour for our Young Adults and then–if I can muster the energy–will join them for their Happy Hour. (I might bail on the Happy Hour. We’ll see.)

I will meet with our new priest for a few hours.

I will have dinner with a young couple from our parish.

I will join some parishioners who invited me to a dinner for a young woman who is becoming a nun. I will preside at a Wedding Mass and offer a Funeral Mass.

I mention these things not so that you think I’m busy. (You’re all a lot busier than I am). I mention them because it fills my heart with so much joy when I think about how blessed we are. Those are just a smattering of things that happen here in the course of a few days. Those are just a few things that I actually noticed.

Seeing and participating in all of these things this week really encourages me and fills me with a lot of gratitude. I hope in some small way that sharing these snapshots encourages you also. The Catholic life is so beautiful.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

PS: Last week we announced that Archbishop Henning has appointed Fr. Matthew Harrington to serve as parochial vicar here at St. Patrick Parish. Fr. Harrington was ordained a year ago and will begin his ministry here on October 29th. We are very happy to welcome him and look forward to his becoming part of our parish family.

Reawakening to our Faith

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:22:31 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, while on the parish pilgrimage to France, we offered Mass at a church in Toulouse. The church was originally the church of a Carthusian monastery, but is now a parish church located near a university. The pastor–ordained only two years–shared with us that in many places in France there has been a revival in the faith of young people. In his parish they are preparing 300 university students to be baptized at Easter!

My brief encounter with him reawakened in me a reminder of what is possible and also awakened in me an awareness of the obstacles that stand in our way. A deadly attitude in parish life is to make it “consumer based.” That is, we look upon parishioners as “customers” and we try to please them. This can lull people into living their faith in a very passive way. It becomes about them being entertained, rather than them becoming active disciples of the Lord who are daily growing in holiness and who are on fire to share the gospel with others.

When you look around our church these days and see young adults, young couples, young families, and college students, I can guarantee you that they are here not because they are looking to be entertained, looking for a moral life that conforms to this present age, or for a liturgy that is unserious. They are hungering–starving–for Truth, Beauty, Goodness and friendship in Christ.

I think it comes as a surprise to many people, but most young men and women who are drawn to the church are not looking for an easy fix, a feel-good experience, or vague religious sentiment. They want to know what Jesus teaches and they want to know how to follow Him. They want to take up the Cross. They want a form of worship that isn’t about lulling them into a warm and fuzzy feeling, but rather lifts them up into the heavenly realms.

There has been a decades-long decline in Catholic life. Today, it is quite possible (likely) that many ten year old children, whose families were once Catholic, are now third generation non-practicing Catholics. Maybe the grandparents still had an idea that they should make sure that their children received the Sacraments and got married in the Church. They perhaps came to Mass on special occasions. Their children almost never came to Mass, but maybe still kept the trappings of Faith. Their children may have been (but often are not) baptized. When they enter a church, they are completely unfamiliar with it and can’t make any sense of why they are there because it has nothing to do with their everyday lives.

Many young adults–like those who grew up in a very secularized France–are suddenly reawakening to their Faith. They realize that they were deprived of something invaluable. They are experiencing a revival and are being drawn into a converted way of life. They want to hear the full gospel. They want to know how to live a moral life. They want to encounter Mystery. They want the Tradition and the traditions of which they were deprived in their childhood. They are on fire.

I am very grateful that so many of you–young, old, and everything in between–have been so supportive of our efforts to grow the parish and to evangelize. These efforts touch upon all aspects of our life: our School, our Music, our Liturgical Life, our Religious Education etc. They involve everyone; our staff, faculty, priests, deacons, and parishioners. Every aspect of our life is always in constant need of renewal. If we are not renewing, we are dying.

I am encouraged by all of the volunteers who have committed themselves to building up a parish that is unafraid to risk everything on the Beautiful, the Good, and the True. I am grateful for those who are responding to the needs of our young people in our small youth groups, confirmation program, and in the building up of community (friendship) among young married couples and young adults. I am grateful also to those leading small group bible studies and other formation events. You are not passive consumers. You are active disciples who are sharing the Gospel with others. You are building up the parish and building up the Church. I am grateful for those assisting our small St. Patrick School Choir who sang beautifully at the last school Mass. I hope they come and sing on a Sunday soon! These small little communities are places to encounter Christ.

Lastly, please pray for those in our own parish who are preparing to become Catholic (and/or be confirmed) come Easter. There are four people seeking baptism, four preparing to be received into the Catholic Church who were previously baptized in other denominations, and one who is Catholic but is seeking Confirmation. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see them among us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A note of farewell from Fr. Patrick

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:37:45 GMT

As I complete my time with you at St. Patrick’s, I’d like to take this final opportunity to express my gratitude for these past 18 months. While it was an unexpectedly short assignment, it was filled with joys and graces that I will carry with me for years to come.

Having arrived here after six years in campus ministry at Harvard, I honestly wasn’t sure what it would be like to return to a more typical parish setting. I was admittedly a bit apprehensive about whether or how God was going to make use of the seemingly specific skills I had acquired; things like campus outreach, forming student leaders, marketing and fundraising, etc… all of these seemed far removed from ordinary parish life.

But within a few months, I started to see, once again, that God does not work by human logic, and His plans are far greater than our own. As some of you know, I’m one who values deep, personal relationships. I don’t like conversing in large groups; in fact, I feel quite awkward at public speaking settings that do not involve preaching in church! And so, I quickly recognized and appreciated your sincerity, authenticity, and your hunger for growing in faith alongside each other. My friendship with you has enabled me to see firsthand how some of the most profound movements of the Holy Spirit happen relatively quietly and invisibly. They don’t make news headlines or grab our attention, but they impact us profoundly. Things like cultivating a new habit of prayer, being healed through the sacrament of confession, experiencing Christian fellowship, or a child learning to love God at school and then sharing that at home; all these unfold quietly, and yet they effect nothing less than the transformation of the world around us.

Through you, the Lord has shown me how much He works through authentic human relationships, and that all the practical plans we make and human structures we build are always secondary. As I previously wrote, we are called to communion: communion with God and with the “whole Christ”, that is, His entire Mystical Body. And Christ’s Mystical Body – the Church – is manifest most concretely in the parish community: the local family of God assembled by the Holy Spirit to offer itself to the Father.

I am reminded of the words of the First Letter of John: Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God; yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us. Indeed, amid all your daily trials and struggles with faith, God’s love is being brought to perfection in so many of you, and it has been a privilege for me to witness.

I’d like to thank Fr. Barnes for his leadership that has been an inspiration and model for me to follow. I’m grateful to him and Fr. Sijo for welcoming me into their home and for the memorable priestly fraternity the three of us have shared together. I also thank all of the staff at St. Patrick’s who are so joy-filled and hard-working; they share a personal love for the St. Patrick’s community that helps us priests to more effectively minister to you. And finally, I thank Mrs. Schmidheiser and the school faculty for their dedication to attending so well to the spiritual formation of the children, and welcoming my presence in the classrooms each week.

I will be moving out on Tuesday and beginning at St. André Bessette Parish right away. Please come visit for Mass anytime at either St. Joseph Church in Amesbury or Star of the Sea in Salisbury. I am deeply grateful for St. Patrick Parish and will miss you all!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Patrick

Saint Patrick Parish 2025 Grand Annual Appeal

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:29:57 GMT

Sometimes words flow easily and other times, not so much. For whatever reason, writing this Grand Annual Appeal letter has been tortuous for me this year! I keep looking for the “right words” to inspire you to be generous and supportive. Then, happily, it occurred to me that you do not need to be convinced to be generous. You are generous. You are a people who respond generously to the graces that God gives to you.

There are a lot of “nuts and bolts” things to be addressed in our parish facilities. The chiller for the AC system is at the end of its 20-year life span and needs replacing. The estimated cost is approximately $200,000. If you look at the front stairs, the steeple, the trim on the church, and the carpet on our interior stairs, you know that there is some serious work to be done. Almost all of the exterior trim work for the stained-glass windows needs to be replaced. These necessary projects are all costly.

In addition, the parish house where the priests live needs a lot of attention. When I was pastor of another parish, I did not put any money into the parish house because I feared it might appear like I was doing it for me personally. In retrospect, all I was doing was leaving it for someone else. In the St. Patrick Parish House where the priests live, the bathrooms were last updated between thirty and sixty years ago. Much of the electrical wiring in the house is the original knob and tube that was installed in 1903, and there are wires that run outside of the walls and ceilings throughout the house. The foundation is not sealed so we have uninvited “guests” who visit us regularly. The windows, last replaced forty years ago, no longer properly close and the frames are all warped or broken. Slowly and over time, I would like to make the parish house a place that is a true home for the priests who will live there. Not fancy, but a home.

Those nuts and bolts are a necessary part of parish life and they, of course, need our attention. At the heart of who we are, however, is Jesus Christ. I hope it is evident to you that we are working hard to provide abundant opportunities for faith formation, spiritual growth, service to the poor, and increased provision for reception of the Sacrament of Confession.

I am deeply impressed by the spirit of discipleship that is present among the people of this parish. Something is happening in our midst. Christ is doing something beautiful here, and you are responding to what Christ is doing. You desire to follow Him with greater intensity, and you desire to bring others to Christ. I see it in a thousand ways. Blessed be God!

I ask you to join me in generously supporting the Grand Annual Appeal this year. We ask everyone to consider a sacrificial gift of $350, but if you can give more, please do! And if you cannot afford to give $350, please just do what you can. Mostly, I ask us all simply to be as generous as we can be. There are a lot of repairs, overhead and bills to be paid. All of this supports our mission as a parish and allows us to have a beautiful space that truly feels like our spiritual home.

Lastly, I wish to thank all of you. As your pastor, it is a source of profound joy to see you following Christ and every day becoming more and more His disciples. I feel very blessed by your witness.

Here’s to a good Grand Annual!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A note from Fr. Patrick

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:33:45 GMT

Hopefully you’ve all heard my news by now, but in case not, I’ll be concluding my ministry at St. Patrick’s on October 5. Archbishop Henning has appointed me pastor of St. André Bassette Parish, which encompasses the two churches of Amesbury and Salisbury. While I knew that my time at St. Patrick’s would not be long, I was neither expecting nor seeking a transfer at this specific time. Therefore, I am naturally sad to be leaving this community which I grew to love so quickly. At the same time, I am excited for this new opportunity, as St. André Parish seems like just the right place for me to be a first-time pastor.

I’ll be present following all the Masses on October 4-5 to give my final goodbyes. If you’re able to join me, I will celebrate the noon Mass on October 5 and there will be a gathering in the hall afterward. I will offer further reflections on my time here in my bulletin letter that weekend.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve found ourselves mourning the loss of innocent life amid several acts of violence, and trying to grapple with the meaning of it all. I wouldn’t dare try to offer a complete diagnosis of the problem or presume to have a simple solution. Plenty could be debated about mental health issues, social media, the glorification of violence, the accessibility of weapons, and the role of ideology in capturing young minds. But as a priest, my role is not to propose specific policies or tell you how to vote. Rather, it is to identify the invisible, spiritual wounds that lie beneath the surface – both within the perpetrators of violence and in the wider culture – to propose a path of healing and redemption found only in Christ, and to discern what Christ is asking of us as members of His Body.

One theme that sticks out to me is the isolation experienced in the perpetrators. Isolation is one of the great obstacles of healing and is the antithesis of communion. Isolation exacerbates the shame we all experience from sin, elicits feelings of discouragement and despair, kindles resentment and anger, and leads to further sin. And we live in a culture that tends toward isolation. One could argue that this began with suburbanization in the 1950s; many of us are no longer forced to interact with our neighbors on a daily basis, let alone rely on them for our safety and well-being. But that’s a far cry from the isolation many young people today experience through the world of social media, through a secular culture that tells them they need to construct our own personal identity without reference to past traditions and institutions, and a culture that sees ideological opponents as personal enemies.

But as the late Pope Benedict XVI continually reminded us in his writings, we as Christians and as human persons are called to communion. Communion is the sharing of our very selves – our personal and spiritual goods – with one another and with God. It is the fruit of divine charity. Heaven, according to Benedict, “is a stranger to isolation.” And so, if heaven is our destiny, and if heaven is foreshadowed in our participation in the Mass and reception of the sacraments, then communion must be something we strive to cultivate in our daily human experiences.

And so, I see these recent tragedies as an urgent reminder of our call to communion. It begins and ends in Christ, and in-between lies all our daily, often complicated, human interactions. I challenge everyone to reflect on these questions. Am I a source of communion to others? What do I hide from God and others that is in need of healing? Do I seek authentic human connection and friendship with all those around me? Do I present the Good News of salvation and redemption to my neighbors? Do I contribute toward making St. Patrick Parish a place of communion, a true home where anyone can discover his/her deepest identity in Christ?

As I wrap up my time at St. Patrick’s, this call to communion has been a guiding light for my ministry. Fr. Barnes has said this before, and I will reiterate, that one of our great joys as parish priests is bringing people together and fostering new friendships. Because the full “joy of the Gospel” (as Pope Francis wrote) is only experienced alongside others. Sin and shame isolate us and distort our identities; grace and holy friendship draw us out of ourselves and toward becoming the saints God is calling us to be.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Patrick

Proper Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:25:46 GMT

This week I’d like to use this column in the bulletin to address an important aspect of our life together. For most, these reminders will seem unnecessary, but experience shows that regular reminders about these matters are indeed necessary. I know mistakes about these matters are not usually the result of ill-will or obstinate refusal, but simply because no one has ever taken the time to teach about them. I offer these reflections not to scold anyone or to make anyone feel badly, but rather to help us all to give proper reverence to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Like I said, many of these things will sound obvious to most, but experience shows that it is necessary to raise these issues.

Who can receive the Eucharist? You must be Catholic to receive the Eucharist. Holy Communion not only builds communion in the life of the Church, but it also presumes communion.

You must examine your conscience and confess all serious sin and receive absolution before receiving the Eucharist.

You must fast for one hour before receiving the Eucharist.

When you receive the Eucharist at Mass, do not snatch it from the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. If you receive on the tongue, this is not an issue. If you receive in the hand, allow the minister to place the host on the palm of your hand. Please hold your hand in such a way that the Host will not slide off of it. It must be flat. Then, you take the hand underneath and place the host in your mouth. Do not grab it from the minister or fumble with it. Do not break the Host, walk away with the Host, bless yourself with the Host, or do anything with the Host other than consume it. Please, if you receive in the hand, step to the side and immediately consume the Host so that the minister sees you consume it. (Many times at funerals and weddings, we see people take the Host away and not consume it. It puts the priest or minister in an awkward position because we have to go and ask the person to either consume it or we have to take the Host back. It is embarrassing not only for the person, but also for the priest. None of us enjoys doing that. The same thing holds true at Sunday Mass, so please consume the Host in the sight of the priest or minister.)

No one is permitted to break the Host in order to bring a piece of it to someone back in the pew or at home. Children who have not received First Holy Communion cannot receive the Host and no one should break a piece of the Sacred Host and give it to them. No one is permitted to take the Host that has been received in order to bring it to someone else. These things are absolutely forbidden.

If you have not been instituted as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Patrick Parish, please do not approach the priest, deacon, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass with a pyx asking for Hosts. As guardians of the Blessed Sacrament, we need to have certitude that all proper care is being taken with the Eucharist.

Those who have been instituted to administer the Eucharist to the homebound must be properly trained and follow the proper ritual. If you desire to be instituted as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, then you should contact the parish office.

Those who are instituted to administer the Eucharist to the homebound must go immediately from Mass to the person receiving the Eucharist. You cannot carry the Host with you while you run errands etc.

The Eucharist is never to be kept overnight in someone’s home. It is to be brought to the sick and consumed by them immediately. No one may reserve the Eucharist in their own home.

I know that sometimes “tone” does not always come across accurately in a letter, so let me assure you that the tone which I intend when I write this is one of trying to be helpful (but clear). It is not my intention to sound like I am scolding anyone. We do, however, want to make sure that the Most August Sacrament of the Altar is treated with the absolute reverence and honor to which it is due. Sometimes laxity and bad habits slip in. Some folks may never have even learned this to begin with, so this is all meant to be helpful.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Taking a little time each day

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:00:10 GMT

I spent five days last week on my annual retreat. Five glorious days of complete silence. Phone off, email off, no TV, radio, or another human voice. I know for some people, that sounds like a kind of punishment, but it was so great. I admit that I don’t think I’d want to do that kind of retreat in the winter when I couldn’t sit outside for hours, but this time of year, it was perfect.

I stayed in this little wooden hermitage–a cabin–on the property of a monastery of nuns. It had a little porch on it (I love porches), a bed, a desk, a nook to eat meals, and an oratory for prayer. It was in that little oratory–made of all wood with a small altar and three icons on the wall–that I had Mass each morning. The rest of the day was spent walking, praying, and reading.

Almost every time I go on retreat, I expect some life-changing revelation, but that rarely happens. Instead, almost every time I go on retreat, I am simply reminded of the basics of living a Christian life and the life of a priest. It is a little humbling actually. Retreats, more often than not, are for me, a reminder that I should pray, read, love God, love my neighbor, be humble, trust in Divine Providence, embrace the Cross, abhor sin, and hope in the Lord. Basic stuff, but I seem to require a yearly reminding of it. Each day during the retreat, I read several chapters of a spiritual book about those (and other) topics. Almost every chapter, I would think, “Well, this is kind of basic stuff.” Then I’d think, “So, if it is so basic, you probably should be a lot more advanced in it than you are!”

I also finished a wonderful novel. It was one of those books that I didn’t want to end. Written by Singred Undset, the book is entitled, “Olav Audunsson.” It is filled with such deep humanity. There were times in the novel when I would have to put the book down because the author’s capacity for describing the interior life of the characters–their pain, their love, their hatred, their fears, their desire for redemption–was so vivid that I couldn’t bear the reality! I think that the novel is so brilliant because, as you read it, you recognize yourself in its pages.

Speaking of recognizing ourselves . . . . This week Pope Leo XIV canonized two new saints, Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. St. Carlo is the first millennial saint added to the Church’s canon of saints. Both were young men who lived extraordinary lives of holiness and virtue. They are pictured on the front of the bulletin this week. The saints help us not only by praying for us, but they assist us by their example. They remind us that people just like us can become saints. They remind us that ordinary people can become extraordinary saints.

Every assignment I’ve ever had as a priest has either been a school or had a parish school attached, so while January is the beginning of the Calendar Year, and Advent is the beginning of the Liturgical Year, it’s really September when everything seems actually to begin. So, these days everything is beginning. As we begin another year together, let’s remember to take some time each day to read, to pray, and to reflect. Taking a little time each day to do these things can help us all to live the other hours of the day with greater meaning. Setting aside time every day for a little bit of prayer, a little bit of reading, and a little bit of reflecting can help to remind us of those basic things that we tend to forget. Those little moments each day can remind us that there is a God who loves us, who desires for us to be close to Him, who wants to save us, who can save us, who wants to forgive us, heal us, and give us graces to help us to love Him, to love others, to overcome sin, and to become more like His Son. A little bit of solitude each day can save us from forgetting what is most important, the basics. And remembering and living these basics is how ordinary men and women become extraordinary saints.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Changes, and a Request for Help

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:01:54 GMT

As I mentioned last week, from August 27th-September 1st I will be making my annual retreat at a monastery in New York. You can be certain that I am praying for you and for your intentions during these days. As these days also coincide with the second anniversary of Fr. Mario’s death, I will also pray for him, his mother, family, and in thanksgiving for all the good the Lord accomplished through Fr. Mario’s priestly ministry. Let him rest from his labors, for his good deeds go with him.

As you heard last week, Fr. Patrick has been appointed Pastor of St. André Bessette Parish in Amesbury and Salisbury. We know that their parish is blessed by this appointment. We, of course, will greatly miss Fr. Patrick’s ministry and presence. He has been an incredibly hard-working, organized, and charitable presence in our parish during these past sixteen months. He was always present at St. Patrick School and was dedicated to building up various communities within the parish (Men’s Group, Young Adults, Youth Ministry, Confirmation Program), and he provided formation to various leaders for those groups.

As dedicated as he has been to priestly ministry in the parish, he has also been a wonderful presence in the rectory. I was grateful to have his presence in the rectory chapel each morning during prayer time and at the rectory dinner table most evenings for dinner. I will miss his fraternity. (I will also miss all the beautiful vestments he brought with him when he came to the parish!)

Fr. Patrick’s last weekend here will be on October 5. After the Noon Mass on that day, we will have a reception and an opportunity to bid farewell. Please consider yourself invited.

At this point, I do not have any certainty whether we will receive another priest. Many of the great things we were able to do during the past year (added Masses in Lent, extended confession availability, Men’s Group, Young Adults Group, Youth Ministry etc.) were, in part, thanks to Fr. Patrick’s particular gifts, but also simply because we had one more priest to be available. Let’s pray that the Lord’s will be done.

Priest availability is one issue, but even if a priest is available, a parish must also be in the financial position to cover the cost of having that priest. As I’ve mentioned to you already, there is a long list of repairs, improvements, and maintenance issues that confront us. Just three examples: 1. We just signed a contract to repair the front steps of the church at a cost of $117,000. 2. We just replaced one of the HVAC units for a cost of $50,000. 3. The system controls for the heat and air conditioning is being replaced at a cost of $107,000. Everything costs money! While we must keep on top of all of the facilities, I also want to maintain a robust parish life, focused on sacraments, evangelization, formation, and charitable works. All of that requires personnel, volunteers, and yes, money.

Could I also gently apply some pressure on you? The parish needs parishioners who are all involved in building up the parish. We are a big place and we need you to step up. For example, one of our adult servers for funerals recently moved away. Could some of you volunteer to serve at funerals? Maybe it can only be once a week or once every two weeks. Maybe you’re only available to do it on a particular day of the week. We just need help. I’m asking you to help.

As I always mention to you, I am very grateful for your generosity and for your kindness. All of the good that we are able to do as a parish is because of you. I’ve recently met new families who are coming to our parish. Their presence here is because the Lord is doing something, but the Lord is doing that work through all of you. You are actively engaged in building up this parish and, in doing so, you are providing a place for others to encounter Christ. Give yourselves a big pat on the back.

I promise I am praying for all of you during my retreat.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Feasts of Sts. Monica and Augustine

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:57:30 GMT

A few months ago, Pope Leo XIV walked out onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica as our new Pope. People were shocked because it has long been said that an American would never become pope. Although he is the first American to assume the Petrine Ministry, let’s recall that America is only a couple of hundred years old. In Church time, that is just the blink of an eye. Perhaps more a cause for wonder is another aspect of Leo’s background.

In the mid to late Fourth Century, a Catholic woman from Africa named Monica wept and agonized that her son lived a dissolute life and refused to be baptized. She prayed, cried, and offered sacrifices all in the hope of what appeared impossible; namely, the conversion of her son.

Eventually, her son was converted and was baptized. He then became one of the greatest bishops and theologians the Catholic Church has ever known. He, of course, is St. Augustine. Augustine’s autobiography, entitled, “The Confessions,” is one of the most read books in history and has helped many others to be converted to Christ.

Some 1600 years or so after Augustine lived, a young man entered a religious order named for St. Augustine; the Augustinians. That man, unknown to most of us a few months ago, is Pope Leo XIV. He is, in Church lingo, a son of St. Augustine.

This week the Church’s calendar has many great feasts. Among them appear a mother and her son. On August 27th, we celebrate the Feast of St. Monica and on August 28th, we celebrate the Feast of St. Augustine. These dual feasts are a source of hope.

Little did the Fourth Century woman named Monica know when she begged for her son’s conversion that, not only would he convert, but that he would become a bishop, a doctor of the Church, and one of the greatest and most well-known Catholics ever. Could she ever have imagined that people all over the world for centuries would read her son’s homilies, books, and conversion story? Could she have imagined that the Pope one day would be a member of an order of priests named after her son?

When people we know and love are far away from the Lord, unconverted, immersed in sin, and far from the Eucharist, it breaks our hearts. This week’s feasts remind us that our broken hearts need not be discouraged hearts. St. Monica’s prayers for her son were effective beyond her wildest imaginations. She remained steadfast in her prayers. Augustine, Leo, and all of us owe a lot to the prayers of St. Monica.

Are there people in your life whom you love who have given themselves over to serious sin? Are there people in your life who are living as though God does not matter? Are there people in your life whose hearts are hardened, who refuse to go to Mass, who seem completely and hopelessly lost? Take heart! This week we will celebrate St. Augustine who seemed hopelessly lost, but the prayers and sacrifices of his mother won his conversion. Take courage and pray for those in our lives who seem beyond help.

And, let us not all forget that each of us needs a greater conversion in our life. Are we ourselves struggling, becoming lackluster in our Faith, lukewarm in our spiritual lives, resigned to be merely mediocre in our Catholic life? This week’s feasts remind us that we can, by God’s grace, become great saints.

On the Feast of Sts. Monica and Augustine, I will be on my yearly retreat. (Priests are required to make a retreat each year). I will be in a hermitage on the grounds of a monastery of nuns in the Catskills. During those days, I will pray for all of you. I will pray for all of those seemingly hopeless people in your own lives, that through the intercession of St. Monica and her son, St. Augustine, God might do miraculous things. I also ask you to pray for me, that I experience a deeper conversion to the Lord and that I become, like Augustine, a more faithful and holy shepherd.

Lastly, to all of you who agonize for your own children and their conversion, offer your prayers, your sacrifices, and your broken hearts to the Lord, but no discouragement! You have a friend in St. Monica!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Christ Looks for Silence

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:40:26 GMT

This past week, a few priest friends and I spent a few days together in the White Mountains. One of their parishioners let us use their home for a few days. In fact, I’m writing this while sitting on a porch surrounded by mountains.

This morning, we all woke up, made brief acknowledgement of one another’s existence, and then spent the next hour or so, quietly praying. In a little while, we will have Mass together.

Our silence in each other’s presence does not isolate us from each other. In fact, during the whole time we were silently praying, I felt a greater bond with them.

We often fear silence. We are afraid to think too deeply about our life, about our own heart, and about the meaning of our existence. We fill our life with noise. Even when we are not actively listening or watching something, the TV or the radio is droning along in the background. Podcasts, messages, and alerts punctuate our every moment. They fill our life with constant distraction. Much of this, I think, is because we fear hearing what our heart has to say. We also fear hearing what the Lord has to say.

Silence, however, trains us how to really listen. It trains us to listen to our own heart and to know ourselves. This is no small matter. The human heart—our heart—is worth listening to.

Silence also trains us to listen to the world around us. The scriptures remind us that the whole creation proclaims the greatness of God. Imagine, the whole earth is telling us about God. Do we hear it? Silence allows us to hear the chorus of creation and directs our glance to God.

In a short while, my friends and I will offer Mass together, eat together, and go for a walk. I will be able to appreciate and enter into those moments with greater attention and with greater joy because of the silence we have already shared together. Silence prepares us to receive reality more completely.

Silence is not an escape from reality. When we have silence in our life, we are drawn closer to what is real. Silence, draws us closer to our own heart, to the creation, to the people around us, and to the Lord.

My own heart this morning is filled with much gratitude for the opportunity to spend a few days with friends, for the chance to be surrounded by the beauty of creation, and for the gift of silence.

As I write these words before my friends and I offer Mass together, the silence brings to my mind all of you. In silence, I imagine you in your usual seats at Mass. The silence deepens my affection for you and my appreciation for you. It also helps me to pray for you and for your petitions.

St. Ambrose says, “The devil loves noise. Christ looks for silence.” If our life is filled with noise and distraction, we become shallow and isolated. If we learn to have some silence in our life, we experience a deepening of our humanity and a deeper communion.

Let’s all try to spend time in silence each day. In doing so, our life will become richer and deeper. The Devil loves noise. Christ looks for silence.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

What do I cling to?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:15:55 GMT

Last Sunday and again this Sunday, the Gospel speaks to us about the need for vigilance, preparedness, and readiness in the spiritual life. We are to live in this world as pilgrims, but not as permanent residents. The things of this world are given to us, not as ends in themselves, but as means to help us to heaven. Thus, our possessions, gifts, talents, and time, are all given to us in order to assist us on the path to heaven.

These gospels make us ask ourselves, “What do I cling to?” Clinging to worldly things–like our time, our possessions, our money–often disfigures us. The image of the bitter, cranky miser comes to mind. Angry and anxious, he accumulates more and more in a frantic pursuit of a sense of safety that slips more and more from his grasp. The miser does not become freer and happier as he ages. Instead, the more he accumulates and clings to, the less happy he becomes.

The Gospel instead proposes that we store up for ourselves an inexhaustible treasure in heaven. The one who clings to the promise of eternal life experiences tremendous freedom and begins to taste here below a taste of the world to come. The generous person is filled with hope and lives, not as a prisoner of this world but as a pilgrim passing through.

Last week, Fr. Patrick mentioned in the bulletin that he was looking for someone who might want to donate to our new youth ministry projects. Immediately, various parishioners responded. That kind of prompt and joyful generosity is a sign of the kingdom among us.

I’m sure people who are generous don’t often think about how their generosity points others to heaven, but I want to thank all of you who live and serve among us as examples of generosity. You visit the sick, feed the poor, knit and pray for those who feel the need for comfort, you serve the parish on Sundays, contribute to the needs of the parish, lend an ear to the lonely, and give of your time, your treasure, and your talent. You are generous in offering a kind word or a helping hand. You live in gratitude for what you’ve been given and you give joyfully. You store up treasure in heaven, and by doing so, you become a sign to the rest of us, pointing us to heaven.

We are very blessed to be surrounded by such generous examples.

Now, a few miscellaneous matters:

August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Don’t forget!

This is the last weekend that John Manning, our seminarian, will be with us. I am happy that John will be here a few hours each week during the school year, but not on Sundays, so many of you won’t see him. We were (and will continue to be) very happy to have John with us. Most importantly, pray for John, that the Lord continue to strengthen him in his vocation. Please wish him well as you leave Masses this weekend.

Last week, I had Mass at LifeCare, which is a local nursing and rehabilitation center. We have Mass there every month. As I distributed Holy Communion, I was really moved by the privilege it is to be a priest and by the faith of these parishioners of ours. To all of our parishioners who are homebound or in various care facilities, I want you to know that you are a vital part of our parish. I have no doubt that your prayers and sufferings are a source of incredible graces for our parish and for the Church and the world. I have no doubt that your generosity in offering your physical sufferings, your loneliness, and your prayers is drawing many souls into the kingdom. We are grateful for you and we love you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

August Reflections

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:41:52 GMT

The month of August (which has snuck upon us) is filled with some wonderful feast days. Chief among them, of course, is August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During August we also celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary, and the Memorial of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Scattered throughout the month are also the feast days of many wonderful priest saints such as St. Alphonsus, St. Peter Julian Eymard, St. Dominic, Pope St. Pius X, Bernard of Clairveaux, St. Augustine, St. John Eudes, and St. Maximilian Kolbe. On August 4th, the Church celebrates the feast of the patron saint of parish priests, St. Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney (often referred to as St. John Vianney).

The Church’s calendar has always been for me a way of entering into prayer and the sacred mysteries. It helps me to see my life as part of something bigger than myself and to see that time is sanctified. We do not “make it up as we go along,” but rather we enter into the mysteries. The liturgical seasons, the feasts of saints, and the Mysteries of our Lord’s life, Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension help us to make sense of our life here and now. They shine light upon our life here and now and they provide points of access into the Sacred.

August, particularly known for its many feasts of saintly priests, provides priests an opportunity to ponder their own vocation, to be renewed in their pastoral ministry, and to seek the intercession of their saintly models. For me, August provides me an opportunity to reflect upon my own priestly ministry here at St. Patrick Parish.

It was two years ago in August that the Cardinal assigned me here. First–on the Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe–as Administrator, and then, on the Feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, as Pastor. Both of them suffered rather gruesome martyrdoms, so I was hoping that these were not indications of how things would go for me in this assignment!

I tend to think that there is not one particular reason for these particular patrons to be given to me, but rather they are given to me as heavenly friends to help me to see whatever it is that the Lord wants from me at a given moment. One thing that strikes me this year about these two patrons is that they both bore witness to the family and died for the sake of the family. John the Baptist died defending marriage and Maximilian Kolbe offered himself as a replacement for a Jewish husband and father who had been selected for execution in a Nazi concentration camp.

In addition to wanting to help in building up and strengthening individual marriages and families, this August, I ask the Lord for the grace to be more dedicated to our parish family, shepherding it well, being a faithful father. I’d appreciate your prayers in this regard. I pray for you every day and am grateful whenever someone tells me that they are praying for me.

I am very grateful to be the parish priest of this parish family. A couple of weeks ago, some friends of mine from a previous parish came for Mass here and we had dinner together afterwards. They commented on how friendly and welcoming you all were. A week later, a young family I know from when I was at BU showed up for Sunday Mass and we had breakfast afterwards. They too commented on how friendly and welcoming you all were. That is also my experience and the experience of the priests and seminarians assigned here.

I’ve heard priests over the years feel run down by criticism, negativity, and continuous complaints. I always feel bad about that. I know that I speak for the priests and seminarians assigned here that we are grateful for your constant kindness, support, and love. We are grateful to be part of this family.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Inviting All Others to “Come and See”

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:44:02 GMT

When I was assigned to the Catholic Center at Boston University, I was always struck by what you might call the “evangelical ingenuity” of the college men and women at the Catholic Center. In a particular way, at the beginning of each year, the students there would put together a host of events–trips for cannolis in the North End, a barbecue, ultimate frisbee night, game night, and other similar events. The events were intended to be inviting and to be a way for new students to ease their way into a community.

It’s obviously a lot easier to do that on a college campus than in a parish. On a college campus, the kids are in classes with one another, living in the same dorms together, and eating in the same dining halls. It’s amazing how many kids you could meet simply by tossing around a frisbee and handing out free freeze-pops! Parish life is a little more complicated in this regard. At the same time, we too want to provide opportunities for people to encounter Christ. We want to provide moments where it is possible for someone to “ease in” to Catholic life. Or, if they are already somewhat involved, to ease them into a deeper Catholic life.

I think of the encounter that John and Andrew had with the Lord when Jesus asked them, “What are you looking for?” Their somewhat clumsy response was, “Master, where do you stay?” Jesus did not then provide them a list of prayers to say or a list of do’s and don’ts, instead he said, “Come and see.” In so many ways, this seems to me to be the model for evangelization. The Lord invites them to go deeper. He invites them to come and experience His friendship, His Presence. He eases them into a relationship with Himself and invites them into something attractive and wonderful.

On a parish level, I am impressed by how many opportunities there are for people to ease into a deeper relationship with the Lord. There are groups that attend to those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and groups that attend to those experiencing separation and divorce. There are groups that bring people together to serve the poor, a group for young couples and families, a group of men and women who are leaders in our emerging youth ministry program, prayer groups, the Thursday night bible study, a women’s bible study, a men’s group, and during the summer, a small group that watches and discusses, “The Chosen” together. There are also now small groups of high school students meeting together with mentors to help them to encounter the joy and depth of Catholic life.

These “official” groups are not the only way. I am always happy to hear how other parishioners meet up with one another after Mass for coffee or who check in on one another during the week. All of these groups are intended to draw one another into deeper communion with one another and with the Lord.

The Lord is inviting everyone into a deeper friendship with Himself. He is inviting all of us to, “Come and See.” One thing I deeply admired about the young college students was their passion for evangelization and their love for their fellow students. I also admired their capacity to find ways to ease others in. They hung out with others and invited them to come and share a meal or a cup of coffee. They showed others that they cared about them and they showed themselves to be, in fact, normal and fun human beings. These friendships eventually would lead–slowly–to deeper conversations and invitations to, “Come and See.” In the gospels we read how Jesus would visit the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary and share meals and friendship together. This is the Lord’s method. The college students adopted this method as their own. Friendship is a key to evangelizing.

In the friendship of the Church, we come to encounter the deeper life that the Lord desires for us. We come to experience communion. The Eucharist–Holy Communion–is both the source and the summit of true communion. The Eucharist not only deepens our own communion with the Lord and with each other, but it also impels us–out of love–to invite all others to “come and see” this new way of life, this new way of being. Not everyone is yet ready to partake of the Eucharist, but our desire should be to–little by little–help them experience friendship in the Lord. And ease them–little by little–into full communion in the Church, until they too are nourished by the Lord’s Body and Blood, the summit of communion.

During the summer months, I have had lots of opportunities to be with friends–both lay people and priests–whose friendship deepens my own humanity and leads me to a deeper friendship with the Lord. In my own life, I have discovered that simply living the Catholic life in friendship with others has a magnetic power to draw others more deeply into deeper communion with the Lord. When we love one another in the Lord, those friendships contain within themselves an attractive quality that themselves become a visible invitation to others to “come and see.”

My prayer is that our communion together as a parish might be for all we encounter, a call, a plea, and an invitation to “come and see.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

This Week’s Scattered Thoughts and Thank Yous

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:18:17 GMT

Just some scattered thoughts this week:

Thank you to those of you who “step up” and serve the parish in a variety of capacities. It is the million “little things” that all of you do that make the whole place run. I know that many of you served the parish in the past and are no longer able to do so. I thank you also for all that you have done. I hope that your dedication and generosity inspires a new generation of parishioners to be of service to the parish. We need you.
Recently the parish received a notification that someone remembered us in their will. When doing your estate planning, could you include St. Patrick Parish? All of us benefit from the generosity and thoughtfulness of those who have remembered St. Patrick Parish in their estate planning. Please pay it forward for the generations that follow us.
You may have noticed in the local news that there was a break-in at our church this past week. As I write this, it seems as though nothing is missing. The alarm went off, I came over and discovered a window open and some minor disturbance and called the police. The Stoneham Police arrived here before I even finished the call. The Stoneham Police (and also the State Police and Andover Police) were professional, thorough, and very respectful of our church. Although the situation was unfortunate, I was very grateful to witness the Stoneham Police’s dedication to us and their genuine concern for us.
Next weekend is Thien’s last weekend with us. Thien, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Vietnam has been with us for two months. It feels like he only arrived yesterday! Thien will continue studying at St. John’s Seminary in Boston for the next several years, so hopefully he will come and visit. (And I hope he will come back and make me some more Vietnamese food!) It really was a great blessing having Thien with us. He jumped right in, was a joyful presence, and served the parish well.
Last week there was a wonderful young adult gathering on the lawn of the church.
A couple of our new youth discipleship small groups are up and running. Small, intentional, discipleship groups are an excellent way of forming lifelong disciples of the Lord.
This week I swung by our parish grief group that is led by our Pastoral Associate, Diane McCarthy. There were over twenty people in attendance. What a wonderful work!
We are very blessed as a parish to have such generous parishioners and staff. Thank You.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Living the Catholic Life

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:20:15 GMT

Some years ago a small group of parishioners and I would meet every Friday evening and work our way through some text, seeking together to follow the Lord through our companionship. Then, for an hour or so, we’d socialize and share the joy of friendship in Christ. I left that parish thirteen years ago, but those friendships remain a part of my life. Some of that group still meet every Friday and they have invited others into their friendship. For me, that is parish life.

This week two of those friends died, one rather suddenly and the other after a long illness. Their passing, of course, is a source of sorrow for their friends and loved ones. Their leaving us makes those left behind more deeply aware of how blessed we were to live life together and to follow the Lord together. It makes us realize how blessed we have been to be called by the Lord to walk together along the road of discipleship.

Faith is not wishful thinking. Faith is not an emotional crutch to get through life. For the believer, Faith is an encounter with that which is most REAL. In the companionship of the Church, our Faith grows. In living closely the friendship of the Church, our heart recognizes and leaps at the constant rediscovery that Christ is true.

For us, death is not a staring into the abyss of nothingness and meaninglessness. For us, death is another verification that Christ is indeed true. When we live a life of Faith together in friendship, the death of the other awakens within us not nostalgia for the past, but rather the joyful cry of those two disciples who walked together with Christ on the road to Emmaus: “Were not our hearts burning within us as he spoke to us along the way?”

This week I will offer the funeral Masses for these two friends. Their departure, to be sure, is sorrowful, but it has also had a salutary effect. Their deaths remind me once again how beautiful and essential Christian friendship is and how the mission of the Church is lived and expressed through friendship.

This summer our rectory has the added joy of the presence of two seminarians. Having them live with us, sharing meals together, praying together, and joining with other brother priests and seminarians in true fraternity has been for me a renewed encounter with the Lord. I am once again convinced of the irreplaceable value of friendship as the model for true evangelization. I hope, in part, their summer experience with us is an experience of true Christian fraternity.

I end this letter with a quote from St. Augustine that for many years has been for me an apt description of my own experience of living the Catholic life closely with others.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. Barnes

"There were other things done in their company which more completely seized my mind: to talk and to laugh with them; to do friendly acts of service for one another; to read well-written books together; at times to tell jokes and sometimes to be serious; to disagree at times, but without hard feelings, just as a man does with himself; and to keep our many discussions pleasant by the very rarity of such differences; to teach things to the others and to learn from them; to long impatiently for those who were absent, and to receive with joy those joining us. These and similar expressions, proceeding from the hearts of those who loved and repaid their comrades' love, by way of countenance, tongue, eyes, and a thousand pleasing gestures, were like fuel to set our minds ablaze and to make but one out of many." –St. Augustine

The Extraordinary Gift of our Faith

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:16:04 GMT

I once knew a couple who had been married for over seventy years. Some people would say, “They’ve been together so long, they even look like each other!” They came to Mass together every day, and I was always struck by the way they looked at one another. If one of them was speaking to me, the other was looking at the other with this glow of absolute affection. They were something else. They weren’t rich. They weren’t powerful. They were, however, in love. As old as they were, when you looked at them, you felt like they were still a couple of love-struck kids during their first week of dating.

I am certain that in seventy years of marriage, that couple had its share of sorrows, hardships, and disappointments. Every life does. There was routine to their marriage. They got up and went to work, did laundry, and did all of the mundane activities that fill the hours of most of our lives. The ordinary did not suffocate their vocation. Instead, they lived the ordinary circumstances of life as an adventure. Sometimes, we think that the ordinary is the enemy of our happiness. People search for thrills to distract themselves from the ordinary. But, happiness is not found in fleeing the ordinary. It is discovered in living the ordinary differently. They lived the ordinary in a supernatural way.

Every Sunday we come together for Mass. We are fairly ordinary people. We come together from our ordinary lives. We take ordinary bread and ordinary wine and place them upon the altar. In some sense, when the ordinary bread and the ordinary wine are placed upon the altar, we are also placing our ordinary selves–our ordinary lives–upon the altar too. The danger for us, however, is to allow ourselves to forget that what is happening is supernatural. That ordinary bread and wine are supernaturally transformed. We who receive the Eucharist are, in turn, transformed. The Eucharist transforms us and we, in turn, live our ordinary lives differently because we do not live on mere ordinary bread, but rather are nourished by and with God Himself. We who are changed are then sent into the world as seeds of the Kingdom.

There’s a risk in Catholic life that instead of allowing the extraordinary to permeate the ordinary and elevate it, we attempt to make the extraordinary ordinary and cheapen it. If Mass, for example, becomes merely me “checking the box” of my religious duty this week, then something is lacking. If my approach to Mass is, “as long as it doesn’t interfere with the other things in my life, I’m okay with it,” something is missing. If I treat the Mass (and the Eucharist) like I am the customer and the parish is the service-provider, something is missing.

Sometimes people allow their Catholic life to become rather functionary and transactional. It becomes stagnant. Think of what Jesus says in the gospel when he says, “What good is salt if it loses its flavor?” Much of our lives as Catholics does involve rather ordinary activity. When we come to Mass on Sunday, something extraordinary–something supernatural–occurs. Ordinary bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. And, we consume the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. We receive God.

The more we take time to ponder our Faith, the more we come to know and appreciate the extraordinary gift of it. This is why preparing for Mass by silence, prayer, and meditation are so important. Before Mass, we prepare by saying things like, “Lord, I am here and am about to receive you–Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Jesus, help me to really know what I am doing and Who I am receiving. Help me unite myself to you in this Holy Mass. Help me to really pray this Mass well and to offer myself–every aspect of my life–with you to the Father.” After we receive Holy Communion, we spend time in awe and wonder that God loves us so much that He has given Himself to us in this spectacular way. The Christ who was born of Mary, the Christ who called and taught the apostles, who healed the sick, who forgave sinners, who died on the Cross, who rose from the Dead . . . that very same Christ has now given Himself entirely to me because He loves me. We take this time to thank Jesus for His love and for the privilege of this communion with Him.

Without this Eucharistic amazement, our Catholic life risks becoming consumeristic and hollow. If you feel ever that you are in a rut or that your Faith life is not growing, that you are not growing in virtue, growing in greater love for God and for your neighbor, perhaps begin by spending time before each Mass really praying and pondering what is about to happen, and then, spend time after receiving the Eucharist really adoring God whom you have received.

The most extraordinary moment of our week (or day) is when we receive the Eucharist. It enables us to live every ordinary moment in a supernatural way. That elderly couple looked at each other with a devotion and love that made them young in heart and their marriage seem both like an old treasure and a new discovery. That is how we want to approach the Eucharist, and that begins by spending time preparing to receive the Eucharist and in spending time thanking God for the gift of the Eucharist.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

What Erodes Our Humanity

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:24:57 GMT

Some years ago in a previous parish, I moved a crucifix that had hung for a century on a piece of beautiful fabric in the church sacristy. When I took down the crucifix, I was surprised to see the real color of the fabric. Decades of sunlight, heat, and incense had caused the surrounding fabric to fade, but behind the crucifix, the real rich color had been preserved.

Sometimes when we go about our life we do not realize just how significantly we are affected by the culture around us. Like the fabric in that sacristy, the change is not always immediately perceptible. It is gradual.

We live at a time when the culture around us has changed dramatically. Things that would have been universally condemned sixty (or even ten) years ago, are now widely accepted. Things that would have been universally acknowledged as good sixty (or even ten) years ago, might now be looked upon with suspicion or derision. (I should add that there are many wonderful things about the present culture that we should rejoice in, but today I am focused upon those things that erode our own humanity.)

The disintegration of the family, the ubiquity of pornography, the presumption of cohabitation before marriage, the acceptance and promotion of abortion, and a host of other factors have left their mark on our culture. Similarly, the culture of, what I might call, harshness has become the new normal. Social media often makes people forget the humanity of others. People are told that they should be perpetually angry about everything. It affects the way that people communicate with one another. This harshness dehumanizes the person on the other end of the phone or on the receiving end of an email.

In the midst of all of this, the Church remains steadfast in its defense of the human person. In our present moment, governments are opting to allow the killing of the sick. The Church stands in absolute opposition to this because Jesus tells us to visit and care for the sick, not eliminate them. It is a grotesque distortion to call the killing of the sick a form of mercy.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that:

“Scripture specifies the prohibition contained in the fifth commandment: ‘Do not slay the innocent and the righteous.’ The deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human being, to the golden rule, and to the holiness of the Creator. The law forbidding it is universally valid: it obliges each and everyone, always and everywhere.”

In a culture where it is becoming increasingly acceptable to think that suicide and euthanasia are legitimate options, it is good for us to remember that the Fifth Commandment absolutely prohibits them. Those who suffer from physical ailments, old age, or from mental anguish must never be encouraged to think “it would be better for everyone else if I’m not here.” As Christians, we cherish human life and do not determine for ourselves which lives are worth living.

Another topic I want to mention (and yes, I know it is a political third rail these days) is the issue of the treatment of people present in our country whose legal status is questionable. Every country has a right to establish and enforce laws that regulate immigration. Reasonable people may disagree on what those laws should entail and how they should be enforced. My purpose in writing here is not to impose on anyone else my opinions on how the immigration situation should be resolved in its specifics. Rather, I want simply to mention that in our culture, there can be a tendency to dehumanize immigrants. Many people who entered the country unlawfully did so to escape violence and poverty, and to make a better life for their families. I cannot help but think how terrifying it must be for a man or a woman who is raising a family to wonder if they will be suddenly arrested one day.

In a culture that tends to demonize people and dehumanize them, Christians are called to love them and to promote their human dignity. When we are at Mass, none of us looks around and thinks, “I will love that family over there once I know their immigration status.” In the same way that none of us looks around and thinks, “I will love that family over there once I know if they’ve been completely honest each time they’ve filed their taxes.” We love them because they are made in the image and likeness of God and are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

A Christian culture–when it saw human suffering–built orphanages, hospitals, adoption agencies, soup kitchens, mutual aid societies, St. Vincent dePaul Societies, homeless shelters and so on. In a culture where Christianity is fading, so is the dignity afforded to human life. We live at a moment when the unborn, the poor, the infirm, the immigrant etc. are often viewed as problems to be eradicated rather than human beings to be loved and protected.

What can we do? We can live in the midst of our culture as disciples of Jesus Christ. We can place ourselves firmly in the shadow of His Cross. We can live as a sign of contradiction. In the midst of a culture that increasingly devalues human life and dignity, we can be true disciples of the Lord who radiate His love to all, especially to the vulnerable and the suffering.

Decades of intense light, dirt, and heat eroded the brilliance of that piece of fabric, but behind the image of the Crucified Christ, its glory was preserved. At the moment, cultural forces can cause the brilliant dignity of human life to become less apparent. Without Christ, the world tends to become gray, cold, and harsh. It is only in Christ that the full dignity and beauty of life is truly discovered. The more we live in Christ and follow Him, the more we become in a faded world a sign of contradiction and a witness to hope.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The “Drunk Philosopher” Syndrome

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:54:12 GMT

There are certain kinds of conversations that I had more patience for when I was younger. I describe them as the “drunk philosopher” kind of conversation. The image I have in mind is standing at a bar with someone who has had way too much to drink. They begin to say nonsensical things as though they were the most profound utterances ever made by a human being. A good example might be when they say something like, “Well, who is to say that we are really here now talking with one another? Maybe this isn’t actually happening.” Usually, words like this are spoken with a self-satisfying nod and an attitude of intellectual superiority.

At a certain age you realize that debating an inebriated person who questions whether we are even having a conversation is not really a fruitful use of time. In fact, the person has given you the best out possible. If this conversation isn’t actually happening, then it’s not rude for me to walk away from it!

The “drunk philosopher” syndrome is not isolated to late-night barrooms. It happens even among the sober. It happens in an educational style that is deconstructive. It happens, for example, when a young person goes off to high school or college and some teacher basically says, “Well, you’ve been taught all of these things by your parents, but all of those things are wrong.” The problem with this is that rarely do those persons ever help the young person to make sense of life in any comprehensible way. Instead, they basically say, “Well, you really can’t know anything. You can’t know what is good and evil. You can’t even know if you are a boy or a girl. There is no cohesiveness to life. It is all just random, arbitrary, and ambiguous. Have a nice life. And please spend the next decade paying off the debt you incurred so that I could tell you that you can’t know anything.”

This kind of glibness can also be present in a certain elitist form of theology. Some who consider themselves “on the cutting edge” fancy themselves as too clever to accept or believe what previous generations of Christians held and believed. They like to disrupt the placid faith of others and inject doubt. It is almost always presented with condescension. “I am one of the enlightened ones who really knows.” The pure faith of a believer is treated as quaint, but foolish and uneducated.

When I was younger, such things really irritated me. I think it mostly irritated me because it always seemed to come from people who ought to know better. I think it also irritated me because the person usually looking down upon the pure Catholic faith of others often would sound like the drunk philosopher who thought himself to be a shining light of intellectual genius.

As I get older, it does still annoy me to see someone attempt to undermine the placid faith of another (especially the young), but the fact is only the truth has grace. When we see someone who lives out of a pure faith, it is far more convincing than all of the pseudo-intellectualism of the deconstructionist. Just a couple of examples. Last week at one of our Masses, there were all of these infants! The presence of these young families is a far more powerful testimony to the truth of what the Catholic Church teaches and believes than any damage that can be inflicted by those who seek to sow doubt. When you see those families, your heart knows you are seeing something true. Similarly, at that same Mass, I watched one of our parishioners in her nineties make her way up the stairs to the church. I’m sure it wouldn’t even occur to her that her example confirms others in the faith, but it does. You look at her fidelity (and the fidelity of so many others) and you think, “That’s what I want to be because I know that is true!”

The first reason we attend Mass on Sunday is to fulfill our obligation to offer God the worship to which He is due. This worship of God, however, adds nothing to His greatness. It does, however, benefit us in all sorts of ways. One thing it does for us is to strengthen our own Faith. Chances are, we spend most of our lives surrounded by “drunk philosophers.” Whether it is in our jobs, on our computers and phones, in the media, or in the culture around us, we are bombarded by unserious ideologies that relentlessly oppose the Truth. The Sunday Mass becomes a place where our confidence in the Truth and in the Faith are restored and strengthened.

In the witness of those who surround us, in the beauty of their lives and in the purity of their example, our confidence in the Faith is restored. In the faces of those who surround us, our inner peace and faith are strengthened so that we can say with ever firmer hearts, “I believe.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Some Scattered Thoughts

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:33:43 GMT

This week, just some scattered thoughts:

On Tuesday I attended the end-of-the-year celebrations for the preschool children at St. Patrick School. There was a lot of singing, dancing, and pure joy. As I write this, I am still smiling.

I mentioned at one of the Masses last week that there are a lot of necessary repairs on our horizon.

Last week a coil on one of our air conditioner units broke. The replacement cost of the coil is $11,000. At this point, we are trying to determine whether to fix the coil or replace the whole unit because the unit (like all of our units) is over twenty years old.

We signed a contract last month to replace the system controls for the building. That is over $100,000.

We are looking into repairing the front steps of the church. They look (and actually are) in terrible condition. It kills me to have to spend money on stairs that never get used, but there really isn’t an alternative.

There are lots of other projects needed too. I just want to keep you in the loop.

There is a group of women who every week get together here and knit prayer shawls and lap blankets. Besides being a wonderful group of women, their prayer and kindness is deeply appreciated by so many people who receive those shawls and blankets. For people who are experiencing illness, loneliness, or some other suffering, it is a great consolation to them to realize that their parish was thinking about them and praying for them. I know that this small gesture of kindness can be like a ray of light entering into what was dark, burdensome, and lonely. I just want to say “Thank You,” to these agents of mercy.

St. Patrick Parish has had a long history of very generous donors. The generosity of the parishioners who came before us enables us to have the parish that we have. Many parishioners in the past have remembered St. Patrick Parish in their wills. Please consider remembering St. Patrick Parish in your will. But, you don’t have to wait until then to be generous!! We appreciate all of you who are so good to this parish. Thank You.

Above I mentioned some nuts and bolts kind of things that we need to do to the physical plant. I also want to mention some pastoral plans. Recently I have begun discussions with an organization that trains and provides missionaries to work in parishes. The work of these lay missionaries is to form intentional disciples of the Lord and to send them out to win over new disciples. My instinct tells me that St. Patrick Parish is a ripe place for such an endeavor. For now, it is still in the “thought stage,” but please keep this intention in your prayers. We would only be able to move forward with it if we can afford it, but I think it has the possibility of adding something really unique and transformational to our parish and taking us to the next level.

The other evening, I stopped into a small group bible study of a few high school men and Fr. Patrick. I cannot begin to tell you how amazing and refreshing it was to witness these young men growing in faith together, praying, and speaking from the heart. Please keep in your prayers this endeavor. Other small group bible studies for high school students will be beginning soon.

Fr. Sijo’s retreat last Saturday was well-attended and, I know, helpful to many people. Blessed be God.

This year we added a confession slot to our schedule on Mondays thru Fridays from 11:15-11:50am. At first, we would get one or two. I am happy to report that while rarely there are days with just two or three penitents, most days we hear a full thirty minutes of confessions. Some are parishioners and some are people who simply come here because we offer it. Many young people. It is so great!

Recently someone left me a voicemail inviting me to lunch. I wrote the name and number down, but lost it! If it was you, call me back!

Speaking of inviting me . . . One of the greatest joys of priesthood for me has been sitting at the dinner table of married couples and families. Just saying.

I am grateful for all the Lord is doing among us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Overcome with Paschal Joy

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:30:08 GMT

He is Risen!

Fifty days ago we began our celebration of Easter, and today the Easter Season comes to its culmination on the Solemnity of Pentecost. The Preface of every Mass since Easter has included the phrase, “overcome with Paschal Joy.” The Risen Lord bestows on His People, now something transitory, fleeting, or shallow. The joy he gives is abiding, sustaining, and touches us at the very depths of our soul. To be a Christian is to be overcome with Paschal Joy.

Until next Easter, today is the last day the priest prays the words, “overcome with Paschal Joy” during the Preface. I will miss saying it. “We are”, however, as St. John Paul II once said, (drawing upon St. Augustine), “an Easter People and Alleluia is our song.” Although we celebrate Easter most intensely during this season, we are always an Easter People. In the midst of sorrows, sufferings, and tribulations, the Christian People are sustained by Easter Joy. We know that Christ has conquered sin and death. We know that the victory is already won.

The Holy Spirit, poured out upon the Church at Pentecost, constantly reminds us of Christ’s victory. He teaches us to remain sure-footed and stable in the Truth. He breathes Divine Life into us and binds us together as one. The Holy Spirit sustains us in Easter Joy throughout our life and makes us witnesses to the world of the good news that Jesus Christ is indeed risen from the dead. Allow me to share with you some times during this past week when–here at St. Patrick Parish in Stoneham–I was overcome with Paschal Joy.

Last Sunday at the Ten o’clock Mass, two children were baptized and one of them was confirmed and received First Holy Communion. After that Mass, our young couples and families group hosted coffee and doughnuts in the hall. It was so wonderful seeing so many people, young and old(er!) enjoying each other’s company. Catholics spending time with one another rather than rushing out of Mass to get on to the next thing is a sign of Christ’s Presence for me.

After that, I had the Noon Mass. Not sure why, but last week, the Noon Mass was packed. It is always so much better when a Sunday Mass is filled. As I offered that Mass, I was convinced of Christ’s Presence among us.

After that Mass, I went to the rectory and discovered that a toilet on the second floor overflowed down through our dining room ceiling. Yes, we live in an imperfect and fallen world! But, in the midst of that, I watched charity action. Fr. Patrick and Thien–our newly arrived seminarian–jumped into action and saved the day. Even in the midst of such unpleasantness, Christ’s Presence was evident in their charity.

On Monday evening, we had a Mass and a dinner for many of our parishioners who serve in various capacities in the parish. One minute before Mass began, one of our staff said to me, “Make the Mass as long as you can because the caterer lost our order and there is no food!” Forty-five minutes later, as Mass was ending, our staff was racing into the kitchen with trays of food. They had gone to BJ’S, Anthony’s in Reading, Bacci’s, Gaetano’s, Farmland in Wakefield, and Angelo’s here in Stoneham to get whatever they could. They frantically worked to serve a full meal that they had assembled in forty-five minutes. It was unbelievable! Since I arrived here two years ago, I have been continuously struck by the charity, generosity, and organization of our parish staff. When that epic event was over, Fr. Patrick said to me, “Well, not many parishes could have pulled that off.” The staff here is a sign of Christ’s abiding Presence.

(As an aside, I want to thank Anthony’s in Reading, Gaetano’s, Farm Land Bakery, Bacci’s, and Angelo’s for coming to our aid in our hour of desperation! We are so grateful to them!)

On Tuesday we had a Eucharistic Procession. It was beautiful! All of the children from our school followed behind the Blessed Sacrament as we processed around outside the church, singing hymns praising the Blessed Sacrament. That is an image of what the Church is. We are a pilgrim people, following Christ through this world until we arrive in heaven. It was such a great day! The Eucharist is the abiding Presence of Christ.

As I write this, Fr. Sijo is preparing his healing retreat for June 7th. The Christ who healed in the Gospels continues to heal today. He continues to dwell among us.

While we will now leave the words “overcome with Paschal Joy” behind until next Easter, the Holy Spirit keeps that Paschal Joy still in our hearts. Thank you to all of you for helping me to be overcome with Paschal Joy.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The “In Between” Times

Wed, 28 May 2025 13:45:24 GMT

He is Risen!

Liturgically, we find ourselves today at an “in between” time. On Thursday we celebrated the mystery of Our Lord’s Ascension. Now, the Church gathers in a period of intense prayer, begging for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (next Sunday).

So much of life is spent in “in between” times. We mark time by the commemoration of big events. Memorial Day, for instance, tells us summer is here and Labor Day marks its end. The days in between, however, (except for July 4th) we do not tend to think much about. We all treasure memories from Thanksgivings and Christmases, but not so much the days in between. But, most of life is spent in between.

Being in between can sometimes fill us with anxiety. Being in between jobs, in between two family members or friends in a dispute, in between a medical test and awaiting its result, in between choosing one thing over another, or being in between a rock and hard place all can cause fear and anxiety.

Often when I pray, I think about what the “in between” times with Jesus and the apostles must have been like. The gospels preserve for us many of the things that Jesus said and did as he formed the apostles, but I like to think about what all the other hours and days with the Lord must have been like. They spoke along the way from one village to another with him, enjoyed meals together, asked questions, found things to laugh about, and shared life together.

Liturgically, we not only celebrate particular mysteries of the Faith, but we also prepare for them. Even though the culture begins to celebrate Christmas the day after Halloween, the Church recognizes that we need time to prepare. Lent prepares us for Easter. The days after the Ascension prepare us for Pentecost. The days in between our baptism and our death are given to us to prepare us for eternal life.

We tend to rush from one thing to the next, but it is good for us to savor the in between times. During vacations, I have visited many beautiful places in my life, but the places are not what I really hold dear. It is the time spent with the ones I traveled with that is most memorable for me. It was the meals, the car rides, and the conversations in between destinations that were the real treasures.

The in between times are not superfluous to our lives. In fact, they constitute the majority of life. In the spiritual life, the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of the Lord shape us. They are not merely one-off celebrations each year. They are meant to shape and transform every other moment in our life. Their memory and their graces are intended gradually to permeate our entire life.

In these days between the Ascension and Pentecost, the apostles gathered with Mary in the Upper Room in anticipation of what was coming. They stayed with one another and prayed. In doing so, they teach us how we should live the “in between” moments of our own lives. In the company of fellow disciples, with the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the memory of all the great things the Lord has done for us, and with confidence in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we fully anticipate that the favors of the Lord are not exhausted. We await a new heaven and a new earth. He who has done great things for us will renew the face of the earth.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:05:11 GMT

He is Risen!

When I was an altar boy, an elderly gentleman who was the church sacristan gave me a little paperback book of devotions. That book became for me a real source of spiritual growth. Among the many devotions contained in that little book were various prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As we approach June, the Month of the Sacred Heart, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to cultivate, if you do not already, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. There was a time when every Catholic home had an image of the Sacred Heart displayed.

The image comes from an apparition of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun in the 1600’s. The image represents the human heart of Jesus, broken, but filled with love for us. His heart is aflame with burning charity for us. Although the image comes from the apparition in the 1600’s, devotion to the Heart of Jesus is an ancient devotion.

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is always celebrated on the Friday following the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This year, that will be Friday, June 27th. There are many prayers, litanies, and devotions that are associated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. One popular devotion is the First Friday Devotion.

Jesus revealed to St. Margaret Mary that he wishes souls to be consecrated and devoted to His Sacred Heart. One way of doing that is on the First Friday of nine consecutive months to 1. Go to Confession; 2. Attend Holy Mass; 3. Receive Holy Communion. For those who keep the First Friday devotion, the Lord made several promises:

I will give them all of the graces necessary for their state of life.
I will establish peace in their homes.
I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
I will be their strength during life and above all during death.
I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings.
Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.
Tepid souls shall grow fervent.
Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
I will bless every place where a picture of my heart shall be set up and honored.
I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.
I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant all to those who receive Communion on the First Friday in nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

I remember reading those promises as a young boy and thinking, “Wow! I want that for me!”

As we begin the Month of June, I encourage you to consider cultivating a devotion to the Sacred Heart. I encourage you to go to Mass on June 27th (put it in your calendar!). I encourage you also to put into your calendar a reminder to fulfill the First Friday devotions. Read those promises above again! Don’t you want that for yourself?!

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in thee!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Thinking About Our Parish Life

Wed, 14 May 2025 17:45:41 GMT

He is Risen!

Last week Pope Leo XIV stepped out onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica and greeted his flock and the whole world. It was touching to see him so moved by the experience. At the very beginning of his pontificate, Pope Leo has emphasized the centrality of the proclamation of Jesus Christ. He invites all of us to direct our attention and our whole lives to Christ.

Quite happily, I have to admit, things are quieting down a bit in the parish as we have Lent, First Communions, Confirmations, Religious Education, and the school year mostly behind us. With the gradual slowing down (I hope) of a lot of events, summer months provide for a little space to think about our parish life and to mull over what might be fruitful for the year ahead. It always feels like we do not have enough calendar space, physical space, or mental space to attend to all the things that we would like to do in the parish. Although our building looks big, we are always struggling to find “good spaces” to have events. Our administrative staff have a tough job trying to keep some sense of planning and order. I have to admit, every time I walk out my front door, I agonize that the parish sold the land on Pomeworth Street! All that space!!!

One of the projects that we hope to begin working on is the Youth Ministry Room on the basement level of the church building. As we look to begin a youth ministry program in the coming weeks, our hope is to provide some warm, welcoming, and less “institutional” looking spaces. This room isn’t exclusively for the youth, so the hope is that it will also provide a place for other groups to use.

(Speaking of “warm,” we recently signed a contract to purchase for our whole building a new systems control. The system we currently have is over 20 years old and no longer works. That means that the heat and/or air conditioning are all over the place. Some rooms are freezing while others are stiflingly hot. In the next few months, we hope to have that resolved.)

This all brings me back to what I began with. Pope Leo XIV began his pontificate directing our gaze to Christ, and he reminded us that God’s love is for everyone. During these weeks of relative quiet, I want to think about how we as a parish can focus more upon Christ and how we can help everyone to know that God’s love is for them. Because we are such a large parish, it sometimes can feel like we are going from one thing to the next, but not with a lot of intentionality. We are scrambling to see to it that everything gets done, but that sometimes doesn’t leave a lot of time to take a bird’s eye view and wonder, “Are all of these things contributing to the true mission of the parish? How well and effectively are each of these activities helping people to encounter Christ and to grow in the love of God? Who are we forgetting? Do we have opportunities for everyone–whatever stage they might be in their life of Faith–to be welcomed and to grow?” It can’t be just a matter of having more events in our limited times and spaces. It has to be a more intentional and focused use of our time, space, and energies.

In any event, these are the things that I am thinking about. I am very grateful for the many people in this parish who keep the whole thing going, and also for all of those who have a heart for evangelization and are inviting and welcoming others and who are committed to providing opportunities to help others encounter Christ and to know the love of God. Our work as a parish belongs to each one of us.

Lastly, over the summer, we will be welcoming two seminarians, Thien Ngo and John Manning. Thien will arrive in June and John will arrive in July. Elsewhere in the bulletin, there is a brief introduction to Thien. We are very happy to welcome them. I do not know if there are any other rectories in the Archdiocese that will have five people living in them with an average age of 36! (I used to be the guy who kept the average age in a rectory down. I don’t know how the tables flipped on that one.)

Thanks again everyone for all that you do to make this parish great.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Keeping the Baptismal Light Burning

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:20:15 GMT

He is Risen!

As I write this, the Church has concluded its period of mourning for Pope Francis, and the Cardinals will soon be electing a new Pope. By the time you read this, I imagine that we will all know who it is and we will hear his name today during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. May the new Holy Father (if we have one by the time you read this) be strengthened in his Petrine Ministry, and may he shepherd, feed, and guard the flock entrusted to his care.

Speaking of feeding the flock, it has been a wonderful joy over the past two weeks to give Holy Communion to our 2nd graders for the first time. On the day of their baptism, their parents and godparents were handed a candle on behalf of their child and were told, “Receive the light of Christ.” Then they were told,

“Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart. When the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.”

That candle, with its small flame, is in a precarious position. It is exposed to the elements, risks being smothered for lack of oxygen, could easily be blown out by the wind, or dampened by the rain. That candle reminds the parents of what a precious gift Faith is and how so much is depending upon them to guard and nourish the Faith of their children.

Those children have been enlightened by Christ, but their Faith is lived in a world that exposes them to all sorts of dangers. Without being raised in an environment of prayer and Sunday Mass–the oxygen of the spiritual life–the risk of their light being extinguished is real. Those children will be constantly exposed to the winds of passing fads and false ideologies that blow hard against the light of Faith. Without their parents teaching them the Faith and helping them daily to grow in the Faith, this unsheltered light is exposed and vulnerable.

These children will grow older and will face trials and tribulations. They will sometimes experience the darkness of the world and of the culture. With the light of Faith, they will be able to find their way. If they have protected that tiny flame of Faith, it will grow and will enlighten their path. Even if the rains pour down upon them, if the little flame is tended to and guarded, year upon year, it will grow and become more reliable and certain. A flicker will become a steady flame.

Faith formation for children in the parish is a supplement, but it cannot replace the role of parents. The first teachers of children in their faith are the parents. The parish cannot replace the parents. We can only try to help them. We want to partner with parents in raising their children in the Faith, but religious education is not magic. An hour a week, a few times a month, a few times a year will not produce a life-long, faithful, disciple of Jesus. If it did, all the people who have done that for the past decades would be filling our pews on Sundays.

When we light a candle and walk with it, we naturally put our hand up to protect the flame. When we light a fire, we do the same thing, and then we gently blow to get the flame to burn more brightly. As a parish, we need to engage more with parents and help and equip them to fulfill the solemn obligation of keeping that light burning brightly. How? That remains to be seen, but we are committed to working on it.

Lastly, I want to wish all of our Mothers a Happy Mothers’ Day! Whether our Mothers are still with us or in Heaven, may the Lord reward them for their goodness.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

First Year Reflections by Fr. Patrick

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:00:10 GMT

The Lord is Risen! As we enter the 3rd week of Easter, it marks the completion of my first full liturgical year with you here at St. Patrick’s. With all that has happened and all the joys I’ve experienced, it feels like it has been much longer! I’m so grateful for the many unique opportunities I’ve had for building and sharing in friendship with you. One of my highlights of the past year was in fact just last weekend.

In collaboration with the Archdiocesan Office of Faith Formation and Missionary Discipleship, we hosted national youth ministry leader Everett Fritz for a day of training and formation for 20 adult leaders who will begin to mentor high school students in small groups. Each small group will consist in 4-8 teens coming together 2-3 times a month for one hour to build authentic friendships and discuss a relevant passage of Scripture under the guidance of two adult mentors. These small groups together will form the core of our new youth ministry and will be the source of infinite other possibilities for engaging with young people and bringing them into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

At the training last week, the general feeling in the room went from cautiously optimistic at the start to overwhelmingly enthusiastic by the end. I think what excited people is the realization of how simple evangelization truly is, and how beautiful a life of discipleship is. Simple, because it does not require complicated programs or gimmicks; beautiful, because it fulfills a deeply human need in a way that nothing else in the world can.

One of Everett’s most profound points was understanding the 5 needs of every teen: to be understood, to belong, to be transparent, for critical thinking, and for guidance. (At the end of the day, isn’t that really for all of us?) When those needs are met, the heart is opened to the proclamation of the Gospel; once the heart receives the Good News, faith takes root, repentance is elicited, and the interior transformation of grace begins to unfold.

Very often the word “evangelization” provokes uncomfortable reactions in people (or “weird vibes,” as Gen Z would say); perhaps they think of something overly intellectual, or even worse, they think of cornering people into awkward conversations or shouting out Bible verses in the town square. But evangelization is about neither gimmicks nor ideological battles; it’s about building meaningful relationships and allowing our communion with Christ to be experienced by others through authentic human experiences.

I wanted to share these preliminary reflections with you so that you can have a sense of the broader vision for our youth ministry and perhaps use that to reflect on your own life of discipleship with Christ. I ask for your prayers in particular for the young people of St. Patrick’s Parish (which includes every young person in the town of Stoneham and beyond, whose eternal salvation has been entrusted to our care), and for the adults who have generously offered their time and talent to this ministry.

When I arrived here a year ago I was very pleased to see the motto that Fr. Barnes places on our bulletin cover: truth, goodness, beauty, and friendship in Christ. It is my hope and prayer that everyone has an opportunity to experience that here at St. Patrick’s, and it is my honor to share in that with you!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Patrick

Reflections of Holy Week

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:12:30 GMT

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

On Tuesday of Holy Week, all of the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston gathered with Archbishop Henning for the Chrism Mass, and we renewed the promises made on the day of our ordination. Seated to my right was a priest ordained only three years ago. Directly in front of me was a priest in a wheelchair who was ordained over fifty years ago. All of us share in the gift of the one priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Also, at that Mass the Archbishop consecrated the sacred oils that will be used throughout the Archdiocese until the next Chrism Mass. Thus, all of the baptisms, confirmations, priestly ordinations, and anointings of the sick in every parish throughout the Archdiocese will be linked to the ministry of our Archbishop.

On Holy Thursday five brother priests joined Fr. Sijo and Fr. Patrick and me for an early dinner at our rectory. Holy Thursday is a day of great significance to all Catholics, but it holds special meaning to priests because it is the day on which Christ instituted the priesthood. It is the day that our vocation was born. It was wonderful to have a nice mid-day meal together and to build up our priestly fraternity.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday this year was one of those liturgical moments in life when I felt as though I had been taken up out of the 02180 zip code and transported to the Upper Room. It was, for me, one of those moments when you realize that you have been given a pure gift. When we enter into the Liturgy with faith, obedience, liturgical humility and docility, attentiveness, and with charity, we become better receptive to what the Lord wants to do. We do our small part and then God does something beyond our natural capacities. Being in the Upper Room with all of you on Holy Thursday was an amazing gift to me.

On Good Friday, Fr. Patrick, Fr. Sijo, and I were scheduled to hear confessions for two hours. We went non-stop for three hours. Similarly, on Holy Saturday the confession times had to be extended because of how many of you were there.

In the confessional, we stand beneath the Cross of Christ and His Mercy pours out upon the sinners He came to save. What an amazing thing it is to spend hours listening to people humbly acknowledging their sins, sometimes after carrying heavy, crushing burdens for decades upon decades. What a gift it is for a priest when he is able to help those persons experience Divine Mercy. The Devil wants to imprison people in shame, guilt, and in the past. Jesus comes to set captives free. Hearing long hours of heavy confessions is completely exhausting and completely life-giving and amazing. Thank you all for coming. Congratulations to all of those who were weighed down and are now free! Blessed Be God!

We had, I think, a beautiful Lent and Sacred Triduum together. I am grateful to all of those who made that possible, particularly our ushers, musicians, and all who served at the altar. I thank our clergy–deacons and priests–and the whole parish staff for their outstanding work. In particular, I thank Deacon Frank who was on top of every last detail (of which there are many)!

This year, throughout the Triduum and on Easter Sunday, I felt that people were hungering for and receptive to the Word of God. There was an openness and a desire to be drawn more deeply into the mysteries of Christ.

As I finish this letter, we have now received word that the Holy Father, Pope Francis has died. Easter Day is celebrated as an Octave. It is kind of like there is so much joy over Easter, that it can’t be squeezed into a twenty-four hour period, so the Church celebrates Easter Day for eight days. Pope Francis died within that Octave. May he share now in the everlasting joy that Christ’s resurrection brings.

I think a good telltale of whether Lent and the Sacred Triduum went well is by how exhausted you are at the end of it. I can’t speak for the rest of the clergy and staff, but I know I am exhausted! Happily exhausted, but exhausted! I am grateful for living these mysteries with you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

He is Risen Indeed!

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 02:09:58 GMT

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

That is an ancient greeting that Christians use during the Easter Season to greet one another. One person says, “He is Risen!” And the other responds, “He is Risen Indeed.” (Or, He is Truly Risen!).

During the Easter Vigil, the Church sings the following words: “The sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners. O truly blessed night, when things of heaven are wed to those of earth, and divine to the human.” Even though we are only at the very beginning of the fifty-day Easter Season, my heart spent all of Lent already crying out, “He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!.”

I cannot adequately express what joy it brings to the priests of our parish that we were swamped by confessions this Lent. The world needs mercy. We need less harshness, less bitterness, less resentment, and less unforgiveness. We need less wickedness. The heart longs for forgiveness, for cleansing, for restored innocence, and for joy. It seems like an impossible wish list. The darkness that afflicts the world can seem indomitable. But what seems even more indomitable is death itself.

Today, however, we proclaim that Christ is risen from the dead. He defeated even death itself. And He comes back carrying with Him the remedy for all of us. He gives to us what seemed impossible. He opens the way for us to be free, to be innocent, to be forgiven, and to live a new life.

All Lent long people previously condemned by the twisted lie that there is no way forward, walked into the confessional. There, in the tribunal of truth, they humbled themselves before the Lord. And there, they encountered the Risen Christ. They encountered Mercy.

There are so many times as a priest hearing confessions I have thought, “If this one confession was the only thing I ever did as a priest, it would be enough.” To be an instrument of the Lord’s Mercy and a witness to Christ setting someone free is extraordinary. Every penitent sinner who receives sacramental absolution is a sign of the victory of Christ.

Easter may begin today, but its evidence is always around us, especially in the Sacraments. Every sincere confession and absolution that took place here this Lent could be described this way: “He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!”

On behalf of priests, deacons, pastoral and administrative staff of St. Patrick Parish, I wish you extraordinary graces during this Easter Season and I thank you for being such a wonderful parish family. I feel very privileged.

He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!

Fr. David Barnes

Saying “Yes” to Christ

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:22:14 GMT

At the very beginning of the Gospels, Jesus began calling his disciples. He invited them to follow Him. He invited them to leave the familiar behind and to trust Him. “Come and see.” “Go out into the deep.” “Follow me.” Those first disciples must have long remembered that initial encounter and that first, “Yes,” that they gave to the Lord. Their discipleship, however, was only beginning. Every moment of every day after that, the Lord was inviting them to affirm that initial, “Yes.” They had set out on the life-long adventure of discipleship.

As we draw towards the end of Lent and enter into this Holy Week, my heart is filled with gratitude for the many ways in which you said, “Yes” this Lent. We added an extra daily Mass during Lent. You said, “Yes.” We added more confession times. You said, “Yes.” We had a Lenten retreat day. You said, “Yes.” We had a three-night series on learning to pray. You said, “Yes.” There was a group that met each Tuesday evening during Lent to grow in faith and prayer. You said, “Yes.” Young couples and families prayed Stations together each Friday and then had a meal together. They said, “Yes.”

It is so easy to get distracted from staying on the path of discipleship. Various concerns, anxieties, worries, memories, fears, resentments, temptations, and problems clamor for our attention. We can easily allow these things to occupy too much of our thoughts and energy, and then we drift off course.

This is why having companions on the road is so critical. When we walk in the company of people who are saying, “Yes,” to Christ, our life is reordered back to discipleship. When we see others who are following Christ, it awakens in us a greater desire to remain faithful to Him. Yes, the problems and difficulties of life are important, but the presence of other disciples reminds us that we live these problems and difficulties in a new way. We are walking with Christ.

We sometimes make idols out of our worries, burdens, anxieties, fears, and problems. We spend too much time worshiping them by giving them too much time and energy. The presence of companions on the road reminds us that these problems are not everything. The Christian friend awakens in us confidence that we are not alone. It awakens in us courage to move forward.

Today we begin Holy Week. It is the week for us all to be together. On Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday we walk together. We enter Jerusalem today with Christ. We enter the Upper Room together on Holy Thursday. We go to Calvary together on Good Friday. On Holy Saturday, together we wait. On Holy Saturday evening and on Easter Sunday, we go to the tomb together to rejoice in the Resurrection.

I look forward to living this week together with you. In seeing you and in walking with you, I come to see the power of the Christian, “Yes.” In seeing you live out your discipleship, it saves me from yielding to the cacophony of distractions that are part of life.

An image came to mind for me about our parish during this Lent. You all were like a tree with your roots stretched out. No matter how much water was offered, you drank it in. You kept saying, “Yes.” I am grateful for that. Your drinking in what Christ has offered will undoubtedly produce great fruit. The week ahead offers so many graces to us. I hope that you keep drinking them in. Seeing your example encourages me to stretch out my roots and to drink also from Christ, the Living Waters.

Together, on the Road with You,

Fr. David Barnes

Encouragement in the Christian life

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:28:21 GMT

St. Paul in his First Letter to the Thessalonians writes, “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thes 5:11). I remember some years ago hearing a priest say that every week when a particular parishioner would leave Mass, she’d tell him how wonderful his homily was. One particular day, he knew he had not preached particularly well, and as the woman was approaching him, he thought to himself, “Please don’t let her praise my homily, because if she does, I’ll never be able to believe another single compliment she ever gives.” When the woman approached with her usual smile and joy, the priest braced himself, but she said, “Father, those vestments are absolutely beautiful!”

True encouragement always has to be rooted in the truth. Telling someone who just struck out each time at bat that he really hit the ball well is patently untrue. As such, it doesn’t really encourage the person. In that situation, perhaps true encouragement might be more like, “Tough game, but I admire your perseverance and how you get up at each bat and give it your all.”

Encouragement goes a long way in the Christian life. Encouragement points out the ways in which someone is responding to the graces that the Lord is giving to that person. We should never encourage a person to commit sin or to remain in sin. That is always a disservice to the person. That would be like the Good Samaritan seeing the person beaten up by the side of the road and saying, “You’re fine.” That is patently false and unhelpful.

Instead, true encouragement stops and acknowledges the wounded person. The man left by the side of the road for dead was in a bad situation. But, the Good Samaritan offers hope. He not only shows the wounded man that there is a way out of his situation, he brings him to a better place.

True encouragement helps us to move forward by showing a way forward. The way forward is often identifiable by pointing out where the Lord is present here and now. This is especially true in the confessional. Probably one of my most often repeated phrases in the confessional is, “No discouragement.” Sin is bad, but discouragement is worse! There is always a way forward from sin. A person is never locked in the past. The confessional shows that there is a way forward. Mercy moves us forward. Step by step.

The person who doesn’t pray much? Well, I’d want to encourage them by pointing out that here they are in the confessional praying for mercy. The person who confesses pride? I’d want to encourage them by reminding them that they are now humbly kneeling before God asking for forgiveness... What could be more humble than that? The person who struggles with purity and chastity? I’d encourage them by pointing out that in a culture that mocks purity and chastity, what a wonderful grace the Lord has given to them that they actually desire it. To the person who hasn’t been to confession in a long, long time? Isn’t it great that you responded to God’s grace to be here now? To the person who lies? I’d want to encourage them by pointing out that here they are confessing the truth. That’s God’s grace at work.

Encouragement is not flattery. Encouragement is to spur someone forward by pointing out the truth that holiness is possible. To encourage someone is to say, “The Lord is doing this good thing in you. I see it. Keep going!” Flattery isn’t about helping the other person. It is about making me look better to the other person. Encouragement, on the other hand, is about helping the other person to move forward. It is for them.

Encouragement is not only about helping someone move away from sin. It is also about helping them to advance in the life of grace. Pointing out the ways in which someone is living the Christian life is a source of encouragement for that person. It helps them to remember that they are walking along the way, and that way is Christ Himself. It pulls them along.

I am encouraged by all of you. All the ways that the Lord is filling you with His graces and all the ways that you respond to those graces is a source of encouragement to me. It makes me want to follow this Way even more and to never be discouraged by my own weakness.

As we draw closer to Holy Week, let us be more firmly resolved to the Way that is Christ. And let us help one another to stay on this Way. “Let us encourage one another and build one another up.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Importance of Confession

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:41:48 GMT

Recently I have heard from several young married couples how much they love our parish and how they wish they could stay here, but that they cannot afford to purchase a home in Stoneham. Their comments made me both sad and grateful. Sad because I do not want to lose the presence of these beautiful families from our parish. Grateful because all of you, by God’s grace, have made this parish into a place where young families want to come and stay.

If you are looking to add something to your prayer list, perhaps pray that more faithful Catholic families might be able to find homes in our community. The presence of faithful Catholic families enriches our parish and is a sign of life. Who knows, maybe a way will be opened up that will allow these families to live here and be a blessing to us?

Frs. Patrick, Sijo, and I heard all of our St. Patrick School students’ confessions during the past couple of weeks. I am grateful that their administrators and teachers provide them with excellent formation beforehand which allows the students to be truly prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Learning to trust the Lord with our sins at a young age is an excellent formation for the future. By learning how to make a good confession, a person learns that God’s Mercy is reliable. We can trust God with anything and he will forgive us. It makes me so happy to know that our students are learning this.

As Lent draws quickly towards Holy Week, I want to encourage you to go to Confession before Easter. Since November, I’ve lost some weight. Before that, I knew I had gained weight. I knew I needed to do something about it. Every time I saw the scale in my room, I avoided stepping on it because I knew it would be bad news. So, I knew I weighed too much, but stepping on the scale seemed like something to avoid. If I didn’t actually see the bad news, I could pretend like everything was fine.

That’s what sometimes happens with Confession. Every Catholic knows that they should go to Confession. Every Catholic knows that they NEED Confession. But, oftentimes they are afraid to step on the scale. So, they pretend like they’re fine. And what happens? The longer they wait to go, the more they carry all this weight around. It gets heavier and heavier. It becomes ridiculous.

Now, unlike the real scale that can only tell you the bad news but not fix it, Confession is so much better! When we go to Confession and acknowledge all of our sins, the Lord takes the weight of our guilt away immediately. Sure, we have to commit to doing some future spiritual training and commit to avoiding sin, but the weight of guilt disappears immediately. (Oh, if only the bathroom scale were so powerful!)

Now, the longer you put it off, the more difficult it gets. And you play mental games with yourself, but deep down, you know you need to do it. And it is often the case that you carry around all of this anxiety and guilt for so many years, and the longer you put it off, the more you feel guilty about putting it off which makes you put it off even more. And then, a person like that comes to confession and says, “It’s been fifty years since I’ve been to confession” and lists all of these sins that they’ve been carrying around with them forever. They’re embarrassed by some sins. They’re ashamed of some sins. They are terribly guilt-ridden by some sins. Some sins were so long ago and they want the priest to know that they’ve changed since then. And having carried all this weight around forever and been afraid to step on the spiritual scale, they do it. And a lifetime of guilt is wiped away. Gone.

There is nothing–absolutely nothing–that you can confess that the priest hasn’t heard before. Don’t let sin and embarrassment hold that kind of power over your life. Just confess it and be set free. I’ve run out of space, but maybe I will write or speak more about confession in the weeks ahead. Either way, chances are, you could afford to lose a few pounds (or maybe a lot of pounds) of guilt weight. I pray that all of us have the courage, the Faith, and the Hope to go to Confession soon.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Parishioners I Have Not Met

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:29:04 GMT

Usually when I write in the bulletin, in my mind, I am not writing to an anonymous group of persons who may or may not read these letters. I am thinking of the faces that I see each week sitting in the pews or in the rush at the end of Mass as you pass by. I am thinking about particular faces. Christianity is not vague or ambiguous. It is about particular persons. Firstly, it is about the persons of the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is about particular brothers and sisters who sit near us at Mass. We do not love vaguely. We love particularly.

This past week, I visited some homebound parishioners. Some I knew from when they were able to come to Mass regularly, but others I have never met. It struck me that there are faces I do not see who are also our parishioners. Today, in a particular way, I want to write to them. Maybe, in God’s Providence, their eyes might fall upon these words. Either way, I trust that there is no harm in writing to the faces that I do not see.

Among the faces that I do not see are those previously mentioned. You are those who were long an active presence in our pews. You were the people who “did things.” You served on parish committees, volunteered in various capacities, and were well-known by everyone. You were the people who built this parish. Now, whether by age or by infirmity, you are no longer able to be here with us on Sundays. Your faces–though hidden from us–are nonetheless still a part of our parish. Even though you may be aged or infirm now, you are not off the hook. I ask you to continue your service to St. Patrick Parish by offering your sufferings for St. Patrick Parish and by praying for us. I have no doubt that your prayers and offerings continue to build up St Patrick Parish.

There are also those who live within our parish boundaries who perhaps never participated in the life of the parish. You may also now be aged and infirm. Since you were never or rarely here, maybe you feel as though you do not belong. Do you know what the Church says? It says that you are our parishioner. It says that I am your pastor and the priests here are your priests. If you spent almost all of your life far away from the Church and the Sacraments, the good news is that word, “almost.” There is still time to be reconciled and to begin anew. You are included among the faces that belong here.

There are those who maybe come on Christmas, Easter, Ash Wednesday, First Communions, Confirmations, or who send their children to St. Patrick School or to our parish religious education program, but who are otherwise not involved in the life of the community. There are those who simply drifted away from the practice of the Faith or who made a decision not to participate. Maybe along the way I upset you or someone else upset you. Maybe you drifted away because of some sin in your life. Maybe you have this nagging feeling on Sunday mornings or you say to yourself, “Someday I will go back.” I hope that “someday” comes sooner rather than later. Depriving yourself (and your children) of the Divine Life given in the Sacraments is spiritually harmful. As I write these words, I think of particular faces that I have seen here and there along the way who I wish were here every week. Your presence is missed and you could add so much to the life of others by being here. Please come back.

There are as many reasons for not being here as there are faces. Each person absent from our midst is an individual, not a category. I hope in my generalizations I was able to capture, at least, some portion of those whose faces we do not see. Maybe ninety-nine out of one hundred people who read this do not need to see it. My hope is that maybe one person will see it and seek to return. Jesus came to seek out the one lost sheep.

Whether you are not in our pews because of circumstances beyond your control or from willfulness, you are still a parishioner here. We want to attend to your spiritual needs. If you are ill or homebound, contact us and we will visit you. If you are healthy but not ready to come to Mass, you can still call and we will visit you. Whatever it takes. We want you here. You belong here.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Each of us is striving to grow in holiness

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:44:24 GMT

The taking on of various lenten disciplines can be revelatory. Firstly, we might discover how attached we are to certain creature comforts. For most of us, we do not take on gigantic penances. Perhaps we give some small thing up for Lent, but in our minds, it becomes something huge. All of a sudden that dessert, that glass of wine, that extra five minutes of sleep, or whatever it is that we’ve given up seems to us like it is the greatest of all sacrifices. This revelation is good for us! It reveals to us that perhaps we’ve become rather soft in our life.

Another thing we may notice is that our Lenten penances reveal to us other weaknesses in our life. That is because the penances are making us more sensitive to spiritual realities. We become more sensitive to faults that perhaps we didn’t realize we had. Or, faults we know we have but have chosen to ignore, make themselves more apparent to us. This can be uncomfortable for us. Perhaps, in the past, we relied on those particular creaturely pleasures to help us to escape from dealing with our faults. For instance, if you give up some form of entertainment for Lent, all of a sudden you are left with . . . actual quiet. In the quiet, things begin to rise to the surface. You are confronted with things about yourself that you’ve safely avoided by filling every waking moment with mindless entertainment.

And, of course, the temptation now is to resort back to those entertainments so that you can avoid this uncomfortable feeling. Rising to the surface can be all manner of ugly things. We discover that in our hearts are perhaps impurity, anger, resentments, pride, envies, or spiritual laziness. We may be suddenly confronted by the fact that we nag, complain, gossip, lie, presume the faults of others, or detract from the good reputation of others. So, we try to escape from them by finding refuge in creature comforts.

If these things are happening to you during Lent, great! That is what is supposed to happen. We who may have previously felt self-sufficient in our spiritual life, are coming to recognize our absolute need for grace. Lent is not about us making ourselves good. It is about allowing grace to perfect us.

One of the perks of being a priest is that often if I’m meeting a priest friend for dinner or whatever, it is not unusual to ask him to hear my confession first. Even so, I still like getting in line for confession with all the other penitents. There’s something so Catholic about waiting in line together to go to confession. It says, “We are all in this together.”

That is also true of Lent. We are in it together. Each of us is striving to grow in holiness. We may have all taken on different disciplines, but we are each trying to grow in holiness. For some, they are trying to get back into the swing of things. Maybe they’ve been away for a while, but Lent has awakened a desire within themselves to return. Blessed Be God. It’s so nice to see you here. Others are participating in the Saturday morning Men’s Group, Women’s Bible Studies, the Lenten Formation Program on Monday nights. Young families are meeting together for prayer, meals, and for mutual encouragement. A good number of folks are coming to daily Mass at Noon or at 6 pm. The confession lines are full.

We make some small offering to the Lord–some sacrifice, some sign of our desire to grow in holiness–and, in turn, He gives us a hundredfold of grace. He takes our meager offering, blesses it, and multiplies it. As I look around at all of you this Lent as you strive to grow in holiness, I am convinced that the Lord is pouring out His graces upon this parish and upon each of us. Let us pray that the Lord may bring to completion the good work He has begun among us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Scattered Thoughts

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:56:48 GMT

Many scattered thoughts this week:

Last Saturday 125 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation in our parish. During that ceremony, I looked around with gratitude for the many parishioners who generously gave of themselves to our young people, their families, and their guests. One of the things that this parish does so well is making people feel welcomed. Thank you to those of you who gave up your Saturday to be here and to greet, welcome, and assist people.
I also want to thank all of those who gave so much time this year serving in our Confirmation program. Your generosity of time and your modeling of faithful discipleship to our young people is an extraordinary gift to our parish. The Christian Faith spreads through witnesses. You have certainly been that. Thank you so very much.
You will soon be hearing a lot about the Catholic Appeal which is the annual funding campaign to support our archdiocese. I am grateful for your past generosity and ask you to support this important work. Last year, all of us who contributed helped to surpass our parish goal. Thank you so much for that.
Every hospital in our area has an on-call priest for emergencies. If your family member is hospitalized and is in danger of death, you should always ask the hospital to contact the “on-call priest.” This is the best and most efficient way of making certain that your loved one is able to receive the Sacraments. All of the priests in the area take turns covering the hospitals. This system makes it possible for the priests to divide the workload.
I know I say it all the time, but it is so awesome to see so many young couples and babies around the parish! You bring so much joy to us. Thank You!
Although each of us adopts Lenten disciplines that are particular to our own personal spiritual formation, we are, nonetheless, all in it together. As we live this Lent, let’s pray for one another. As we embrace our various lenten disciplines, we can pray for one another and offer our sacrifices for one another.
We had a lot of funerals recently! When I was growing up, I attended our parish school and was an altar boy. That meant that I got out of school regularly to serve funerals. I remember there was a sacristan named Stanley. When the funeral would end, we would get Stanley to tell us stories and we’d volunteer to clean etc. Eventually when we got back to school, the nun would ask us why we were so late. We hated to have to blame Stanley, but someone had to be blamed! On a serious note, one thing I have always loved about the Catholic Funeral Mass is that whether you are a king or a pauper, the Church gives you the exact same prayers when you die. Sometimes people think that the Funeral Mass has to be unique or geared toward the person who died. But, I think what is really beautiful is when you simply get the Mass. This, in many ways, is true about Mass in general. The idea is not for Mass to be shaped by us, but rather for us to be shaped by the Mass. In any event, one thing I’d like to mention is resisting the current trend of people not having Funeral Masses for their loved ones. Plan ahead. Make certain that when you die, a Funeral Mass will be offered for you. Insist upon it.
Don’t forget that we have a Noon Mass and a 6pm Mass every weekday during Lent. It’s a great opportunity.

Thank you all for your joyful example and witness. Seeing you each week is a real source of joy for me. We are Jesus’ disciples and we can help one another follow Him.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

On the Threshold of Holy Lent

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:08:25 GMT

There is a verse in Psalm 16 that says, “He has put into my heart a marvelous love for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.” I often think that those words are an apt description of a priest’s heart. When I look out at Mass each Sunday and see you, your families, your joys, your sorrows, your burdens, your trials, your example, your fidelity, your desires etc., my heart is filled with a marvelous love for you. This marvelous love is a gift from the Lord.

Today we stand at the threshold of Holy Lent. We step forward together into the desert in order to be purified and to grow in virtue. Just like the Hebrew People were led by the Lord from slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land, so too, we begin our Lenten pilgrimage. In this time and in this place, the Lord desires to lead all of us–together–into a deeper relationship with Him.

It is always good to begin Ash Wednesday with a plan in place. Each of us is in need of purification and each of us is in need of a deeper union with Christ. Lent is an opportunity for all of us to join together in pursuing a greater conformity with Christ. The purpose of Lent is not merely to “give something up,” but to become more like Christ. Some things we give up because they are bad for us. Other things we give up as a way of disciplining ourselves.

Is there some vice in your life that you know you should give up? Gossip, complaining, harboring resentments, pornography, attention-seeking, wasting time, spiritual laziness, spending too much time on empty entertainment, stinginess etc.? Lent is a good time to pick one of them and really dig deep in order to eliminate that vice from your life permanently.

There are other things we give up just for the season of Lent. These can be good or neutral things that we voluntarily curtail in order to discipline ourselves to build up spiritual muscle to give up the more difficult attachments we have to sin. So, for example, maybe we give up a few minutes of sleep each day during Lent. We wake up ten minutes earlier each day and use that time for prayer. That sacrifice can strengthen us to fight the more difficult battles of giving up sins that have a hold upon us.

It’s not about doing things just to do them. It’s about growing in virtue, especially in the virtue of charity. When I was a kid, my parish offered four daily Masses on weekdays during Lent, and they were all packed! There is nothing that can help us grow in charity more than worthy participation in Holy Mass. St. Patrick Parish will offer a 6pm Mass each weekday during Lent in addition to our daily Noon Mass. I hope that you will consider taking advantage of this gift.

There are millions of things we can add for Lent. Increase your charitable giving. Pick one person each day and offer all your prayers and sacrifices that day for them. Write a note to one person each day during Lent telling them that you are praying for them. Visit the sick or the lonely. Instead of being negative or complaining, encourage people.

These are all just random ideas. Each of us has to examine ourselves and figure out what our Lenten plan should be. Be careful to avoid certain pitfalls! For instance, one failure doesn’t mean we quit altogether. If we fail in our Lenten discipline, we get up and carry on. Do not come up with a plan that is bound to fail. Better to pick one or two things and actually do them than to pick a hundred things and never do any of them. Also, don’t make your Lenten penance everybody else’s penance. If giving up coffee is going to make everyone else in your life miserable, don’t give up coffee!

If you don’t already, add frequent confession to your Lenten plan.

I really hope that this Lent is a season of extraordinary grace for all of us. We are in it together. As I write this, I think of all of you and where you sit at Mass. I can see you there in your spot. And, my heart is filled with that marvelous love. I look forward to living this Lent together. As we set out together, let’s pray for one another and encourage one another. Before us is a great opportunity. Together, and by God’s grace, may we become truly holy.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Bringing the Faith to our Children

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 18:58:23 GMT

Firstly, let me share with you something that I found very consoling. I recently received a note from an 84 year old parishioner who said that she is praying for all of the new pastoral initiatives in the parish aimed at young people. Even though she is not directly involved in those things, she recognizes how important it is to evangelize, form, and build community among Catholic youth and young people. Her prayers, I have no doubt, are a source of great fruitfulness in those endeavors.

Last week’s “Theology on Tap” hosted by the young adults of Stoneham and Reading had over fifty young adults join together for fellowship, prayer, and formation. Nobody was expecting such a large number, so they were all crammed into a very tight space. Thanks to all of those who helped organize it and attended it. Thanks also to Fr. Patrick who gave the talk.

Last Sunday our Confirmation class had a retreat day led by Nicholas and Sarah Antonacci. Nick is the Assistant Principal at St. Patrick School. 130 or so young people prayed, listened to wonderful talks, shared in small groups, went to confession, and attended Mass. The day was the culmination of a lot of work by our confirmation team of parish staff and volunteers. These persons made a lot of personal sacrifices to commit to our young people during this whole year. In your name, I thank them.

This brings me to a concern of mine. Every Sunday, approximately 1300 people attend Mass at St. Patrick. We have hundreds of Baptisms each year, over one hundred First Communions and Confirmations. Between our school and our religious education program, there are 650 children and young people. If all of those children and their parents were coming to Mass each Sunday, our Mass attendance would be at least 1950. And that would only be just them. Not all the other parishioners.

When a parish has big numbers, it can be easy to be deluded into thinking that everything is great or, at least, safe. Those occasional “big blip” numbers–like First Communions and Confirmations–are not really an indication of the health of our spiritual life as a parish. In fact, they may be telling us of a serious problem. The real indication of spiritual health among our young people and their families is whether they are coming to Mass on Sundays and intentionally growing in their life of discipleship.

A child who isn’t raised intentionally and actively in the Faith (especially by attending Mass every Sunday) is not, in twenty years, going to have his or her own children baptized. Those children will likely be devoid of any connection to the Faith that their grandparents once practiced with devotion, sacrifice, and fidelity.

As I continue to reflect upon the situation our young people confront, I recognize that something urgently needs to be done. Do I know exactly what that is yet? Not entirely, but I think a shift needs to occur in our expectations and in our methods. I think we need to once again return to the expectation that parents are the first teachers of their children in the Faith. What volunteers, parish staff members, and teachers do is supplement and help parents in that responsibility, but we cannot–and should not–replace the parents in this obligation.

What will this look like? I wish I knew! I think it means a pretty big paradigm shift in our thinking and approach. It will likely start small, but will be focused on helping those parents who really want to raise their children in the Faith. The problem is daunting. I am, however, reminded of the words of our Lord to his apostles, “Put out into the deep waters and lower your nets for a catch.” I sense that we have to leave the safety of what we have known and done in the past and trust that we have to go deeper.

I have lots more to say on the matter, but no room to say it! Please keep this intention in your prayers.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:51:14 GMT

Even though the Christmas Season is over, today’s Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is, in some sense, the very, very end of Christmas. In some cultures, the Christmas decorations stay up until today. (I think sometimes in my family, the Christmas decorations stayed up until St. Patrick’s Day, but that was more out of procrastination than for any theological reasons.)

Today’s Feast is always celebrated on February 2nd, so it is not often celebrated on a Sunday. It is a beautiful feast and has wonderful imagery. At all of the Masses, we will bless candles that will be used on our altars throughout the year. (Ever wonder why candles are used to bless throats? It is because the Feast of St. Blaise is on February 3rd, the day after all the candles are blessed.)

On the front cover of the bulletin this week is a reproduction of Rembrandt’s depiction of the Presentation of the Lord. You will notice the contrast between light and darkness. Simeon, holding the forty-day-old Christ Child, says, “My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the Nations and the glory of your people, Israel.” Rembrandt artistically depicts this by showing most of the people in the painting as standing in the shadows. The Christ-Child, however, is not merely in the light. He is the Light. It is He who is shining on those nearest to Him, illuminating their lives, and his light is gradually conquering the surrounding darkness.

The world can often be dark, cold, and cruel. Sin and its sinister seduction also draws us into the clutches of darkness. Even after we recognize its emptiness, we sometimes are deluded to think that going deeper into the abyss will eventually provide some satisfactory answer to our desire for meaning and our desire for fulfillment. To cast our lot in with the world and its power or to give ourselves over to sin is always the path to nowhere. It is the path to emptiness. Similarly, to base our life on power, pleasure, or possessions is to grasp at nothing.

Simeon lived as a man who longed for the appearance of Christ. He must have known–perhaps more than most–the depth of the darkness that weighed upon the world. He was a man who hoped in the promise that he would see the Messiah. He waited patiently for the Lord.

I am reminded of a piece of music that was often sung at funerals at a previous parish of mine. It is from Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah, entitled, “O Rest in the Lord.” It is a very consoling and beautiful piece which repeats the phrases, “O rest in the lord, wait patiently for him. He shall give thee thy heart’s desires.” It also reminds the listener, “And fret not thyself because of evildoers.” Just rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. (Look the piece of music up! It’s beautiful!)

I look at that Rembrandt depiction of Simeon, and it makes me think how good it is to just rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. In that moment, all of Simeon’s hopes and desires were far-surpassed. And the light embraced by Simeon gradually begins to affect those who are still in darkness.

Each of us experiences the weight of the darkness of sin and the corruption of the world. We can easily grow discouraged by the evil-doing of others and by our own sinfulness. There can be a temptation to capitulate to a worldly mentality or to yield to the easy escape of sin. We can easily become trapped by the memories of our own past sins, ensnared by present sins, and hopeless about future freedom. We can easily lash out against our enemies and live with resentments. Difficult situations confront us–family problems, illnesses, addictions, loneliness, alienation from loved ones. We can also be deluded into thinking that we can, by sheer force of will, create the better world for which we long and then be frustrated when such a world eludes us.

Are you suffering, discouraged, feeling weak, anxious, afraid, trapped in sin, feeling like you’re too far into the abyss to get out? Do you experience some darkness in your life and wonder if there is any relief? Simeon’s illumined face shows us the way:

“O rest in the Lord, wait patiently for him. He shall give thee thy heart’s desires. Wait patiently for him.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Catholic Schools Week

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:31:08 GMT

Have you ever had the experience of reading something that, in some ways, is completely obvious, but it stops you in your tracks and blows your mind? I remember some years ago, reading the first of a three-volume series by Pope Benedict XVI entitled “Jesus of Nazareth.” Towards the beginning of the book, Benedict asks a question that often arises in the hearts of people: “What did Jesus actually bring, if not world peace, universal prosperity, and a better world? What has he brought?”

As I read those words, I was thinking, “Yeah, what did he bring that was so different?” I know that Benedict’s answer should have been completely obvious to a guy who grew up Catholic, went to seminary, and was a priest, but the profundity and simplicity of Benedict’s answer stunned me. What did Jesus actually bring? Benedict’s reply: “The answer is very simple: God. He has brought God.” I remember quite clearly sitting in shocked silence as I absorbed those words.

Sometimes when we speak about Catholic Schools, we speak about academic excellence, discipline, and moral virtue. All of that is abundantly true, but, truth to be told, there are many places where academic excellence and discipline are instilled. And, while moral virtue might not be taught in many schools, most schools will talk about, “making the world a better place.” (What that means for them is another question.) What really distinguishes a Catholic School from all others? What do Catholic Schools bring? The answer is simple. They bring God.

The Church is the Body of Christ. To come into contact with Christ–and thus, in contact with God Himself, happens through His Body, the Church. Our parish exists so that the people of this time and place can encounter God. St. Patrick School is a part of this parish. It is a place where children and young people come into daily, sustained, and intentional contact with God. This happens through the sacraments, in religion classes, and through the example of administrators and faculty.

It is true that graduates of St. Patrick School go on to great high schools, universities, and successful careers. For me, however, all of that–as great as it is–would not be enough of a reason for a parish to run a school. The reason our school exists is because we believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We take Jesus seriously when He says, “No one comes to the Father, except through me.” We are in the business of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

There is no nothing more important or more urgent for young people today than to have a lifelong friendship with Christ and to live a life nourished by the Sacraments. If children and young people do not have a strong foundation in the Catholic Faith now, the chances of them being disciples of Christ later in life are very slim. The mission of St. Patrick School then is an urgent one. I thank all of you for your dedication, commitment, and generosity to this extraordinary mission of our Parish.

Happy Catholic Schools Week!

Fr. David Barnes

Encountering Christ

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:39:45 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, a man called the parish emergency line to have his Dad anointed. Unfortunately, there was a glitch with how our emergency line works and the man’s message was never received. Thankfully, the man called back a couple of days later and his Dad was anointed hours before his death. Both when I called the man and when I arrived at his house, I apologized profusely for the error. I felt terrible. The man looked almost confused and kept saying, “Father, I totally understand. Don’t even worry about it. I’m just glad you’re here now.”

The reason that encounter has stayed with me during the past days is because that man’s disposition stands in such refreshing contrast to the current cultural climate of perpetual and dehumanizing anger. The man didn’t presume that there was some sinister plot to ignore his call or a callous disregard for his urgent request. He just called back, pleasantly spoke with someone in the parish office, and treated everyone with kindness. And, in the end, he expressed nothing but gratitude.

What further amazed me is that the man’s mother and father were both dying, one at home and one in a care facility. As I was anointing the Dad, another priest was anointing his Mother. Both died within hours of each other. It would be totally understandable if that man had expressed anger, but instead, he was peaceful, kind, and grateful.

On the cover of our weekly bulletin are the words, “Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ.” This, to me, is what a Catholic parish should be. When we encounter Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Christian Friendship, we encounter Christ. Each of these things opens up our lives and transforms them. Encountering that man’s goodness was like encountering an oasis in the midst of a world that seems to breathe on the poisonous air of anger. Encountering goodness does something to us. It awakens something in us. It also has the power to transform us. It increases our own hunger for goodness and makes us want to live in goodness.

Last Sunday at the Noon, I saw two couples speaking after Mass. One couple’s baby was born a few months ago. The other couple had a baby just six days old! They were talking and conversing with one another and the first couple said, “We’d like to drop some food off at your home this week to help you guys out with the new baby.” There it is. Just pure, beautiful, life-giving, transformative goodness and friendship in Christ. Witnessing that encounter left me thinking, “That’s what a Catholic Parish is.” At that moment, I knew I had encountered Christ. That encounter with the Goodness of Christ and of Friendship with Christ continues to nourish and refresh me long after I witnessed it. I saw that and had this deep-down sense, “That is true! That is what is real. That is what my heart desires.”

What we encounter here each week is intended to transform us so that we can, in turn, bring transformative beauty, goodness, and truth to the world and draw others into friendship with Christ. We are supposed to become what we receive. In the Mass we receive the One who is beautiful, good, and true. And, we are drawn more deeply into His Friendship. This encounter is intended to transform us into Christ so that, through us, others may encounter beauty, goodness, truth, and friendship in Christ. The culture is starving for these things.

Parish life, it is true, involves buildings, heat, (or lack thereof sometimes!), phones, computers, shoveling, finances, logistics, maintenance, parking, scheduling conflicts, and human error. All just part of life. But, at the heart of parish life is the encounter with Christ. When I look out at you each week at Mass, I encounter the beauty, goodness, and truth of Christ and I experience through you His abiding friendship. Those words on the front of the bulletin are not merely aspirational. They are also a recognition of a reality that is already present among us. Or, put better, they are a recognition of the Presence of Christ who–in all of his beauty, goodness, and truth–already dwells among us and is drawing us together into His saving Friendship.

I am so grateful for that.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Reflecting on the Mystery of Christmas

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:06:13 GMT

Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Christmas Season draws to its conclusion. I write this letter to you on December 26th. Happily, it is a very quiet day and I am sort of basking in the glow of Christmas.

When the shepherds went to Bethlehem and recounted the announcement that was made known to them by the angel, the Gospel tells us that Mary “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” The Blessed Virgin Mary teaches us to keep, to guard, and to reflect on what is true, good, and beautiful. The Christmas Mystery is not something we possess and know all at once. It is something that is revealed to us in a gradual way. The more we keep the Mystery of Christmas in our heart, reflecting upon it, the more it shapes and transforms us from the inside out.

On this day after Christmas, I am trying to absorb, to keep, and to reflect upon the Mystery of Christmas as it revealed itself to me this year in and through so many signs and announcements. No, I did not see an angel or hear one, nor was I sent a star. But, I was given other signs.

Firstly, I cannot tell you how beautiful and moving it was to see so many parishioners come to receive the Sacrament of Confession in the days before Christmas. Your faith, your humility, and your love for the Lord was for me an announcement that Christ, the Savior, is indeed born among us.

Secondly, the extraordinary generosity that so many of you–often in very hidden ways–showed toward the poor, the sick, and the lonely was better than any star! Your charity towards others is for me an absolute assurance that Christ, the Savior, is born among us.

The crowds on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can sometimes–not in a bad way–be overwhelming for priests. It can be difficult to absorb it all and to interpret it. This year–on the day after Christmas–I am keeping that experience and reflecting upon it in my heart. As I do so, what strikes me is how much love is present in this parish. First and foremost, the experience of encountering those huge crowds makes me overwhelmed by the profound love that Christ has for each one of those persons and for all of us together. And, this year, more than just feeling like a lot of people were just hanging on to the family tradition of Christmas Mass even though they don’t come at any other time, I had a real strong sense that the crowds really were looking for Jesus. They desire Him. And He desires them. Christ, the Savior is born.

Dear Friends, the Blessed Virgin Mary teaches us to make our hearts a treasury in which to ponder Christ. What we keep in our hearts shapes us, for good or for bad. Like Ebenezer Scrooge, we all are capable of making our hearts storehouses of horrible things. Pride, arrogance, anger, bitterness, resentments, lusts, envy, gossip, lies, detractions, cruelty, greed, and so many other vices can rot the human heart from within. But, Christmas invites us instead to keep Christ in our heart; to ponder His love, forgiveness, joy, humility, purity, truthfulness, charity, kindness, and faithfulness. To keep Christ in heart and to reflect upon Him transforms us.

I thank you for helping me to think about Christ today and for being like a sign to me of Christ’s Presence. During these days, you have provided many things for me to keep in my heart and to reflect upon. You reminded me, once again, to sweep out from my own heart all that is not Christ, and to keep only Christ there. In doing so, you have been an assurance to me that Christ, the Savior is born.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

PS: During these weeks, so many cards, baked goods, and sweets were handed to us, delivered to us, or simply appeared to us! Please know that we are grateful for your outpouring of kindness and love. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and kindness mean more than you know.

PPS: From September 15-26th, 2025, Fr. Bobby LeBlanc (a good friend of mine and the pastor of Christ the King in Reading) and I will be leading a pilgrimage to many of the shrines of France. I am really looking forward to it. It should be a time of great beauty, great prayer, and friendship. I hope you will consider joining us.

The Feast of the Epiphany

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 19:02:30 GMT

Although you are reading this on the Feast of the Epiphany, early bulletin deadlines have me writing it on December 17th! I suspect that those of you who have me for Mass this weekend will have to suffer through these thoughts again in my homily.

The Feast of the Epiphany is one of my favorite feasts of the Church’s year. This year, what strikes me most about the Feast is the humility of the Magi. Firstly, they were men who looked out from themselves to discover the truth. They were looking up, searching the skies for answers. The search for truth is itself an act of humility. It says, “I do not have all the answers.” It was in their looking beyond themselves that the star became visible. They saw it because they humbly sought the truth.

Their second act of humility was in following the star. They were not merely curious. We live in an age of “quick clicks” where we read a headline or a meme, watch a ten second video clip, or quickly scan someone’s social media page, and then we move on to the next thing that catches our eye. The Magi saw something and they set out with their whole life to discover where it was leading. Once again, true following requires humility. It requires that one allow himself or herself to be led.

Herod, on the other hand, considers himself to be the master of his domain. He thinks that he can twist reality to conform to his own understanding. Over his head was the same star that the Magi were following, but Herod could not look up. He could only look down at his own petty kingdom.

When the Magi discover the Christ Child, they fall down in adoration and open their treasures. They fall down and adore Truth itself. They open themselves to the transformative power of Truth. To kneel before Christ–to kneel before the Truth–takes nothing away from our humanity. Kneeling before the Truth makes us more fully human. It elevates us and opens our hearts to a new world of Divine Friendship. It breaks us free from the prison of pettiness and passing things and sets our hearts on what lasts forever. It breaks us free from the deadly error of thinking that we are the ultimate arbitrator of what is true and good, and instead puts us in intimate friendship with the One who is True and Good.

In the days that I am writing this to you, the other priests and I have been hearing so many confessions as all of you prepare for Christmas. It occurs to me sometimes while hearing confessions that on one side of the confessional grille is a person who may be thinking, “The priest must think I’m awful.” On the other side of the grille sits a priest whose heart is bursting with love and admiration for the courage and humility of the penitent. We are thinking, “I really hope this person knows how much the Lord loves them.”

In the confessional, we Catholics come and kneel before Truth Himself. We kneel before God and open our treasures before Him. We open our hearts to the Lord and allow the Lord’s merciful gaze to illuminate the darkness of our hearts. The temptation of Herod to control our own life and to twist reality to suit our whims is always present. But, the Magi teach us to leave this kind of world behind and to seek the Truth in Christ; to judge our life by His Gospel and to experience within ourselves the peace that only He can bring.

Over these past weeks, so many of you lived the Mystery of the Epiphany already. You looked out and saw the Lord leading you to Confession. When you arrived there, you humbled yourself and opened the darkest parts of your heart to Him. These sins were your treasures. You held them tightly because of fear, guilt, and shame. But, in an amazing act of total humility and trust, you opened them to Christ. And in exchange, He gave you mercy, forgiveness, light, and grace.

God is so good (and your humility is inspiring).

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

It is still Christmas

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 12:45:49 GMT

Merry Christmas! That’s right. It is still Christmas. The Mystery of Christmas is so profoundly awesome that the Church cannot contain its joy in a single twenty-four hour period. So, the Church celebrates Christmas Day for an octave. For eight days, we celebrate Christmas day as though it were one long day. Then, we continue to celebrate Christmas right up until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. (For some, they celebrate right up until the Feast of the Presentation on February 2nd. Truth to be told, I’d like that!)

So, even though the secular world started celebrating Christmas–it seems–somewhere right after the Fourth of July, the Church instead lived the Season of Advent; a season of preparing, longing, and pining for the coming of the Savior. Now, although the secular world is quickly packing away its Christmas decorations, we Catholics continue to celebrate Christmas. It is not over! Don’t give in! Continue to live Christmas!

When we look at Jesus, we see not only God made visible, but we also see perfect humanity. In the face of this perfect humanity, we cannot help but recognize our own imperfections. In the beautiful face of Christ, we see what man was intended to be.

As we gaze upon Christ, it is true that in His light, we recognize more intensely our own imperfection. This, of course, can cause in us a certain uncomfortable sorrow. In seeing what true humanity looks like, we feel how lacking we ourselves are. We are tempted to look away from Christ so that we do not feel so badly about ourselves. We can also be tempted simply to justify ourselves by saying that such a lofty humanity is not possible for us.

Instead, Christmas reminds us that the child in the manger invites us to be saved from our sins and imperfections. He saves our humanity and makes us new. Christ invites us to look at His sacred humanity as an invitation to be restored and perfected. Yes, in His light we do see our own imperfections, but this is only so that He can heal us.

Today the Church celebrates–within the Christmas Octave–the Feast of the Holy Family. Here again, as we gaze upon the Holy Family, we see what God intended from the beginning in terms of family life. We could be tempted to turn away our gaze from them because they remind us of the brokenness, disorder, and sin that is often present in our own families. Today’s Feast, however, invites us to meditate upon the Holy Family. We see in them what we are invited to live. Christ heals not only the brokenness of each human person who turns to Him, but He also comes to heal the brokenness of our families.

Many family situations seem to be broken beyond repair. Some are so immersed in disorder, chaos, and sin that it seems that there is no connection at all between them and the Holy Family. The Holy Family, however, is not a commemoration of something impossible for the rest of us. Instead, it is a reminder that God can heal, redeem, and restore all things in Christ.

Do you experience brokenness, sin, and disorder in your family? Don’t throw up your hands and say, “Well, that’s just how we are.” Instead, spend time looking at the Holy Family and see that God has opened up a way for all of us to experience healing and restoration. It may take time, lots of prayer, and a willingness to embrace the Cross, but the Holy Family calls us back to God’s original plan for us.

On this wonderful feast, I thank you for all the ways that your families reflect the goodness and beauty of the Holy Family. I pray that Joseph and Mary lead you and your families into closer union with their Son, Jesus. And, for any families that may be struggling, I pray that you turn toward the Holy Family and that through this gaze of wonder upon them, your own families find healing and hope.

Merry Christmas (still)!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Christmas Message

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:58:03 GMT

Welcome Home! Whether you are here each week, visiting home for the holidays, been away from Mass for an extended time, or searching for a spiritual home, I want to assure you that this is your home and you are welcome here.

At Christmas, there is a desire in us to be home, to be close to those whom we love and who, in turn, love us. We recall during these days how the Son of God–in a sense–left His home in heaven to come make his home here among us. His first home was in the womb of the Blessed Virgin. His second home was a manger and his first guests were the poor. At Christmas, we stand with the poor shepherds and peer into a whole new way of life. We look upon Love Incarnate. I hope when you look into the manger, you realize that you are home. You are with the One who loves you more than you can possibly imagine.

The manger is designed so that those who look upon it are immediately drawn inside. They are not bystanders or mere observers. The manger is always open, ready to receive us. This is even more true of the One who is born in the manger. He is always open to us, ready to receive us, and ready to make us share in the Divine Life that He alone can give to us. He brings healing and forgiveness. He brings peace and joy. All of this is open to you.

I am very grateful to stand with all of you at the threshold of the manger. In a sense, we do that together every day and especially, every Sunday at this parish. We are at home here. We have all been invited here by Christ. We come here together to bask in the warm radiance of His Love and His Grace. We come here to encounter His boundless Mercy and to receive His Body and Blood.

As we gather around the altar today, we remember that we are gathered once again around the King of Kings and Prince of Peace. Upon the Altar is the Son of God and the Son of Mary. Upon the Altar is the One who is our Savior. He still invites us to Himself. He welcomes us into His Heart. He welcomes us home.

On behalf of the clergy and staff at St. Patrick Parish, I wish all of you a Blessed Christmas. We are so grateful to find our home here with you.

Reasons to Rejoice

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:34:54 GMT

Today the Church celebrates Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete, the Latin word for, “Rejoice” is the first word of the traditional Introit for today’s Mass. That Introit is taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians which we hear at Mass today: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I shall say it again: Rejoice!”

As I write this to you, I find it easy to rejoice in so many aspects of our life together. In Advent, we wait for the Lord with an expectation that He is near. He is waiting at the door! Our life together as a community of disciples is intended to build up in each one of us an assurance of the Lord’s closeness. In these past days, I am grateful for so many assurances of the Lord’s nearness.

Right outside my door, at this very moment, staff members are sorting and packing the tons of gifts that you, our parishioners, donated to those in need. Your generosity is truly amazing. Your generosity is a sign that the Lord is indeed near. It is a cause to rejoice.

During the past couple of weeks I had the great joy of baptizing two of our newest parishioners. I baptized Charlie two weeks ago and I baptized Annabelle last weekend. What a joy to witness eternal life dawn upon these two beautiful babies. And what a joy to see their parents raising them in the Catholic Faith. In this heavenly outpouring of grace, the Lord draws near to us. It is a cause to rejoice.

Last weekend–and several other weekends during the past couple of months–I had the privilege of witnessing the marriages of some of our parishioners. The best man at last week’s wedding met the groom when the groom became his bone marrow donor and saved his life. It was a joy to witness this new husband and wife begin their new life together. The Lord was near. It too is a cause to rejoice.

Last Sunday I had the chance to spend time with two of our parishioners who are seeking to deepen their Faith together by attending the Order of Christian Initiation together each Sunday. Listening to them share how the Lord has been working in their lives was such a source of encouragement and an assurance of the Lord’s closeness. Yes, they are a cause to rejoice.

These, of course, are only the things that I myself see firsthand. There are parishioners visiting the homebound and infirm. St. Vincent DePaul Society members are tending to the needs of the poor. Teachers and administrators of St. Patrick School and also a solid group of parishioners and teachers in our Religious Education Program are helping to form our young people into disciples of Jesus Christ; teaching them how to live close to the Lord. This is a cause to rejoice.

Our young couples group is meeting regularly for Bible Studies. Fr. Sijo leads his weekly Bible Study. Our Pastoral Associate Diane McCarthy does outreach to the bereaved, the separated and divorced, and also has run a very successful Advent Program. Deacon Frank . . . well, he’s everywhere and doing everything. All of these are signs of the Lord’s nearness and a cause to rejoice.

A few practical things before I end:

Recently, Fr. Patrick and I met with an expert in youth ministry who is going to assist us in developing a youth ministry outreach. Like all things, this will take time. In the old days, youth ministry was often focused on large groups and sports. In recent times, youth ministry has shifted towards a small-group, discipleship model. The goal of youth ministry is not simply to get kids to have some memorable church-related experience once in a while. The goal is to help young people to become life-long disciples of Jesus Christ. Please keep this endeavor in your prayers.

Thank you to all of you who have opened the hymnal and begun singing (despite your fears and hesitations). You are making our worship better and you are a sign to those who visit our parish that we truly seek to worship God. You might not realize it, but when you sing, people who are searching for a place to worship notice that and respond positively. We want those who are searching for a spiritual home to discover that we are a congregation that sings. It makes a big difference!

Last week, the cover of the bulletin was of St. John The Baptist. You may have noticed that John had wings. Why is that? In eastern iconography John the Baptist is often depicted with wings because he is “the Messenger.” And, of course, angels are also messengers. So, to emphasize this important aspect of John’s life and ministry, he is depicted with wings.

Fraternally in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A New Liturgical Year

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 14:42:04 GMT

Each Advent we change out our pew missals as a new liturgical year begins. This year’s pew missal–you may have noticed–is beautiful both in its appearance and in its layout. Beginning on page 835, there is a section that contains a host of devotional prayers that you may find beneficial to your spiritual life. I encourage you to take a glance at them and, perhaps, incorporate them into your prayer life. Also, for those who may not know the “St. Michael’s Prayer” that we say at the end of Mass, it is located on the back cover. On Page 49 and going forward, you will find the “Mass Settings” which include the Alleluia, the Holy, Holy, Holy, the Memorial Acclamation, the Great Amen, and the Lamb of God. You may want to keep that handy while we learn these new settings.

I also encourage you to look through the hymns. You will discover in this missal some extraordinarily magnificent hymns and chants. One way to deepen our spiritual life is to draw upon the rich treasury of our sacred music tradition. One of the ways in which the Faith is transmitted is through the words and music of our worship. You will discover in the pages of this hymnal some profound and rich sources of meditation. When I was a kid in Catholic School, we sang a religious hymn every morning and a patriotic hymn every afternoon. Singing those hymns (I didn’t realize at the time) would shape my life.

Singing is an expression of unity. When we sing, we join our voices together. In doing so, not only do we express our unity, but we also actively build our unity. I remember growing up that almost every party eventually involved people standing around a piano or a guitar singing songs together. In a similar way, when we sing at Mass, we are deepening our unity with one another. And, by singing songs from the Church’s long tradition of worship, we unite ourselves to all of those who worshiped in ages past and, we trust, are now singing around the altar in heaven. Music is integral to the Sacred Liturgy. I encourage you at every Mass to open the hymnal and join in singing. The cantor at Mass is not here to entertain us! The cantor’s job is to lead everyone else in singing, not replace everyone else! When you sing at Mass, you communicate that you are not here just for yourself. When we sing, we say, “I am here with everyone else.”

We did not purchase vinyl covers for these books. The books themselves are so beautiful that it seemed a shame to cover them over. If, however, we discover that the weekly wear and tear on them is causing them to deteriorate too quickly, then we will get covers for them. As best we can, please be gentle with the books! They have to last us the year!

In December on the weekend of December 14th and 15th we will have the “Blessing of the Bambinelli.” Bring the infant Jesus from your Nativity Set, and we will bless them at the Masses that weekend. This is a beautiful custom and is also an excellent way for all of us (especially, children) to remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Fr. Sijo, Patrick, and I are busy hearing confessions during Advent. All of our St. Patrick School students will have the opportunity to go to confession during Advent. Additionally, we have confessions Monday thru Friday from 11:20am-11:50am in the lower church. Also, every Monday evening from 6:30pm until 7:30pm during Advent, two priests will be available in the lower church for confessions. And, every Saturday afternoon from 3pm-3:45pm two priests are available in the lower church for confessions. We are making ourselves available because we want to provide you the opportunity to receive this great sacrament before Christmas. Why do we want to provide so many opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Confession? Because we love you and we can think of no better gift that your priests could give to you than the opportunity to receive an abundant outpouring of the Lord’s Mercy.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Message from Fr. Patrick

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:30:48 GMT

Due to Thanksgiving and earlier deadlines, I am writing this on November 19 while Fr. Barnes is away for his annual retreat. In fact, I happened to make my own annual retreat just a few weeks prior. Many people expressed surprise by the fact that my retreat consisted of 5 days of total silence at a monastery out in the Catskill Mountains. “I could enjoy one day of silence, but definitely not five!” was a common reaction. Well, I can tell you one thing: it was challenging for me too! But challenging in a good and necessary way.

We begin now the wonderful season of Advent, in which the Church asks us to prepare our hearts to encounter Christ amid darkness and in his humble poverty. And so, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the necessity of silence in our lives: not a mere absence of sound, but an intentional silence. A silence that allows us to discern the whispering voice of God and the subtle movements of the Holy Spirit deep within our hearts.

When I spend five days on silent retreat, for example, does that mean that I am always listening well to the voice of God? Definitely not! I’ll admit that it usually takes me the first four days to finally cut below all the surface-level thoughts and emotions. And then once I get to that deeper place, is it like winning a prize of consolation? No! Because any encounter with Christ and the divine life that he shares with us (grace) normally touch us in a place where we experience our own poverty and weakness. And so, I prefer to liken a retreat as an extended period to “wrestle with God;” that is, to reflect more deeply on my own identity and vocation in the light of Christ’s love and mercy, and to see where I need to surrender more to Him.

It is truly a privilege to be able to make a retreat and I highly recommend it to anyone – even one day away (like Fr. Sijo’s quarterly retreat days here at St. Patrick’s!) can bear much fruit. But the good news is that all those graces are available to us simply through daily dedication to brief periods of silence and prayer. This season of Advent is the perfect opportunity to do so, especially as the culture pushes to get caught up in anxieties about holiday travel and shopping.

Truly, the Lord desires to encounter each of us amid whatever we are currently experiencing, amid whatever circumstances we find ourselves. The readings for the First Sunday of Advent remind us of Christ’s coming in majesty at the end of time; the total antithesis of how he first came in Bethlehem. And so, the way we prepare to meet Him in majesty is to seek Him now in mystery: a mystery that is revealed though weakness, poverty, and silence.

I hope you will avail yourselves of some extra opportunities we are offering this advent for confession – the greatest of all things you can do to prepare for Christ’s coming. (Be sure to listen to the announcements or check our website.) And let us all together embrace the true spirit of Advent!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Patrick

The Most Important Thing We Do

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:03:26 GMT

Last week, Fr. Sijo and I were called to the hospital for what was really a heartbreaking and tragic situation. It was the kind of thing that causes you to be a bit overwhelmed by the fragility of life, the profound suffering present in the world, and also–strangely enough–the beauty and goodness that exist side-by-side with such suffering. On full display in the midst of suffering was the beauty and goodness of marriage and family life, and also the compassion and kindness of those who work in the hospital. Although I cannot share the details with you, I wanted to share the general sense of the thing because it says something about our life as a parish and also about the importance and necessity of the priestly vocation.

As I get older and I speak to parents of our St. Patrick School children and our St. Patrick Religious Education children, I do so with a sense of urgency. Those beautiful children will grow up more quickly than seems possible. They will confront evil, trauma, and tragedy in their lives. It’s unavoidable. Without a very strong Catholic Faith and Hope, those things can swallow them up into a very dark abyss. Raising children in the Catholic Faith is absolutely vital to their well-being. Raising them in the Catholic Faith is literally saving them.

The most important thing we do each week as a parish is celebrate the Sunday Mass together. I love Sundays in the parish. It’s the one time I get to see everyone and interact with them. Even though it is often a quick press of hands at the end of Mass, I love seeing all of you each week. Much of parish life, however, takes place in hidden moments. When you come to Mass on Sundays, and when you generously support the parish, it is not only to keep the lights and the heat on. By your presence and by your generosity, you make it possible for children to be raised in the Faith. Even though it was Fr. Sijo and I who were at the hospital last week in that awful situation, in a sense, we were all there. All of you who live the Catholic life, who pray here each Sunday, who support the parish, and who strive to live lives of holiness . . . all of you were there at the hospital. Without you even knowing it, you were providing comfort and consolation to a family in unspeakable pain. Your Faith made it possible for the Sacraments to be provided at a critical moment. I know you don’t think of that probably when you come to Mass each Sunday, but it is true. As I reflect on that moment from last week, I feel very grateful for all of you; grateful for your Faith and for your Charity.

The events last week also brought to me a greater sense of urgency concerning the need for priestly vocations. Many times in my life–including last week–I’ve thought to myself, “If this one act of priestly ministry was the one and only time I ever was able to act as a priest, it would all be worth it.” In other words, if after eight years of seminary, this one confession or this one baptism or this one hospital call was the sole reason I was ordained, that would be more than enough. In God’s mysterious plan, he uses priests as indispensable instruments of his grace. If you are a man who has perhaps wondered if God is calling you to the priesthood, I encourage you to do something about it. The whole people of God will be all the richer for your generous response. Some years from now, another family will be crowded into an ICU overwhelmed and crushed by the weight of human misery. Will they have a priest available to them? Will they have the Sacraments available to them? That, in part, depends upon us. It depends upon us living our Catholic Faith robustly and piously. It depends upon those whom God is calling to the priesthood to say, “Yes.”

I want to thank you all today. In some mysterious way, I know that you helped that family this past week. Just by living your Catholic Faith, your presence at Sunday Masses and your frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance, your prayers, fidelity, generosity, charity, humility, kindness, gentleness, devotion, virtue, piety, and your faithful following of Jesus Christ, I know that all of that changes things. It brings hope into darkness. Yes, this week I learned in a deeper way something about the mystical body of Christ. Our individual holiness has ramifications that we will only understand when we pass someday beyond the veil of this life. In the light of his glory, we will see how our attachment to His Son in this life was instrumental in the eternal life of others. I got a glimpse this past week of how that is true in all of you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Do Not Make a God Out of Politics

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:17:48 GMT

One of the challenges in writing each week in the bulletin is that the deadline for submission is many days before you actually read it. (When there are holidays involved, the deadlines can even be weeks before!) Today, I am actually happy that I had to write this column last weekend. It means that as I write it, election day has not taken place. So, you cannot read into this my support for any particular candidate or party. I am writing this no matter who wins or loses. I am writing this not knowing whether there was a landslide or a tight finish. I do not know whether by the time you read this the results have been conclusively determined or whether legal battles are mounting. I do not know whether the country is in turmoil or whether everybody has just peacefully and serenely moved on with life.

What then, do I know? I know that politics do matter. Those who write, enact, and enforce our laws, those who determine policy, those who rule from the bench, and those who govern us shape our society. In their hands are the lives of the unborn, the poor, the immigrant, and the sick. They can robustly defend freedom of speech and freedom of religion, or they can work to restrict such freedoms. They can fan the flames of hatred or they can work to build peace amid differing views.

At the same time, we should be cautioned not to make a god out of politics. People spend enormous amounts of time and energy watching, reading, and debating about political candidates and parties. It’s interesting that people may be very vocal about their support of a political candidate or party, but when it comes to bearing public witness to their Catholic Faith they seem reserved and silent. A person may proudly place a campaign sign in their yard, but when Christmas rolls around, his house is decorated with reindeer and snowmen, but no sign of a Nativity Set. People may have a political bumper sticker on their car, but no crucifix in their home. People may spend hours on Sunday morning listening to political talk shows rather than attending Mass. They may consume enormous amounts of political commentary on social media, but rarely spend time consuming the Word of God. They may spend lots of time trying to convince others about their political candidate, but never speak to others about Jesus.

While the country has been gearing up for this November’s election, the Church always focuses on a different election in November. For Catholics, November is a time to recall that we have been chosen (elected) by Christ. We recall during this month the last things. We remember what really and ultimately matters. As important as our earthly home (and country) is, our true homeland is in heaven. We look toward those who were elected for eternal life (the Saints) during this month. They lived as travelers, longing for heaven. They lived for Christ. We pray for the souls in purgatory and we ask for the intercession of the saints in heaven.

Whether our candidates won or lost, now is a good time for all of us to examine our own life and our relationship with the political circus. Have you become spiritually depleted by making politics your god? Have you been chewing on the empty calories of political banter for months upon months? Whether your candidate won or lost, it is quite possible that you still feel empty at the end. That is because no political candidate and no political party can take the place of God. There is only One God. In the end, the one who sits on the throne and judges heaven and earth is Jesus Christ. If we have allowed political addiction to cloud our view of that truth, let’s turn once again to Jesus and be nourished by His Word and by His Body and Blood.

Let us pray for all of those elected this past week. May they govern with justice, humility, and with obedience to the Truth. As for all of us, let’s pray that we live our lives in such a way that everyone who looks upon us and hears us knows without any doubt that the center of our identity is not a political party or a politician, but only Jesus Christ.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

PS: I wish all of those who have had the privilege and honor of serving in the Armed Forces a Happy Veteran’s Day. We honor you for your service and are grateful to you!

Friendship and Formation in Small Communities

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:39:49 GMT

Last Saturday I spent the day with a group of young men who were on retreat and considering the possibility of a priestly vocation. Some of those young men will likely enter seminary and some will not. Either way, I was struck by the goodness, faith, generosity, and solid character of these guys. Whether they become priests or not, they are men who desire to follow Christ and be his disciples. In talking with many of them, I had the sense that they were like the man in the parable who finds the treasure hidden in a field and then goes and sells everything he has to purchase the field. They were men on fire for the love of Christ. In talking with them, it was palpable that they have had life-changing encounters with Christ.

The next day I had our six o’clock Mass and saw our Confirmation candidates and their parents in attendance. In my heart, I had an overwhelming desire for each of those young people to have a life-changing encounter with Christ. I want them to experience the joy of discovering the hidden treasure, the joy that comes from living entirely from the encounter with Christ. It is only this encounter with Christ that really awakens the human heart and makes any sense of our lives.

The first time I was a pastor, I grew close with a few couples in my parish. That small group of friends did not close in on itself. Instead, it became the seed for an ever-expanding communion in the life of the parish. Similarly, one of the things I loved about being the chaplain at Boston University is that our Catholic Center was a home where small groups of students would come and do Bible studies together. Those small communities were intense places of friendship and formation, but then they also led students to be part of the bigger community. In fact, I spoke with one of those students the other day. He mentioned how he and a few friends have been going through various trials and losses recently. He said to me that he realized that the experience of being part of the Catholic Center and having such solid Catholic friends in college helped them all to live differently and to be able to deal with the hardships of life with grace.

I want to thank the team of parishioners who are working this year in our Confirmation program and who are trying to provide a more intentional “small group” approach to our confirmation formation. There is an amazing group of volunteers including high school and college age men and women, young adults, and older adults. Their generosity and witness of Faith is just what we need. So, thank you.

Sometimes in parish life, we think that success is measured by how many people attend an event. Recently, however, I was reminded that we should measure success by how our events help to form life-long, intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. In many ways, that kind of formation best takes place within the small-group setting. Or, better put, it takes place within the context of intentional Catholic friendship. I don’t know exactly what it will ultimately look like, but I would like to see our parish be a place where Sundays are filled with parishioners who also are part of very intentional smaller communities within the parish. There are already numerous such communities within the parish, but I’d like to see them eventually multiply and maybe, someday, belonging to one such small group becomes a regular part of every parishioner’s life. Disciples walking on the road together, following Christ, and making disciples of others. A good place for us to begin is in prayer, so I ask you to pray that the Lord makes clear His will for us and that He gives to us abundant blessings to bring it about.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Living in Communion with One Another

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:45:11 GMT

Last week, as they have for many years, a group of our parishioners (and others from the area) came to St. Patrick Parish to celebrate Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the patron saint of Guatemala. It really gave me great joy to see these parishioners and their guests celebrating Mass in Spanish in our church, gathering together for fellowship afterwards, and living their faith together. It is amazing when you think about how all of us–from varying cultures, ethnicities, countries, and backgrounds–men and women, young and old, all gather together around the altar together in One Faith. That is what it is to be Catholic.

Speaking of gathering around the Altar, this week at Mass you will hear something for the last time. For the past twenty years, every time you have come to Mass, you would have heard the priest pray for “Seán, our bishop.” This coming Thursday, October 31st, Archbishop Richard Henning will be installed as the new Archbishop of Boston. Thus, from then on, you will hear, “For Richard, our bishop.” (At least most of the time. I’m sure we priests might fumble that for a while out of habit!)

When we pray for the Pope and the Bishop during the Canon of the Mass we remind ourselves that we are part of the universal Church and part of the local Church known as the Archdiocese of Boston. We at St. Patrick Parish live in communion with one another, but we also live in communion with Catholics throughout the world. In mentioning the Pope and Bishop at every Mass, we pray that our communion with them will be deepened and that our communion with every Catholic throughout the world will be strengthened. This is a communion of love and truth. Another way that we witness to this reality is when we profess the Faith each week at Mass. In that moment, we are professing the One Faith that is professed by every Catholic throughout time and throughout the world.

Another thing we hear during the Canon of the Mass is reference to the saints. Again, we are reminded that we offer Mass in communion with those who are already enjoying the beatific vision in heaven. Although this reality is commemorated in every Mass, we place special attention to it on November 1st, the Solemnity of All Saints. On that day–a Holy Day of Obligation–we honor our brothers and sisters throughout time who followed the Lord and are now in heaven.

And lastly, in every Mass we also pray for “those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.” We pray for our beloved dead who departed from this world in the state of grace, but were still in need of further purification. These are the souls in Purgatory. Praying for the dead–especially our own relatives and friends–is just, honorable, and charitable. On November 2nd, we pray for the Dead on All Souls Day and we also remember them intensely during the whole month of November. One of the things that I am impressed about at St. Patrick Parish is how you have Masses offered for your loved ones. There is no better or more efficacious way to love our beloved dead than to have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered for the repose of their souls. It is the most loving thing we can do for them. I encourage you to make certain that you have Masses offered for your loved ones.

So, there we have it. In our parish, we are in communion with each other. We–people from various cultures, ethnicities, ages, states in life, backgrounds, and countries–gather together around the Altar and are bound together in love. By mentioning the Pope and the Bishop, we also unite ourselves in communion with their persons and with the Universal and Local Church. In mentioning the saints, we deepen our communion with them. And, in praying for the Dead, we are united in communion with them as they continue their journey to the heavenly homeland. And, of course, all of this communion finds its source, summit, and perfection in the communion of the Blessed Trinity, which explains why every Mass begins and ends in the Name of “the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Becoming Active Disciplies

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:06:59 GMT

Last week as I was exiting the church, I noticed one of our pre-k students and the woman who watches her standing, buckets and brushes in hand, scouring the statue of Jesus and the little child near the parking lot side door of the church. The little girl had mentioned that she did not like how dirty the statue was. The woman said, “I wanted to show her that if you notice something needs to be done, you should do it.” It made my day.

One of the things that continues to impress me about St. Patrick Parish is the generosity and dedication of its parishioners. There exists here a real spirit of service to the parish, to the poor, and to one another. I appreciate and am moved by how faithful you are to this parish community. In fact, just as I was walking to my office a few moments ago to write this, a parishioner stopped by to make a donation to the poor.

Two thousand years ago, the Lord gathered the disciples around him and he began–day in and day out–to teach them and to reveal to them the mysteries of the Kingdom. As a parish, that is what is still happening. Our being together in this place and at this time is not an accident. It is a moment of grace, foreseen by God for all eternity. We are here together for a reason.

Recently, I have been thinking about where we focus our energy and efforts in the parish. What is going to bear fruit? What is going to bring about conversions? What is going to make us more faithful and intentional disciples of the Lord? What is going to make us more effective evangelizers?

We are living at a moment in time when the bottom has fallen out on Catholic life. Countless Catholics–many in our own families–no longer practice the Faith, receive the Sacraments, or even believe in God. Sometimes, honestly, in parish life, it can feel a bit like we are spinning our wheels. The way of being a parish that may (or may not) have worked twenty-five years ago is no longer working now. As an example, it used to be said when a young college student stopped going to Mass, “Oh, don’t worry. When they get married and have kids, they’ll be back.” And sure enough, that’s what happened. Now, however, when a young person (middle-school, high school, college, young adult) stops living the Faith, the chances of them returning are very small. They leave and they don’t come back.

I think many of the Church’s institutions and parishes still function as though the “comfortable Catholicism” is going to last. It’s the kind of Catholicism that says, “Well, somehow the parish will be around at those times when I need or want something, but I do not actually have to support it, attend it, or live a Catholic life.” It is a spectator or consumer Catholicism. It demands nothing, expects nothing, and is based upon wishful thinking. It is a Catholicism that seeks to maintain the status quo for as long as possible. It lacks depth, seeks comfort in platitudes, eschews sacrifice, and sees Faith merely as something to make me feel better when I need to feel better.

When I think about our life together, I want to focus our energies on becoming “active disciples.” Sometimes we talk about “being Catholic” as though it were a static reality. Like “I am Irish. I am Italian. I am American.” But, we are called, like those first disciples to follow Christ. We are called to join on the great adventure of being a disciple of the Lord. A life that is fascinating, engaging, demanding, and “all in.” It is a life that desires to share the gospel with others.

As I think about our life together, that is what I am thinking about. Jesus has called each of us to this time and place together. He is calling us to be his active disciples. He is calling us to follow Him. We have something special here. As Jesus called disciples two thousand years ago, some left everything and followed Him. Others did not want to go “all in.” Those who chose not to go “all in” opted for a comfortable, manageable, and beige kind of life. Ultimately, they went away, like the Rich Young Man, sad. Those who chose each day to follow and to stay with Christ lived something filled with inexplicable newness.

I am grateful to be on the Christian adventure with you. It’s all or nothing. I think we should choose, “All. All In.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Franz Jägerstätter: A Hidden Life

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 20:57:48 GMT

Last week in my homily, I mentioned a wonderful film entitled, “A Hidden Life.” If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to watch it. The life of Franz Jägerstätter is a compelling witness to all of us on how to remain faithful to the truth despite the external pressures that surround us. There is one dialogue from the film that keeps coming back to me. As I mentioned last week, Jägerstätter is speaking with a man painting the church ceiling and the painter says, “We create admirers, we do not create followers. Christ’s life is a demand. We don’t want to be reminded of it. I paint their comfortable Christ with a halo on his head; someday I’ll paint the true Christ.”

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter was taken away from his family and imprisoned for his refusal to fight for the Nazis. He suffered physical pains, but also the interior pain of knowing his wife, mother, and daughters were suffering too. Ultimately, he was executed by the Nazis. He followed Christ. He entered into the Passion and Death of the Lord. He suffered for the Faith. He suffered for the Truth.

Most of us will never experience that kind of sacrifice, but we are all, nonetheless, called to follow Christ. We are called not merely to be “admirers” of Jesus, but rather to be His followers. To stand firm in the Truth can be costly. Standing firm in Faith is not being obstinate, prideful, or unloving. Franz Jägerstätter was accused of all of those things. By a beautiful grace, however, he was able to remain confident in the Truth. While the world around him was either embracing, accepting, or simply ignoring lies and evil, Franz Jägerstätter embraced the Cross. Many people attempted to lure him away from the Truth by promising him freedom, a return to his family, and the saving of his life. He clung to the Cross as his only hope.

Franz Jägerstätter described an inner feeling he had that basically said, “I do not want to do what is wrong.” In so many ways, that feeling is quite innocent, quite childlike. It’s the kind of feeling that comes naturally to a child. I remember when I was a child, even if I chose the wrong thing at times, I possessed a very clear understanding of the difference between good and evil. As we grow older, if we are not careful, that clarity can lessen within us. The more we compromise with sin and falsehood, the more difficult it can be to hear the Truth; the more difficult it can be to live the Truth.

The re-watching of “A Hidden Life” makes me wonder about how affected I am by the fog of war, the fog that arises in the human heart as a result of compromise with sin. It makes me desire to beg the Lord for that grace of becoming ever more child-like; the grace to see immediately the stark contrast between good and evil and to choose the good; the grace to remain always faithful to that child-like desire never to do what is wrong.

Most of us cannot imagine being imprisoned or executed for our Faith. But, we can probably all imagine–and perhaps, experience–the more subtle forms of pressure to hide our Faith or to make compromises with falsehoods. What can we do to prepare for those moments? One thing we can do is simply to ask the Lord to make us child-like in our Faith. If we can remain child-like and faithful to what is good and true in all the small ways, then when the more difficult situations arise, we will be better prepared to trust in the Cross. We will be better prepared to follow Christ.

Another thing we can do is to help and encourage one another to carry the Cross. The world teaches us to flee the Cross and this actually makes our burdens heavier. It weighs us down with guilt, regret, and the heavy burden of sin. The true friend helps the sinner, the tempted, the oppressed, the sorrowful etc. to carry the Cross. The true friend stands at our side and walks with us toward freedom, and the face of the friend awakens in us confidence in God’s Mercy. The companion that Christ places at our side assures us that Christ’s yoke is easy and his burden is light.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Great Value of Small Catholic Communities

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:06:37 GMT

Last week, Fr. Patrick, Fr. Sijo, and I were cooking and eating dinner together, and the words of Psalm 133 came to mind: “How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together as one.” Our parish is blessed to have three priests assigned here. This allows us to do more, provide more, and be available more. It is also a great blessing to me, personally. It is great to live in a happy home and to work well together in the priestly ministry.

I am a believer in the great value of small Catholic communities. What do I mean by that? I mean that when small communities are formed in a parish and are lived with intentionality, they overflow into the life of the rest of the parish. Not everything needs to be a thousand people. Instead, like Jesus forming the first apostles, he started small. Those friends invited other friends, who invited other friends, who invited strangers, who went to the ends of the earth announcing the Gospel.

So, for me, living together with brother priests helps me to be a better disciple and priest. Living with men who pray, who live the Christian life with joy, who strive for Christian excellence, that all helps me to desire to do the same. In the face of the brother, you see the face of Christ. In living together as priests, I am continually called towards greater holiness. Living the Christian life together and living our priesthood together calls me to turn more definitively away from sin, to strive more for virtue, and to be a holier priest. We are all called to holiness. For me, living in friendship with others helps me to hear the call of Jesus to follow Him.

Another small community of which I am part is our parish staff. Together, day in and day out, we not only work together, but help one another to know, recognize, and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd.

One member of that small community, Sr. Maureen Hunt, CSJ, has decided to return to live with her religious community, the Sisters of St. Joseph. At almost 91 years of age and after over 70 years of service, Sr. Maureen seems to think that she’s entitled to take things a little more slowly. I do not know where she got that crazy idea, but she will be leaving us soon to live at the retirement home of her community. To say that we will miss Sr. Maureen is a huge understatement.

I feel very privileged to have worked with Sr. Maureen during this past year. I was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph when I was growing up, so I already had a fondness for them. Sr. Maureen took that fondness to another level. Her presence and her great laughter has been a source of joy for me. More than anything, however, I have appreciated Sister’s love for the Lord. She loves Jesus. She spends time every day praying before the Eucharist; praying for us. Sister’s love for the Lord has been a constant sign to me during this past year. When I see her, I hear the Lord calling me to greater holiness. We will miss her!

I encourage all of you to find or form small communities in the parish. Become part of the men’s group, or the young married and engaged couples group, or knitting group, or the mother’s bible study, or the Thursday night bible study, or some other group. Being Catholic is a team sport. Don’t try to live it alone. I can speak from experience that living the Catholic life with others is the way to go. Our life is all the richer when we live the Catholic Faith together, as one.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Saint Patrick Parish 2024 Grand Annual Appeal

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:36:06 GMT

Lastly, I wish to thank all of you. As your pastor, it is a source of profound joy to see you following Christ and every day becoming more and more His disciples. I feel very blessed by your witness.

Here’s to a good Grand Annual!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Poison of Unbelief

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:25:53 GMT

During the past months, I return repeatedly to the theme of “Faith” in my thoughts, in my preaching, and in my writing. Of course, there really is nothing very surprising about a priest thinking, preaching, and writing about Faith. The reason, however, that this topic keeps coming to mind is because I feel as though I am constantly confronting situations where either the presence of Faith is abundantly evident or where it seems completely lacking. The contrast is striking.

The world of unbelief is boring and uninteresting. It frantically attempts to entertain itself. It searches endlessly for extreme experiences in order to numb the emptiness. The world of unbelief is marked by an insatiable appetite for violence, anger, and controversy. The world of unbelief becomes idolatrous of pleasure, pursues it without measure, mocks purity and chastity, and distorts the beauty of human sexuality into a pornographic caricature.

The world of unbelief is cold, calculated, efficient, and harsh. In its laboratory, a world is created that is inhospitable to a true humanity. It treats the human person as something dispensable and of little value. In the world of unbelief, the most vulnerable and the “least useful” become threatened. St. John Paul II once said, “Man can build a world without God, but this world will end up turning against him.”

The world of unbelief pretends to exalt the human will, but what it really does is truncates it. The greatness of the human will is found not in its capacity to choose anything, but rather in its capacity to embrace what is True.

That world of unbelief sucks the oxygen out of life (sometimes, literally). It lacks patience and mercy. It is a world that permits everything, but forgives nothing. It is a world that needs to get on to the next thing, no matter who or what gets destroyed in the process.

If you can’t tell, I’m of the opinion that the world of unbelief is pretty dark! So what are we to do?

One thing, I think, that really allows this contagion of unbelief to spread is when Catholics live a bland Catholicism. It seems strange to say, but we can sometimes live Catholic life without actual Catholic Faith. We go through the motions and sprinkle some religion in our life here and there. There are occasional outward expressions of Catholic life, but without any interior life of Faith. This kind of Catholicism gives the veneer of Faith, but underneath lurks the disease of unbelief.

In contrast, the life of Faith is something life-giving, filled with freedom, and brings about a true flourishing of the human person. It is a world of holiness. It brings about a world that is interesting, joyous, and beautiful. It defends the defenseless, promotes the beauty of marriage, and treasures the poor, the lonely, the abandoned, and the forgotten. It cares for the infirm and the elderly. It helps us to discover that to embrace the Cross actually brings freedom. It loves the human person and teaches that in patient endurance of trials, we can discover a deeper meaning to life. The life of Faith does not treat the human person as a problem to be solved with efficiency. Instead, Faith sees the person as a gift and a mystery, someone infinitely loved and who possesses a dignity that is always to be respected and honored. Faith is merciful.

Christian Faith is to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. It is to profess that He alone is the Savior. To live with Christian Faith means to throw your lot and your future completely in with Christ. It is to say that I am His disciple, His follower. It is not a vague notion, but a living relationship. It is to be all in. The life of Faith is not boring or lifeless. It is to be caught up into a new way of existence that never ends or disappoints.

We all face temptations and fall short. That’s been a challenge for Jesus’ disciples from the very beginning. The challenge of today, however, is not just sin. It is the poison of unbelief. It is to live as though Jesus Christ doesn’t really matter all that much. The challenge of today is for those of us who claim to be Christians to really believe in Christ. We live in an age of unbelief. We are surrounded by the consequences of that unbelief. It can seem impossible to counteract its force and its power. We need not be afraid, however. All that is necessary is Faith in the One who rose from the Dead. To put our Faith in Christ is to already be assured of victory.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Firm Foundation of Faith

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:49:55 GMT

Last week, I visited a couple who were very active parishioners in this parish but, due to age, are no longer able to be here each week. They suffered a painful loss recently and a parishioner asked me to go visit them. Little did I know that when I entered their home that I would be so blown away by their incredible, deep, and inspiring faith. I could have stayed talking with them for hours. Even though they were suffering a terrible loss in their life, their steadfast faith was rock solid. As I administered the sacraments to them, I thought, “Who am I that I should be so privileged?”

They shared with me that they first met one another at Easter Mass at St. Patrick Church, and were married here 67 years ago! As we spoke, I thought about how 67 years ago, when they said, “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,” they had no idea what that would entail. It was then hidden from their eyes. Sixty-seven years later, there they sat, side by side, holding hands and still living out those vows.

When I think about the children of our parish, I think about the storms they will face as they move through life. Will they be set upon the firm foundation of faith, or will they have no sure-footing? Will they be tossed and turned by the waves of turmoil or will they be able to navigate safely because they have a strong faith?

I know that parents have a tough job. There are a million things competing for their full attention. It can seem like faith can be attended to at some later time. It can sometimes feel as though a little “dab” of religion here and there should be sufficient. The reality is, these children need a strong foundation now. It needs to be rock solid. Youth sports, dance, or whatever else are all wonderful things, but, when those children age, when they confront the pains, complications, and temptations of life, the betrayals, the big decisions, and ultimately death itself, only Faith will be able to see them through.

When I sat with that beautiful couple, married for 67 years, I thought, “This is what I want for the young people of our parish.” I want them to have what it takes to traverse the seas of life well. I want them to know the Father’s love and to stake their whole lives on Jesus Christ.

That kind of Faith is a life-long building project. It is an “all in” kind of Faith. Having spent seven years working on a university campus, I can tell you that what parents do when their kids are young is an overwhelming factor in whether their children will go on to live a life of Faith. If a child is not raised in a household where the Faith takes on primary importance, the chances of them living a life of Faith as they age is miniscule. In large part, studies show that people who stop practicing the Faith at a young age (teens, college, and in their twenties), never return to a faith life. They become lost.

Last Sunday, I was so pleased to see the principal, assistant principal, and some teachers from St. Patrick School all at the Ten o’clock Mass. Their presence is a great witness to our students. The students come to see that what they learn about Faith is not confined to the classroom, but is something that is lived out in daily life. I thank the Faculty for not merely teaching by words, but for providing the most effective form of teaching: Witnessing to the Faith in your own life.

Today, in the Gospel, Jesus rebukes Peter and tells him he must take up his cross and follow Jesus. All of us are called to follow Christ in Faith. Peter, as depicted on the front cover, did this in the supreme act of martyrdom. He bore witness to Christ.

I hope that in sixty-seven years the young people of our parish look back with gratitude and realize that we– their parents, their teachers, their priests, and their whole parish–witnessed to Jesus and helped them to grow strong in Faith and to have lived as life-long disciples of Jesus Christ. That would be pretty awesome.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Gratitude and Prayer

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:45:52 GMT

Many people expressed gratitude to me as they were leaving the reception last Sunday after Fr. Mario’s memorial Mass. I know they were thanking me because I’m the recognizable face, but they really were thanking those who generously do so much around this parish but who fade into the background. These individuals basically gave up their whole day for the rest of us. So, I know that in thanking me, you were really expressing gratitude to them. I too want to thank them for all of their work and generosity.

A young couple in our parish made me very happy the other day. They sent me a photo of their newborn daughter, our newest parishioner. Over the past few months, I’ve received several such photos. What a great joy it is to welcome new life into the world and into our parish. Thank you to all of you parents of babies and little children for being here with us. The presence of your children brings so much joy to all of us.

At the same time that we are filled with joy by the presence of these beautiful babies and children, we know that there are many among us who suffer, worry, and are burdened. Sometimes during those brief moments before or after Mass, I am amazed at how many things I am told. Every week, I meet parishioners who are (themselves or have loved ones) undergoing tests, treatments, or surgeries. I meet people who have lost loved ones during that week. I meet at Mass people who are going through a lot.

To all of you who are suffering, in pain, who are mourning or anxious, I want you to know that your presence among us is such a gift to the rest of us. We pray for you and for your loved ones, but we also are grateful for your example of taking up the Cross and following the Lord. Your witness of faithful discipleship is an inspiration. Thank you.

Are there people in your life who no longer attend Mass or receive the Sacraments? Take time each day to pray for them. Lift them up to the Lord. Are there people in your life who are lost or who have become embittered, enslaved to sin, or who have become rebellious to God and His Commandments? Take time to pray for them. Pray that they will turn from sin and be reconciled. Pray that they will have a change of heart. If you know of members of our own parish who no longer worship God at Sunday Mass, pray for them. Entrust them to the Lord. Prayer can move mountains. They can even move the human heart!

And, of course, we should pray for our own conversion of heart and for growth in virtue. To follow the Lord means a constant movement towards Him. It means daily following after Him. The Lord wants to help us! Remember that he doesn’t simply command us to follow Him, He gives us the grace to do what He commands. If you have become discouraged in the spiritual life, it’s likely because you are relying too much on yourself and not enough on the Lord. Whatever needs to be transformed in our hearts we should bring to Jesus and ask Him to do what we are too weak to do on our own. Trust Jesus!

In recent weeks, I’ve met a good number of new parishioners. I am delighted to meet you and to welcome you! If you see new faces at Mass, introduce yourself and welcome them.

This weekend, after the Ten o’clock Mass, our young couples’ group is hosting a coffee and donuts for everyone. Please join us in the hall after the Ten!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Four “New Years” of Parish Life

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:07:23 GMT

In parish life, there are really four “New Years!” In Advent, we begin the Liturgical Year. In January, we begin the Calendar Year. In July, we begin the Fiscal Year. September, however, is when parish life really gears up. In addition to the return of our St. Patrick School students and our Religious Education students, a host of other programs begin in September.

The reason St. Patrick Parish exists is so that Jesus Christ can be known, loved, and served. We exist so that every person can encounter Jesus Christ. Everything we do is so that God may be glorified and souls may be sanctified. We exist so that the love of Christ can transform every human heart.

Every week, I witness in this parish incredible witnesses to Jesus Christ. As you may have noticed, I try to share those encounters with you. I try to alert you to the witness of so many of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Sitting in the pews with you is a great army of witnesses to the love of Christ.

As we begin this new year, I simply want to do so by pointing to Jesus Christ. I want to encourage all of us to make him the absolute center of our thoughts, words, and actions. He is the center of all history, the Lord of all time, the King of all the ages. Jesus Christ holds the key to the meaning of our existence. His love is what saves us.

Parishes are not businesses and parishioners are not customers. That model of parish life is like poison. Instead, we are disciples of Jesus Christ. We love one another. We walk with the Lord Jesus and we follow Him. We serve one another. We pray. We go to confession. We worship. We are generous with our time, our talents, and our resources. We are disciples of Jesus Christ and we want to share the good news of Jesus Christ and His love with everyone.

We are disciples of Jesus Christ. We want to be more like Christ. We are never satisfied with the attitude of, “This is how we have always done it,” because we are always looking to draw new souls to Christ. We are always looking to deepen our faith life and our life of worship.

As I begin this “new year,” I do so with a renewed sense of Gospel urgency. If there is anything in you that has the attitude of being a customer, I ask you to shed that. I ask you to look around at the incredible examples, generous servants, and joy-filled disciples who sit with you in the pews and jump in!

As I begin this second year as your pastor, I do so with deep gratitude for your warmth, kindness, and joy. But mostly, I am grateful for your incredible witness of Faith and discipleship. Seeing you follow Christ is inspiring and encouraging. I thank you for that.

We begin now another September and, in a sense, another year. Let our motto, our banner, and our boast be nothing other than Jesus Christ.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Upcoming Events

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:35:10 GMT

Thursday, August 29th, is the one year anniversary of Fr. Mario’s death. We will offer Mass that day at Noon for the repose of his soul. On Sunday, September 1st we will also offer the Noon Mass for Fr. Mario, welcome his family to join us, and have a collation afterwards in the parish hall. This affords us all the opportunity to remember with gratitude all that Fr. Mario did for this parish and to return the favor by praying for him.

One of the beautiful things about Christian Love and Christian Hope is that there is a certain sobriety to them. Oftentimes, the world does not know how to mourn properly. Worldly mourning is often marked by a frenetic attempt to wallow in sadness. For us, however, there is a certain dignity to the way we mourn. Catholics mourn differently. We entrust our dead confidently to the Lord and we pray for them.

As we offer Masses for Fr. Mario this coming week, we do so not so that we can re-live the pain of his death, but so that our hearts can be filled with gratitude for all the graces that the Lord gave to and through Fr. Mario. When we pray for him at Mass, we are filled not with the sadness of the melancholic, but with the confident hope of the Christian. Our sorrow gives way to deeper gratitude for his life and to a more profound conviction that we will see him again.

The faculty for St. Patrick School return this Wednesday. I look forward to meeting with them, having Mass together, and spiritually preparing for the year ahead! Fr. Patrick, Mrs. Schmidheiser (our principal), and Mr. Antonacci (our new assistant principal) have been working together this summer to find more ways for our St. Patrick students to encounter the Lord in the Eucharist through Adoration and to deepen their knowledge and participation in the Mass.

Our newly formed Young Couples and Young Families Group invites parishioners to Coffee and Donuts after the 10:00 am Mass on September 8th in the Parish Hall. Please join us! Also, if any young couples (engaged or married) are interested in more information about this group, please email stpatrickparishcouplesgroup@gmail.com

People often wonder, “What is God’s plan for me?” They also wonder how to have a spiritual life. They ask, “What should I do to grow in my spiritual life?” “How do I deepen my spiritual life?” People—including many Catholics—are confused, anxious, or overwhelmed by all of the “pieces” of Catholicism. How do they all fit together? Where does one begin? How does one grow? If questions like these are your questions, I invite you to join Fr. Patrick and me for an eight-week Adult Formation Series entitled, “Becoming Christ: An Introduction to the Spiritual Life.” It will meet on eight Tuesday evenings beginning on September 17th from 7:00-8:15 pm. I am really looking forward to this!

Also in the works is a Men’s Group that will host a twelve-week series entitled, “Into the Breach.” This is a wonderful opportunity for men to experience fraternity while growing in holiness and virtue together. Iron sharpens iron! See the announcement elsewhere in bulletin!

Beginning soon, there will be a prayer and discussion group for mothers of school age children and younger led by one of our parishioners. See the announcement elsewhere in the bulletin!

We are working to strengthen and grow our ministry to youth in the parish. This year we will focus on the 8th Grade Confirmation Class and a few events for High Schoolers. If you are a young, faithful Catholic we would love your help in providing these young people with a strong relational experience in the Catholic Faith. If you are interested in helping, please see Fr. Patrick.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Scattered Thoughts

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:51:26 GMT

This week I just have some scattered thoughts.

Last week before the 8:00 am Mass I saw one of our ushers on her way out of Mass before Mass even began! One of our 8:00 am regulars had his knee replaced earlier in the week and she was going to pick him up to bring him to Mass. Two things about that struck me. The first was that in an age when there is great laxity in keeping the Third Commandment, here was a man who just had his knee replaced desiring to get to Mass. The second thing that struck me is how good it is that our parish is so charitable and friendly that that woman went to pick him up and bring him to Mass. The whole thing just made me happy.

You may (or may not) have noticed that we are keeping the foyer doors closed before Mass. Some people show up early for Mass and want to spend time in quiet prayer. The foyer can get loud and boisterous as we greet people before Mass. (I include myself among the loud and boisterous). So, I hope that keeping those doors closed will allow the foyer to remain welcoming and friendly and the church to be quiet and prayerful. We will see how it goes.

Every Saturday from 3:00-3:45 pm, we have two priests hearing confessions in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chapel (Lower Church). Monday thru Friday, one priest hears confessions in the Chapel before the Noon Mass from 11:20-11:50 pm. Frequent confession is a good spiritual habit and the priests here are happy to make confession times as available as possible. As previously noted, we are also looking at adding a slot on Sundays before or after one of the Masses.

I have been mulling over making one of our Sunday Masses into a more solemn celebration that would regularly include incense, chanting of the Mass, a more robust use of the organ, and a full-compliment of servers. It is only in the “thought” stage at the moment and it would take some time to bring it about. I am guessing it would either be at the Ten, Noon, or Six. I would be happy to hear your thoughts on what Mass you might think would make the best fit. At this point, it is just me thinking out loud. It has been my experience that such solemn celebrations help to promote priestly vocations, draw non-Catholics to the Faith, attract young adults to the parish, and deepen love for the Sacred Liturgy.

In addition to Fr. Sijo’s Thursday evening Bible Study, Fr. Patrick and I will be offering an Adult Education Series on Tuesday evenings beginning in mid-September. We are still finalizing the details and topics.

As mentioned in last week’s bulletin, we are at the beginning stages of building up a Young Couples Group at St. Patrick Parish. I am so happy that so many of you have spoken to me to express interest. If you are an engaged or a young family interested in building up community and living your Faith with other young couples, please email stpatrickparishcouplesgroup@gmail.com I think this is going to be something beautiful!

Recently, I called a parishioner who was ill to tell her that I was going to stop by for a visit. She immediately asked, “Are you bringing Holy Communion?” Her question made me smile. I know she didn’t mean it exactly like this, but basically what she was saying was, “Yeah, sure it’s nice if Fr. Barnes visits, but I really want the Lord to visit.” I assured her that I was bringing the Eucharist with me and we had a nice visit. Eucharistic faith is so beautiful. When Catholics are in the hospital, they often find enormous comfort and consolation when they are able to receive Holy Communion. Before Covid, parishioners from various parishes in the area would bring Holy Communion to Catholics in Winchester Hospital every day. Since then, it has not been happening. If you are interested in offering your services a few days each month in this type of service, please contact Diane McCarthy, our Pastoral Associate, at 781-438-0200 or dianemccarthy@stpatrickstoneham.org.

This past week I visited in the hospital a parishioner who was preparing for surgery. He and his wife (who celebrate their 60th Anniversary this week) have been long-time parishioners. He shared with me how grateful he is that one of our parishioners visits he and his wife every week and brings them Holy Communion. He said while he’s been in the hospital, that parishioner not only brought his wife communion, but she also brought pizza one day to have lunch with her. Aren’t we blessed to have people like that in our parish?

I hope you all have a great week.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Four News Items

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:08:21 GMT

This past week Pope Francis accepted Cardinal Sean’s resignation which Cardinal Sean offered five years ago when he turned 75! I am grateful that the Holy Father kept Cardinal Sean as Archbishop of Boston for those extra five years. Cardinal Sean has been a good bishop to me and a good friend. His time in Boston was not easy, but somehow he managed to navigate the many difficulties and still maintain his wonderful sense of humor. I feel privileged to have benefitted from his ministry and from his friendship.

Archbishop-elect Richard Henning will be our new Archbishop. Less than a year ago, he was named the Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island. I have priest friends in Providence who have spent the past year telling me what a great bishop he is. I know that they are sorry to lose him. While I am sorry for their loss … I am happier for our gain! He will be installed as Archbishop on October 31. Let’s pray for him!

In other news, I’d like to draw your attention to a few things:

I am happy to report that a young man who attends our parish will be entering seminary this year. Paul Simko, who often serves at daily and Sunday Mass, will be entering his first year of seminary formation for the Archdiocese of Boston. Paul completed his Sophomore Year at the University of Dallas, and will do his first three years of seminary in the seminary program at the University of Dallas. After that, he’ll have an additional four years of seminary.

Paul joins our other parishioner, Kyle Ellis, who is also in college seminary. Kyle attends Our Lady of Providence College Seminary in Providence, Rhode Island. I am sure you see him all the time serving Mass here, as well. It is a great testimony to this parish to have two young men studying for the priesthood. Once we have five men from this parish studying for the priesthood, maybe I will be satisfied. But the only way we will know if that is true or not is when we actually have five men studying for priesthood! So, let’s keep praying for vocations. Please also take time to encourage Paul and Kyle.

Last Saturday night, the priests of the parish met with a handful of young married couples for a cookout. It was such a fantastic night! It was fun, relaxing, and enriching. The plan is to expand that group organically, allowing friendships to form through social events, educational and spiritual formation, and service opportunities. If you are an engaged or married couple looking to meet other young families in the parish, feel free to reach out by emailing: stpatrickparishcouplesgroup@gmail.com or to speak with me directly.

Lastly, as we approach the one year anniversary of Fr. Mario’s death, I want to put it on your radar that we will offer Mass for Fr. Mario on the anniversary day itself, August 29th at Noon, and then again on Sunday, September 1st at the Noon. After the Noon on Sunday, September 1st, we will have a collation in Our Lady of Providence Hall. These opportunities not only afford us the opportunity to pray for Fr. Mario, but also to remember with gratitude his devoted priestly ministry and pastoral charity.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Choosing the Life We Want

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:27:26 GMT

During high school and for part of college, I spent my summers working as a sailing instructor. (I know, hard work, but someone has to do it.)

Every so often, when I am home visiting my parents, I visit the boathouse where I worked during those summers. The last time I visited there just to look around, a feeling of melancholy settled over me. I think I was feeling the passing of time. But in that moment, I had a very vivid memory of a similar feeling in that same place decades earlier.

At the end of the evening shift at the boathouse—around 8pm—one of the last things I would do is bring the motorboat out to its mooring. Once it was secured, I’d carefully get on the windsurfing board and paddle back to the docks. I remember one night towards the end of the summer, paddling back to the dock, listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the board, and watching the late summer sun set. I remember thinking, “Summer is almost over,” and it made me melancholic. It also made me feel deeply grateful for being able to spend my summer in the sun and on the water.

Recently, I saw posted online a print that I have seen before. It is of a husband and wife sitting on the porch swing of their farmhouse in the evening twilight. They are both sipping from mugs. The man is smoking his pipe, and at his feet is their dog. The man who posted this print wrote something like this beneath it: “We see the culture around us collapsing and wonder if we can ever go back. But the world that was still exists. It’s just not evenly distributed. If you want that kind of life, don’t wait for society to do it for you. You have to decide to live it for yourself.”

I do not want to comment much on the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last week, but it was paradigmatic of the collapse of our culture. We live at a moment in time when the things that hold society and culture together are mocked, ostracized, and punished. It is not just on the Olympic stage that these things occur. They happen in the workplace, schools, and in institutions. In the past, society’s great institutions recognized the societal value of people worshipping God. Society encouraged men and women to get married, have children, and raise and educate their children in virtue. The whole thing worked together.

Such is not the case any longer. Many people perhaps feel like I did when I was paddling in the twilight. We think, “The great days of summer are gone.” We pine for that world where a husband and wife sit on their porch in the evening and look back with gratitude for their years of marriage and the way they raised their family. We pine for a life that is more innocent, pure, and simple.

That kind of life is not lost to us. Most likely, however, we are not going to discover it on the stage of the Olympic ceremonies. We are not going to find it in our government institutions, most educational institutions, or in the media. In large part, those institutions have rejected that way of life and have adopted a different kind of agenda. That does not mean, however, that this life is lost to us.

If we want that life for ourselves, then we have to choose intentionally to live that way. We have to choose to place our children in environments that support that vision of life. (This is why I am a big proponent of Catholic schools.) We have to choose to sit on the porch at night. We have to shut off our screens, open a book, play a board game, get together with others etc. We have to build communities.

When I see you at Mass every Sunday, I see you choosing that different way of life. I see you opting for something better, purer, more innocent, and more life-giving. This way of life is no longer going to be provided by others or by accident. It has to be chosen. This way of life is Christ. It is to re-discover Christ and to follow him with fidelity and with intentionality. Does your heart ache for this different kind of world? I see our life together as a place where we can look around at one another and see that the summer is not over. The life we desire is possible.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Lies We Tell Ourselves in the Spiritual Life

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:03:44 GMT

Long before we drove around with GPS in our cars, I was on vacation with a friend of mine in Portugal. We had the name of the place where we were staying and the name of the location. We found the city okay. After that, our friendship nearly ended! We drove around the city of Porto for literally hours. I was driving and he was in the passenger’s seat. Every time we stopped at a red light, he would roll down his window and beg people for directions. He often jokes that he spoke to so many people that day, he could have run for mayor of Porto.

He kept begging me to stop somewhere and ask for directions. I kept saying, “I think if we just go up this street here, we will run into it.” He was trying to remain calm, but I could hear the frustration in his voice when he would ask, “On what are you basing that? What makes you think that if we just keep driving around we will find it?”

In retrospect (though I will never admit this to him), his plan was perhaps the right one. Would it not be better to stop and to ask someone who knows the area how to find our destination? Instead, I was taking rights and lefts as though my maneuvers meant something. In fact, they were just random shots in the dark.

Last week in the Gospel, Jesus’s heart was filled with pity for the people because they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” They were roaming around aimlessly. Sometimes we adopt an attitude to the spiritual life whereby we think if we just plow ahead aimlessly, we will inevitably arrive at our destination. We tell ourselves things that make us feel better, like me declaring (based upon no evidence whatsoever), “I think if we just go up this road, we will eventually run into it.”

What lies do we tell ourselves in the spiritual life? They are many! One is, “There’s plenty of time to get things straightened out.” Even if you are young, you have no idea that is true. I suppose the odds are better when you are young, but the reality is nobody knows how much time they have before they stand before the judgement seat of God. Surprisingly, this lie is not one that is limited to young people. That delusion of “there’s plenty of time,” can actually deepen as one gets older. One can become more careless and reckless about their soul as they age.

Another lie that we can tell ourselves is that things that the scriptures and the church have always taught to be sinful, “really are not that big a deal since everybody commits them.” This is basically to say, “Since everyone else is lost, it’s okay for me to be lost too.” I suspect that deep down, most of us know that this is purely self-delusional, but we can take an artificial comfort in such self-delusions. It’s like saying, “If I stay on this road, no matter how far it is taking me from my destination, I will eventually run into my destination.” Total self-delusion.

The alternative to self-delusion is to pull the car over and rely upon those who know the lay of the land. Christ instituted the Church in order to help us to follow Christ to our final destination. To learn always requires some humility. It means admitting that “I do not possess all the answers.” To be a disciple is to follow Christ. It is to admit that I need a shepherd to get where I hope to go. This is foundational for the Christian life.

We can all settle into a self-delusional self-assurance about our life. If we find ourselves in that state, it is good to reject it and to begin living back in reality. The Church—her teachings, her saints, her authority, her sacraments—are the most sure and certain way to follow Christ. The Church points us in the direction of our true destination. Is it possible that you could wander around aimlessly and somehow arrive at the right destination? I don’t know. Maybe. Doesn’t sound like a particularly good plan though. And since we are talking about spending our eternity with God in heaven or without Him in Hell, it seems like we might want to aim for a more reliable plan!

Feel like you don’t have to pray every day? Self-delusion. Don’t need to go to Mass every Sunday? Self-delusion. No need to go to confession? Self-delusion. No need to be generous in supporting the works of the Church? Self-delusion. No need to turn away from sin? Self-delusion. No need to forgive my enemies? Self-delusion. No need to deepen my faith? Self-delusion. There’s plenty of time for me to figure things out? Self-delusion. Well, you get the idea!

Jesus gives us to one another in order to save us from our self-delusion and to help one another to follow Him because He alone is the Way.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Accepting the Grace of God

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 20:36:04 GMT

Last Sunday I was called to a hospital to give the Last Rites to a woman who was dying. Although I brought Holy Communion with me, because she was unconscious, she was not able to receive. As I was leaving that room, I stopped to see the patient in the other bed. She looked dejected, worn down, and in pain. We chatted for a few moments and she told me what parish she came from and what parish she now attends. I asked her if she would be able to receive Holy Communion. Her reaction was so beautiful. She looked completely stunned, and sat up so quickly that she knocked a couple of things over. She folded her hands and prayed with me, but she kept repeating over and over again, “Thank You. Thank you, Father. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

It was so beautiful to me to witness her deep love for the Eucharist. So often when I go to a hospital or a nursing home to visit one person, I wind up ministering to someone else quite unexpectedly. That woman’s profound devotion to our Eucharistic Lord still has me smiling. The Lord used my priesthood in that moment to bring that woman the Eucharist. At the same time, he used that woman as a witness to me. Her Faith deepened my own desire for greater love for the Eucharist.

Last week I mentioned at a fairly crowded 6:00 pm Mass that sometimes when I offer that Mass, I think to myself, “Somebody here was thinking about skipping Mass today, but instead, they forced themselves to go to the Six.” I mentioned that applied to them, how wonderful it is that they accepted the grace that God gave to them, and that, by coming to Mass, they did something so pleasing to God. As I said that, I saw all sorts of people looking at one another and nodding as if to say, “Yeah, that’s us.” After Mass, many people mentioned to me that they were in that category.

My point in sharing that is exactly the same as why I mentioned the woman in the hospital. We should not underestimate the power of our personal witness of Faith. Those people who came to Mass even though they were tempted to skip, offered a beautiful witness to others. They offered a great witness to me. Your very presence at Mass each week strengthens the Faith of your brothers and sisters who are there. I know it strengthens my Faith. Sometimes people think that missing Mass is a private matter that only affects their personal relationship with God, but that is not so. When someone is not at Mass, the whole community is poorer for it. Witnessing to our Faith strengthens one another.

I know that I single out one group of people a lot in our parish, and I hope by doing so nobody else feels as though I am slighting them! But, one of the things that really strikes me about St. Patrick Parish is how many young couples, infants, babies, and families there are. Your presence is such a fantastic witness to the rest of us. When we see you at Mass, we see that Christ is at work here. Your presence lifts the rest of us up and makes us rejoice, not only in the gift of life, but more importantly in the gift of the supernatural life of grace. In a world where many people have forgotten or rejected God, you are a witness to the indomitable power of grace. In any event, I hope that you know how much the rest of us love you and are grateful that you are here with us.

We are all here in this particular place and this particular moment to help one another on the great pilgrimage through this life to eternal life. Each one of us is here for a reason. The more each of us responds to the graces that the Lord gives to us, the more the others are strengthened. When we respond to the graces that God gives to us–like the grace to go to Mass, go to confession, pray, be generous with our time, treasure, and talent, to practice virtue etc.–we do these firstly for God. We do them also because they are good for us. But, we also do them for one another.

Thank you all for the abundant ways that you have responded positively to the graces that the Lord has given to you. Your personal witness of faith and holiness helps the rest of us, more than you might ever know.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:45:52 GMT

Although it is still being tweaked, our new parish website is up and running. If you open up the website, the first thing you will see are these words: “Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ.”

If I had to articulate what my vision is for a parish, those words probably encapsulate it best. As I work together with the priests, deacons, staff, and all of you to follow Christ and to build up our life together as a parish, I think about it in those terms.

I want our parish to be a place of true beauty. That certainly involves the upkeep of the property and the maintenance of our buildings. More importantly, however, it involves dedicating ourselves to attending to the beauty of the Sacred Liturgy. The Sacred Liturgy should elevate our minds and our hearts, allowing us to experience the transcendent. Our vestments, our music, our proclamation of the Word, the manner in which we dress for Mass, our attentiveness to the Liturgical Norms, and many other details all assist in allowing people to pierce beyond the here and now so as to taste a glimpse of the eternal. People are starving for beauty. We have the opportunity to provide for their hunger.

And it is not only in the Sacred Liturgy. My hope is that we can provide opportunities to encounter beauty in other ways too.

A parish should be a place where we encounter goodness. Goodness is attractive. When I arrived at St. Patrick Parish about a year ago, one of the first things that struck me is the evident goodness of the people here. You might be so used to it that you do not even notice it, but for someone who is new, it is quite striking. Being a place where we care about one another, attend to the needs of the poor, are generous in serving others, and respond to the needs of each other is most definitely a way to grow our parish. The more we give ourselves over to this community, the stronger this parish becomes and the more attractive it becomes to others. I thank you for all the ways that your goodness builds up our life together. I encourage you to respond generously to the many needs of the parish by serving.

I want to be a parish where we encounter the Truth. That happens in so many ways. It happens when the priests and deacons pray well and preach the Word of God with seriousness and devotion. It happens in our School and Religious Education Program. It happens in Adult Education (which I hope to expand). It happens through our studying the Faith. By expanding our confession times, we have the opportunity to live more deeply in the Truth, by acknowledging our sins and experiencing the merciful gaze of Christ (who is Truth itself). I would like our parish to be a place where we learn to live in the Truth of Christ. The Truth is attractive. The more we live in the Truth, the more we hunger for it. We live in a culture that seeks to escape from the Truth, thinking that the Truth is somehow against the human person. In reality, the Truth is the only thing that makes us truly free. I want our parish to continue to be a place where the Truth is proclaimed and lived.

And finally, Friendship in Christ. I am convinced that a parish needs to be a place where we experience the embrace of Christ through the experience of deep friendship. Friendship is attractive. Friendship helps us to live in the Truth. In friendship, we experience beauty and goodness. It is my hope that our parish increasingly becomes a place where people live in friendship with one another. It has been my experience, both as a parish priest, a college chaplain, and as a seminary faculty member that friendship is key to building up a community. Christian friendship is awesome. I look forward to providing opportunities in the parish to build up friendship.

So there it is. As I think about our life together, that is kind of the paradigm. Beauty, Goodness, Truth, and Friendship in Christ. I am grateful to the Lord that we are all together.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

My Visit to Rome

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:37:59 GMT

Last week I returned from twelve days in Italy. The weather was perfect, the friendship of those with whom I traveled was uplifting, the meals (wherein I ate far too much!) were excellent, the prayer was restorative, and the sights were beautiful. It felt as though I had been away for a month.

One of the things that struck me during that time was that, although I loved being away, I did not feel like I was on vacation “from” the parish. I know that for many people, a vacation is a time to escape from a job that wears them down. Vacation can almost be like a way to survive. While I was away, I felt like the vacation was “for” the parish and not “from” the parish. Spending time with friends, visiting the tombs of some favorite saints, enjoying great meals, and relaxing was awesome, but at the end, I was very happy to arrive back here.

While in Italy, I prayed often for all of you. I prayed at the tombs of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare. I prayed at the altar of St. Gemma Galgani. In Assisi we offered Mass in the church where the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis is. Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Carlo next year. Blessed Carlo was born in 1991 and died at 15 years old. He had intense devotion to the Eucharist and used his computer skills to develop a website to promote Eucharistic faith and devotion. When I prayed before his body, I prayed especially for the young people of this parish, for a deeper devotion to the Eucharist in our parish, and for those for whom technology is a cause of habitual sin. I also asked his intercession on those who suffer from serious diseases, especially Leukemia (which was what Blessed Carlo died from).

In Rome, I prayed at the Altar of St. John Paul II. Being close to him again was so moving to me. His fatherhood and example were so influential in my life. Being at his altar made me feel once again his nearness and affection. I prayed for all of you before his body. I prayed especially for young people in this parish and for an increase of vocations to the priesthood from our parish and your families. I prayed for married couples and for those who are far away from the Sacraments. St. John Paul II wrote extensively on the beauty of marriage and the place of the sexual act within the context of marriage. I prayed at his altar for all of those who suffer confusion about the truth concerning marriage and human sexuality.

In Rome, I also had the privilege to offer Mass at the Altar of St. Philip Neri. I have devotion to St. Philip Neri because of the way in which he lived his priesthood. He lived priesthood through friendship. He lived in friendship with other priests and with lay people. Although he died over four centuries ago, St. Philip’s model, I think, has much to teach us. Friendship in Christ is, in my opinion, the way to evangelize, to strengthen parishes, and to increase priestly vocations. At his altar, I prayed for my brother priests, for seminarians, and for the building up of friendships in our parish.

We prayed at the tombs of many other saints while we were there, including St. Paul, St. Ignatius, St. Monica (where I prayed for all those whose children and relatives have abandoned the faith), St. Robert Bellarmine, and many others. In all of these places, I prayed for you.

There were many things that I wanted to write about this week, but I seem to have run out of space. I will have to save it for later. Just two quick notes: 1. I look forward to living our friendship in Christ together in a deeper way as we move forward and 2. Do not forget that in addition to our Saturday confessions, we now have confessions available Monday thru Friday from 11:20am until 11:50am.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Note from Fr. Sijo

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:25:32 GMT

Dear Brothers and Sisters of St. Patrick,

I am truly privileged to write to you for the first time in the bulletin. Peace and blessings of our merciful Lord be with you. From the time Fr. Mario chose me to serve in St. Patrick's I am thrilled to enjoy your love and kindness which inspires me to surrender my life for the will of our Father. We spent one whole month of June professing our faith and devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus praying, “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like your own”. I always used to pray that from my childhood, all credits to my devoted parents, but used to ask a question in my heart “what made Jesus’ Heart so special? The most important characteristic of Jesus’ heart is that it is wounded and hurt. So, if I must make my heart like that of Jesus, I should let my heart be wounded and hurt for the love of Jesus and my people. I believe, there is no entrance to the heaven without having a heart that’s wounded and hurt. So, let us continue to transform our hearts into the heart of Jesus. But how?

We have three Apostles whose feasts we celebrate this week who teach us the HOW of this mystery. On June 29th, we commemorate St. Peter and St. Paul and on July 3rd St. Thomas. To the first, Jesus entrusted with the keys of the Church who initially had fallen in his faithfulness by denying the Lord three times but came back home professing his love to the Lord three times saying, “You know everything (means, you know my weaknesses, my limitations, my sinfulness and my unfaithfulness). You also know that I love you”. The second one taught us the mystery of Christian love proclaiming nothing can separate a Christian from the love of Christ, nothing of this world nor that of the other world. The third one is so special to me as I come from a town in India, where St. Thomas came in 52 AD and built the Church, and I am so much privileged to be called a St. Thomas Christian. He fulfilled what he proclaimed in the Gospel, “Let us also go and die with Him”. The life and example of these three apostles will be a true inspiration for every Christian who loves to follow Christ more closely.

St. Paul says rightly “woe to me if I am not preaching the gospel”. What does that mean to a Christian? Saint Francis of Assisi was taking his friend Leo to the villages to proclaim the gospel. All day they were in a journey and by evening Leo is asking Francis, “when are we preaching the gospel”. Francis with a smile answered to Leo, “all day we were preaching the gospel. Our life is our gospel. Preach it always but use words only when it is necessary”. My dear friends, we know that ‘gospel’ means good news. Fr. Mario always used to greet us saying he loves us with all his heart. Is it not the good news that we should be preaching to someone who feels so low and depressed in his/her life? St. Mother Teresa was asked by the people what she was doing by bringing those who were dying to her convent, and she replied, “I am helping them to smile before they die”. Is this not the gospel we should preach? Find those who are wounded and hurt in our own homes and communities. Let us share at least a word of comfort and prepare ways to the solutions of their problems. Let us proclaim the gospel of joy, hope and love.

I hope you are aware of our weekly Bible study on every Thursday 5:30-7:30 pm and the quarterly retreats being conducted on relevant topics once in three months. My humble request is to take these as opportunities to transform ourselves and the world around us. Let us continue to profess our faith in our Lord being part of these wonderful spiritual communities. I take this opportunity to thank Fr. David, Fr. Patrick, dear staff and our St. Patrick family for your love and support that you are extending to me for my life and ministry. Your generosity and kindness are so much appreciated. I request all of you to continue to bless me with your prayers.

Your friend and brother,

Fr. Sijo Jacob

A Note from Fr. Patrick

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:24:01 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

As I move into my 3rd month here at St. Patrick’s, I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you a little bit more about myself. When I first introduced myself, some of you were away for Patriot’s Day weekend, and then I took off shortly after that for my brother’s wedding in Italy. (Yes, amid rolling vineyards, grappa tasting, and all!) But now with move-in and unpacking completed, and having begun to get to know you, I can say that I’m feeling well settled in.

Following my ordination in 2016, I spent two years at St. Brendan and St. Ann Parishes in Dorchester, and the past six at St. Paul’s in Harvard Square where I served as the Undergraduate Chaplain at the attached Harvard Catholic Center. It was a beautiful and fruitful time working almost exclusively with college students, graduate students and young professionals. To the surprise of many, Catholic life is actually quite vibrant at Harvard and the faith is as relevant as ever to young people of all backgrounds. I had the great joy of receiving 140 converts over those six years. In the process, I learned invaluable lessons on evangelization, outreach, and how to engage our culture intelligently.

Having studied music production in college, I enjoy seeing live music of all types in my free time and playing the drums. Sadly (or happily!) you will not hear any such noise emanating from the rectory, as my practice studio remains the same basement room in my parents’ home in Franklin that I’ve used since I was 10. But perhaps sometime in the next year my jazz-fusion quartet, Vatican III, can do a show in Stoneham. (Volunteer event planners and producers: let’s talk!)

I admit that prior to coming here, I knew nothing about St. Patrick’s or the town of Stoneham, other than the reputation for being one of the largest and most active parishes in the Archdiocese. It has certainly lived up to its reputation so far! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many friendly faces of all ages at our Masses, visiting classrooms, greeting students before school, and chatting with parents after school. I also appreciate that many of you either grew up in Stoneham or have been settled here for a long time; being firmly rooted is the foundation for a vibrant parish community.

I am deeply grateful for your warm welcome these past 3 months and I feel even further blessed to be working alongside Fr. Barnes and Fr. Sijo. Please continue to re-introduce yourselves to me as I learn names, and I look forward to discovering all that the Lord has in store for us.

Yours,

Fr. Patrick

Beauty Wounds

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:45:00 GMT

Pope Benedict XVI once said that “beauty wounds.” Benedict explains that when we encounter beauty, it is like an arrow that pierces us and awakens in us a desire for our ultimate destiny. Instead of satisfying us completely, it deepens our longing for ultimate beauty. We have probably all had experiences like this. We stand before some majestic mountain range or down into the Grand Canyon, or we look up into a night sky filled with stars, or watch the crashing of waves during a storm. These encounters leave us with a longing for more beauty, for lasting beauty, for eternal beauty.

This wound is evidenced also by our reaction, at times, to beauty. Sometimes a natural reaction to beauty is for people to burst into tears! Oftentimes, beauty leaves us in awed silence. A few times in my life, I have been to a movie where, at the end, instead of everyone jumping up as soon as the film ends, people sit there in a stunned silence watching the credits roll. This is usually a good indication that the film was truly beautiful.

When we are pierced by this kind of beauty, we become, in a sense, more certain of the truth. I can think of so many experiences like this in my life. On the day of my priestly ordination, after distributing Holy Communion, I returned to my seat, and the choir began singing Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus.” In that moment I felt as though I was transported to another place. The sublime and exquisite beauty of those few moments gave me this greater certitude that “It is all true.” I did not doubt the priesthood, the Eucharist, or the Church etc, but the encounter with beauty in that moment deepened my certitude.

Another way that this happens in my life is through friendship. It has been my repeated experience that after being with friends, enjoying a meal together, sharing our lives together, I leave the occasion with the sense that “everything the Catholic Church teaches is true.” The beauty of friendship gives us a greater certitude about the Truth.

I often have that experience as I look out at all of you during Mass. Young parents raising their children in the faith, parents dragging their teenagers to Mass (!), a widow who walks into this church alone for the first time in decades, someone who feels overwhelmed, someone struggling with sin, a young man who wonders if God is calling him to priesthood, a couple of elderly friends who always sit together, people who are so generous in serving others, and the list goes on.

As I look out at this, I often feel that pierce of beauty that makes me long for the Author of all Beauty, the One who is Beauty Himself. This pierce of beauty also makes me more certain of Christ. Holiness is beautiful. When we live our Catholic Faith together, something beautiful happens. And this beauty pierces us and makes us long for greater holiness, greater faith, greater communion with one another. And this beauty of holiness gives us greater certitude that the Faith is more true than we ever imagined. We become convinced once again of Christ and the way of life he offers to us.

Last week, as I was offering the Sunday Mass, I had that kind of experience. I looked out at the beauty of our communion together and I had that tranquil and sublime assurance: “Christ is real. The Catholic Faith is True.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Few Updates

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:30:41 GMT

I want to take this opportunity to provide a few updates in terms of our life together. The first has to do with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Beginning this Monday, as an experiment, there will be a priest available for confessions Monday thru Friday before the Noon Mass from 11:20-11:50am. This is in addition to the Saturday afternoon confessions from 3:00-3:45pm. Confessions are heard in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chapel (lower church). The confessionals are located in the rear of the chapel. Since the priest who has the Noon Mass will be the one hearing confessions, the confessions need to end at 11:50am sharp.

There will be times when a priest may be returning from a grave and may be unable to be there, but for the most part, our plan is to be there. We are doing this as an effort to provide more opportunities for parishioners to receive this sacrament and to enjoy its benefits.

We are also looking at the possibility of having a confessional in the upper church. This would allow the possibility of providing the sacrament of confession on Sundays before one of the Masses. It may not always be possible, but we would like to at least make it possible as often as we can. We are looking at ways to make this happen. Stay tuned.

Oftentimes at the end of Mass, I notice that parishioners applaud the cantor and the musicians. This is done out of a desire to show gratitude. Even so, I want to make an observation about that. The musicians and cantors at Mass are there to assist all of us in lifting our hearts AND voices up to the Lord. They are not there to replace the congregation or to perform for us. We are not the audience. If you really want to show gratitude to the musicians, sing the responses of the Mass! That’s what they really want! The Mass is always so much more beautiful when everyone is responding to the prayers, singing the Mass parts, and fully attentive. There are, of course, times when the choir or a cantor might sing something that is not for the congregation. The last thing any of us want is for the cantor to be singing the “Ave Maria" and for the person behind us to be singing it along with her! But, for the most part, we should all–yes, even you–be singing the Mass parts. By all means, feel free to show gratitude to the musicians at the conclusion of Mass, but let’s show them gratitude during the Mass by joining in!

This Sunday after the Noon Mass, we will have a gathering of the many parishioners who serve the parish in a variety of capacities. (I will not list them because I will inevitably forget to mention some group or another!) This parish depends upon the generous service of so many people in its day to day life. If you are one of those people, please know how grateful I am. Your name doesn’t appear in the bulletin. You do not get to share your thoughts from the pulpit. Probably nobody ever stops to say, “Thank You” for what you do. Many of the things that you do are hidden. You make life easier for the rest of us and you take pride in St. Patrick Parish. It’s because of your quiet and often-hidden generosity that others are able to worship here and feel loved here. Thank you–on behalf of all of us–for all that you do.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Reminder on Receiving the Eucharist

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:23:55 GMT

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord, traditionally referred to as, “Corpus Christi.” One of the things I always notice when I go to a parish is the manner in which people receive the Blessed Sacrament and how they show reverence towards the Blessed Sacrament. It has been a joy for me to see how here at St. Patrick people receive the Eucharist with reverence and with devotion. It is often my custom either on Corpus Christi (or in the weeks around it) to offer some reminders concerning various aspects of how we as Catholics receive the Eucharist and the reverence which we show toward the Blessed Sacrament.

Those who desire to receive the Eucharist should always first examine their consciences and, if they are aware of any serious sins committed since their last confession, make a good confession, and receive absolution before receiving the Eucharist. Additionally, Catholics are required to fast for one hour from all food and drink (except water) before receiving the Eucharist.

There are two ways to receive the Eucharist. The first is on the tongue. If you choose to receive in this manner, the minister of Communion will hold up the Host and say, “The Body of Christ.” You respond, “Amen.” Then, you should slightly tilt your head back, open your mouth, stick your tongue out, and allow the minister to place the Host on your tongue. Sometimes, people open their lips so slightly or do not put their tongue out. It becomes complicated! I always like to tell people, “Let me place the host on your tongue. Do not try to move toward my hand!” Also, we would like to leave with all of our fingers, so please do not “snap” at us!

The second way to receive the Eucharist is on the hand. In this instance, you should place one hand completely flat on top of the other hand. In this way, you make a kind of throne for the Lord. After the minister says, “The Body of Christ,” and you reply, “Amen,” the minister will place the Host on your top hand. Please take one step to the side, take your bottom hand and pick the host up from your top hand placing the Host in your mouth.

Some things not to do when you receive in the hand: 1. Please do not hold your hands like you would when cupping water into them. The top hand should be completely flat on top of the bottom hand. This will prevent the Host from sliding out of your hand onto the floor. 2. Please do not grab the host with your fingers from the minister. 3. Please do not break the host. 4. Please do not ever give the host to someone else, share it with a child etc. 5. Please do not walk away carrying the Host. (The ministers of communion are supposed to make certain that the person actually consumes the Host.) None of the priests or deacons here enjoy having to go up the aisle to ask someone who didn’t consume the host to do so. We are required to do it, but it always makes us feel lousy.

I realize that 99% of you are thinking, “Of course we know this!” I know that you do. But, all of the things that I mentioned above happen with some regularity. (Most often at Funerals, Weddings, and days like First Communions, Christmas etc.) As I said at the beginning, I know that the Eucharist is treated here with great reverence. The way that happens, however, is to teach about it, to give occasional reminders and refreshers, and to point out things that may need some correction.

If anyone who reads this thinks, “Maybe I haven’t been receiving correctly,” feel free to ask one of the priests or deacons. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

What a beautiful privilege it is for us to be a Eucharistic People!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A “Think Out Loud” Moment

Wed, 22 May 2024 20:01:28 GMT

I am a “think out loud” kind of person. I often joke that I have to be careful about that around here because the parish staff is so efficient that if I ever said out loud during one of my pondering moods, “Maybe we should have a parish airplane,” I’d wake up the next morning and see a 787 parked in the church lot.

That being said, at the moment, I am in a “think out loud” moment, so what I write here is not a proposal, a plan, or the groundwork for anything more than that. It is just me sharing a bit of what has been on my mind and heart these days.

One of the very happy things about St. Patrick Parish is that there remains a strong sacramental faith here. Baptisms, Confirmations, Confessions, Masses, Funerals, Marriages, and Anointings are requested here with great regularity and great Faith. A parish with a strong sacramental life is a healthy parish. (The same could be said for our own individual spiritual lives. If we are devoted to the frequent and devout reception of the Sacraments, we are living a healthy spiritual life.)

As I think about our parish, one of the things that nags at me is this sense that while maintaining the robust sacramental life that is already present here, we need to do a few things more. Some of the things that I would include on this list are the following: 1. Help to offer things that can serve to form and deepen the discipleship of those who already attend Mass. 2. Find ways to reengage those who often have very limited interaction with the parish. They come for their child’s baptism or First Communion, but disappear until the next “big event.” 3. Find ways to engage those who never cross our doorstep.

As I think out loud, it occurs to me that the Gospel for this Sunday is what I am trying to say. Jesus told the apostles to go and make disciples. He told them to baptize and also to teach. An absolutely indispensable part of being a disciple of the Lord is the devout reception of the Sacraments. It is the most important thing that we do as a parish. It is why we try our best to make the Liturgies beautiful, dignified, and reverent.

At the same time, making disciples also involves more. It involves “going.” It involves trying to find ways to seek out those who do not come yet to Mass, to Confession or who have not even been baptized or confirmed. It involves “going” out to announce the Gospel. It also involves providing ways for each parishioner to deepen his friendship with the Lord, gradually becoming more of a disciple of the Lord. Being a Catholic is not a static reality. Being a Catholic means every day following the Lord and growing in our intentional discipleship.

As I share these thoughts with you, I do not know yet exactly what it will mean. I do know, however, that it can’t mean simply that the priests, deacons, and parish staff will have to do it all. It means that all of us are called to this great work. It means that all of us together are called to do the great work of going and making disciples.

I look forward to seeing what the Lord has planned for us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

We are indeed one body in Christ

Wed, 15 May 2024 23:24:27 GMT

I have had many experiences in my life as a priest that seem somewhat surreal. As an example, I recall many years ago being in my car on the way to go food shopping. As I came around the bend in the road, I saw people standing in the road. A car and a large truck had only seconds before been involved in a major crash. I pulled over, grabbed my Holy Oil and stole, and went over to the car which was badly damaged. An elderly woman, unconscious and severely injured, was in the driver’s seat. I reached in and anointed her. A few minutes later, the emergency vehicles arrived and used the jaws of life to get her out of the car. As they laid her on the ground, she let out a breath and died.

I remember getting in my car after that and thinking, “Am I really going to leave here now and go do the food shopping?” The juxtaposition between going from a mundane errand to a life and death situation, and then back to a mundane errand seemed quite surreal. This is often my experience here at St. Patrick Parish.

Our life together here often involves moments of intense joy and profound grief, all within the context of “everyday life.” Within a twenty-four hour period, we can experience the joy of babies being baptized, a marriage beginning, our all being together for Sunday Mass, and a First Communion being celebrated. During that very same period of time, one of our parishioners mourns the sudden death of a spouse, another family gathers at the bedside of a seriously ill parishioner, and someone’s child is undergoing testing. And all of this happens at the same time as the parish attends to the “nitty-gritty” of budgets, maintenance, and administration.

It is an amazing reality. St. Paul speaks about the Church as the Body of Christ. He speaks about how when one member mourns, we all mourn and when one member is honored, we all rejoice. It is good to remember that we all belong to one another. We are indeed one body in Christ. And that a whole lot of intense life is happening all the time among us. And, a whole lot of “everyday life” is happening too.

Everything we do for our parish is so that we can share in each other’s joys and share in each other’s sufferings. When we financially support the parish and when we give of our time and talent to the parish, we are loving one another. When we show up for Sunday Mass, we are there not just for ourselves, but for each other. When you come to Sunday Mass, you are there also for the sake of praying for each other and for strengthening one another. When you go to Confession, you go not only for yourself, but in order to strengthen the rest of the Body.

Those of us who are privileged to work and serve the parish in a full-time way perhaps have a greater sense of all the intense life that happens and also all the mundane activities that are required to keep the whole thing running. I hope, however, that in some small way this letter helps you to realize in a deeper way how much you matter to the rest of the Body. The more you intentionally grow in holiness, give yourself generously to the parish, and become actively involved, the more fully alive this parish will be in Christ.

Thank you for all that you do to build up the Body of Christ and to love one another.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Significance of Subtle Events

Wed, 08 May 2024 10:34:00 GMT

Although it is often “big events” that we recall with greater vividness, it seems that what shapes us in more significant ways are those small, subtle, and seemingly insignificant moments that occupy the vast majority of our days. For example, we may quickly recall a big party that we once attended, but we do not think often about the everyday experience of eating dinner together as a family. In the long run, it is not so much the “big party” that shapes who we are as a person, but rather the experience of the day in and day out living together as a family. When, for example, I talk to people who are mourning the loss of a parent, they rarely recount the “big trip to Disney World.” What people often recount is how “We ate Sunday dinners together each week.”

As a parish we often have big events: Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Weddings, Confirmations, Funerals, Eighth Grade Graduations, the Sacred Triduum, Christmas Masses etc. These events are indeed glorious and joyous. For me, however, it is often the more seemingly routine events that catch my attention. I think that these countless “little” events shape us as a parish. I’d like to share with you a few such examples.

Some mornings before school, I stand out in the school yard and greet the arriving students and their parents. In those moments, it is so beautiful to see the love that is shared between these parents and their children. A hug, a kiss, a word of assurance that “I will see you after school.” All of these little acts of affection, repeated day after day, are what build a family and a parish school.

Another thing that really strikes me on those mornings before school is how genuinely well-formed the children are. It still shocks me when the students–from very young all the way to eighth grade–confidently say to me, “Good Morning, Father Barnes. Have a nice day.” Or, “Good Morning, Father, how are you?” Honestly, in an age where people avoid eye contact and seem incapable of conversing with other human beings, I am struck by the capacity of these students to engage in conversation. It’s a small thing, but it’s really a big thing.

Another thing that happens to me five times a weekend is standing outside of the Sunday Mass, greeting all of you. Even though most of those encounters are quick, I thoroughly enjoy that time. Last Sunday while I was standing there, numerous people asked me to pray for various intentions; most for people who are undergoing testing, treatment, and surgery. Sometimes, despite my best efforts, I do not recall the names of the people I’m asked to pray for, but I try. And, I always add, “And for all those I’ve been asked to pray for.”

Also, last Sunday as I was standing there, I overheard an exchange between two families. One of those families has been experiencing some medical issues with one of their children. The other couple said to them something like, “Remember, you are not alone in this. We are here to help you. Whatever we can do. There’s no need for you to carry the burden alone.” And I thought to myself, “That is what a parish is.”

In one sense, Sunday is a big deal. It is the Lord’s Day and we should honor it and give it reverence. In another sense, Sunday for Catholics becomes like the Sunday Dinner together as a family. It is in committing ourselves to it week after week, that we are shaped and transformed. It is the place where, over time, we are built up and each member is strengthened. It is where we love one another. It is at the Sunday Mass that a thousand subtle events gradually transform us. We see that young family and are encouraged. We see that elderly person and are inspired by their lifelong commitment. We see a mother or father who cares for a child who suffers from a disability and we are moved by their example of love. We come to Sunday Mass firstly to worship God. We also come because we are a family and being together is important. It is in living this weekly commitment to one another that we are shaped and formed over time into a true spiritual family.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Let's Keep Praying for One Another

Wed, 01 May 2024 16:44:00 GMT

I may have mentioned this to you before, but one of the “duties” of a pastor of a parish is to offer Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation for the people of his parish. That does not mean simply saying Mass in the parish. It means offering the Mass for the intention of the people of that parish. If, for some reason, the pastor is unable to offer that Mass himself or is unable to do it on the actual Sunday or Holy Day, he can have another priest offer it for him or do it on a different day. That is why you will often see in the bulletin that the intention of a particular Mass is for, “The People of St. Patrick Parish.” For me, it is a good reminder that I have a serious obligation to pray for all of you.

Similarly, I am always so grateful when someone tells me, “Father, I pray for you.” I remember years ago, I was at the home of some friends of mine for dinner. They had also invited another family that I did not know. When the other family arrived and we were introduced, they all were incredibly surprised and happy to meet me. I remember the wife saying, “Wait! You’re Father Barnes?!!” Then the husband and the kids were all like, “Wow! It’s Father Barnes!” Their reaction kind of confused me a bit. Admittedly, for a moment, I thought, “Wow, I must be famous or something.” Then they told me that years ago, they were part of a group who drew the names of priests out of a hat and that they had committed to praying for that priest. Turns out, for years, every night, during their night prayers, the husband, wife, and all of their children had been praying for me by name. Imagine that! It really was so striking to me that these people had been praying for me for years. I sometimes think that perhaps one day, God will show me that anything good I had done in my life or any evil that I resisted was entirely the result of others praying for me.

There are people in your life and in my life who have stopped worshiping God on Sundays, who no longer go to confession, and who are thus deprived of the Bread of Eternal Life, the Eucharist. Whether they are members of our personal families or whether they are part of our parish family, it is a cause of deep sorrow to know that these people whom we love are depriving themselves of the most important reality there is. Jesus says, “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life.” He also says, “Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you have no life within you.” It is painful to watch someone starve themselves from the food that gives eternal life.

What can we do? What can we do as individuals and as members of our parish? The first and most important thing we can do is pray. Ever get angry that someone you love is not going to Mass? That’s fine, but getting angry isn’t really going to solve anything, is it? Instead, pray for that person. Pray for all of those who bring their children here for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion, but who do not come to Mass. Pray for those who send their children to Catholic School and to Religious Education but who do not come to Mass. Pray for all of those who attend Funerals here, but who have all but abandoned the practice of the Faith. I mean it. Pray for them! If we love them, we should pray for them. Our prayers are not wasted. I wonder what might happen if all of us really intentionally prayed for all of the Catholics who have wandered into a spiritual wasteland? I really think that God might do something amazing in their lives.

If we truly believe that the Eucharist truly is the food of everlasting life, then we must also urgently pray that those who have absented themselves from the Eucharistic Banquet repent and return. I encourage you to begin praying for people that you know and love who are absent from the Sunday Mass. Let us also pray for all of those Catholics who live in St. Patrick Parish but who may not (yet) be with us on Sundays. I trust that if we do pray for them, God will do something great.

Lastly, let’s keep praying for one another. We are all branches on the one vine of Christ. Let us love one another by praying for each other.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Being New

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:28:00 GMT

Last weekend a young man coming out of church said to me, “Father, maybe you could let people know that the Creed is found on the first page of the book in our pews.” He said, “If you’re new, you might not know the Creed.” And sure enough, I looked there and discovered that on that first page are many of the prayers that we pray at Mass. And, that young man is absolutely correct in saying that maybe not everyone knows those prayers. So, if you are new (or just never memorized all of those prayers), check out the inside of the front cover of the pew missal! During Mass, feel free to open it up and pray along!

Speaking of “being new,” it is really so wonderful to look out at Mass and see so many infants! Their presence brings so much joy and hope to the rest of us. To all of you who bring your children to Mass, please know that we are SO happy that you are here with us.

Speaking of “being new,” if you’ve never registered as a parishioner here, would you please do so? Sometimes people “come to church,” but they never join the parish. Filling out a registration form says, “I don’t merely attend this parish, I belong to this parish.” Belonging is important.

A couple of priest friends of mine–both ordained under three years–are leading a pilgrimage to Poland in November. They are both top-notch priests and I am sure the pilgrimage will be a wonderful experience. It is advertised elsewhere in the bulletin. Think about it!

Last week I went to the home of some former parishioners of mine and had dinner with a couple of families whom I became friends with when I was assigned there. It’s hard for me to believe that I arrived at that parish 24 years ago and that I left there 11 years ago! Sitting around the table together, having a wonderful meal, and talking about life not only brought back many happy memories, but it also reminded me of how great life as a parish priest is. What a privilege it is to enter into the lives of people and to live the friendship of the Church together. God is so good.

I wish all of you a great week.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Christ the Good Shepherd makes himself known

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:34:00 GMT

Many years ago, I think before you could take photos with your phone, I was in Rome and was visiting the catacombs one afternoon. It was a beautiful, warm sunny day and, in typical Italian fashion, the catacombs were closed for lunch! I decided I would take a walk and pray my Rosary. What happened next was for me one of those magical type moments that I can never adequately convey to others.

As I walked along, I heard the sound of someone singing. To my right I saw a young shepherd walking along with a flock of sheep through a pasture. Even now, the whole thing feels as though it was a dream. Growing up in Quincy, I didn’t have many encounters with shepherds, so the whole thing was surprising to me. And, as a young priest visiting Rome and praying my Rosary near the catacombs, it felt like a scene from a movie.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, which we celebrate today, is often referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Each year on this day the Gospel at Mass speaks to us about the Good Shepherd. Every year, on this day, my mind goes back to that day many years ago in Rome. In that moment, I felt the closeness of the Good Shepherd.

In a far more real way, however, Christ the Good Shepherd makes himself known here and now through the priesthood. The Catholic priest prolongs the presence of Christ, the Good Shepherd, in the midst of his flock. Christ chooses men to shepherd his flock here and now. He chooses priests to feed his flock with the Word and with His Body and Blood. He chooses priests to watch over the flock and to guard it in the Truth. He chooses priests to walk with the flock, leading the flock to green pastures and restful waters.

Those of us who are priests always feel unworthy of the gift of the priesthood. That we should be given such a privilege is incomprehensible to us. I think the longer one is a priest, the more he becomes awed by the gift and privilege. The longer one is a priest, the more one feels deeply how far he has to go to be more like the Good Shepherd. We should pray for our priests. Pray that we become every day more like the Good Shepherd.

It has been a great joy in my life to encourage priestly vocations. I want to continue that work here at St. Patrick Parish. The people of today need to encounter Christ, the Good Shepherd. They need priests. They need priests to baptize them, to absolve them, to anoint them, to bless them, to commend them to eternal life. They need to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd through the preaching of the Gospel. They need priests.

If you sense that the Lord is calling you to the priesthood, do not be afraid to accept this gift from the Lord. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He does not run away when the wolf attacks. If the Lord is calling you to be a priest, he is calling you to be a shepherd after his own heart. And, the Lord will give you every grace you need for that. If he is calling you to be a priest, he is calling you to lay down your life for the sheep. What a beautiful gift he is offering you!

There are undoubtedly men in this parish whom the Lord is calling to be priests. I am praying for you, the sheep are depending upon you, and the Good Shepherd is waiting for you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Thank You For Your Witness

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:11:00 GMT

During the Easter season, the Church’s Liturgy quite often draws from the Acts of the Apostles. The pages of the Acts of the Apostles provide to us an amazing description of what the Church at its very beginning was like. We listen to the powerful preaching of the apostles, observe their miraculous deeds, and witness their missionary zeal. We see the foundations of the Church being built up and the Gospel spreading everywhere. We see the Kingdom of God spreading like wildfire, people repenting, hearts being converted, and the Church growing.

After the Resurrection of the Lord, the newborn Church exploded with new life. That explosion of Easter newness is not relegated to some past historical era. We read Acts each year after Easter to remind us that what the Church was at its beginning is still happening now. The joy and newness of Easter reverberates over two thousand years later in a little town called Stoneham. What Christ established two thousand years ago continues to live and to breathe in every age and in every place.

The disciples would gather for “the Breaking of the Bread.” They were dedicated to being together and to deepening their communion with one another and with the Lord. They were “of one heart and mind.” They were generous. They were devoted to building up the church and to assisting the poor. They boldly preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins. They were joyous. They confessed their sins. They prayed. They loved one another. They evangelized. They communicated the Faith. The Church was growing.

Sound familiar? It does to me. I am very grateful to live the Catholic life here at St. Patrick’s. In this place, I experience the explosion of Christ’s Resurrection. I look around each week at all of you and am assured that what Christ did for those first disciples, he is doing for us. Your witness of Faith is for me a great sign of Christ’s Presence and of Christ’s Risen Power.

I often have the opportunity to tell you, both here in the bulletin and at Mass, how your witness of Faith is so encouraging to me. Perhaps when you are at Mass some day, you might make the effort to tell someone how their witness encourages you. Maybe it is the person whose name you do not know but who sits near you every week. Maybe it is some mother or father who brings their kids–babies, toddlers, teenagers, older–to Mass each week. Maybe it is someone who comes each week and sits alone. Maybe it is an older person who struggles up those stairs each week. I don’t know, but I was thinking it might be nice, on occasion, to tell someone, “Thank you for your witness.”

There are so many moments during Mass when I look out and some individual, couple, or family catches my eye and I am filled with gratitude for their witness. (I want to mention also those of our parishioners who are homebound and, while not able to be with us physically at Mass, are still united with us through prayer.) When I look out and see you living your faith, it is like I am one of those first disciples hearing the good news, “He is Risen!” And, to that I can only concur. He is Risen Indeed!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

He is Risen, Indeed!

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:48:00 GMT

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

On the night of the Last Supper, as Jesus sat at table with his apostles, he said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you . . .” (LK 22:15). We can say that the Lord also had us in mind when he spoke those words. He eagerly desired that we should be with him in the Upper Room, on Calvary, and at the empty tomb. And this, we have done.

Last week, during the extraordinary days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday, St. Patrick Church was bursting at the seams. You accepted the Lord’s invitation to be with him during those days. Throughout those days, and at their conclusion, I had this overwhelming sense that we had done something beautiful for God. We lifted up our hearts and minds to God and worshiped Him with everything we had. It was a glorious few days. And, during those days, we deepened our communion with the Lord and with one another. It is most especially in the Liturgy that we are drawn up into communion with God and our own communion is strengthened. Even more, during those days, numbers were added to our community as people entered into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. To those of you who were welcomed into the Church and who received Sacraments at the Vigil: Welcome and congratulations!

There are times in life when it feels as though the Lord provides us an assurance that He is close to us and that He is doing something great. He did that for me last week during the Sacred Triduum. The weight of His Glory was tangible to me as we all worshiped together and gave God our all. Everyone did their part. Catholic life was on full display as long lines of people came to confession, and thousands of people came to Mass and adored the Cross. Honestly, all of you–clergy, staff, and parishioners–were pretty amazing this past week. So many people worked so incredibly hard during those days. Your generosity, attention to detail, and reverence was something beautiful to behold. Thank you so much.

Fr. Sijo and I are very happy that we will be welcoming another priest to St. Patrick. Fr. Patrick Fiorillo (a good name to have in this parish!) will be coming aboard this week. Ordained in 2016, Fr. Patrick has spent the last several years as the Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Parish in Cambridge and as the Undergraduate Catholic Chaplain at Harvard University. He is a life-long drummer and even plays in a Jazz band called “Vatican III” with several other priests. I hope he practices very quietly . . . .

It will be great to have another priest with us, not only to share in the current workload, but also to draw upon Fr. Patrick’s particular gifts to expand our ministries here. He will be gradually settling in over the next several weeks.

Lastly, congratulations to all of those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend at St. Patrick Parish! May you live always as steadfast witnesses to the joy of the Catholic life.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

He is Risen!

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 23:10:00 GMT

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

Because this week’s bulletin is given over almost entirely to remembering the names of those in whose memory flowers have been donated, I have been told to “keep it short!”

On the first Easter evening two disciples walked along the road to Emmaus. They were weighed down and filled with sorrow. They were discussing all that happened over the past few days. Into their midst, Jesus came to them, but they did not recognize him. He spoke with them, explained the scriptures to them, and took bread and blessed and broke it with them. At that, “their eyes were opened.” And then, Jesus vanished from their sight. I have always loved the words they then spoke, “Were not our hearts burning within us as he spoke to us along the way?”

What happened on that road two thousand years ago continues to happen here at St. Patrick Parish. During this past year, as we have mourned Fr. Mario’s illness and death, we have walked with one another along the road. And, as we look back upon the events of this year and the many years in which Fr. Mario served here, I am sure you can say, “Were not our hearts burning within us as he spoke to us along the way?” Through Fr. Mario’s priesthood and through his friendship, you encountered the Risen Lord. During these months since Fr. Mario’s death, the Risen Lord Jesus continues to walk with us. He speaks to us as we walk together in friendship. He speaks to us through the Scriptures at Mass. Most especially, he reveals himself to us and gives himself to us in the Eucharist. He has drawn close to us.

Seven months ago, I joined all of you on the road together. I am grateful that, like those two long-ago disciples, I also have come to encounter the Risen Lord in our life together. His Presence–through our friendship, our reading of the Scriptures, and most especially through the Eucharist–causes my heart also to burn as he speaks to us along the way.

When I see our life together, I can say: He is Risen. He is Risen, Indeed!

All of us who serve St. Patrick Parish: Priests, Deacons Religious, Lay Ministers, and Parish Staff thank you for your beautiful example of Faith and we wish you and your families the joy of the Risen Lord.

(Guess I didn’t keep it short).

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Entering into Holy Week

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:36:00 GMT

I have vivid memories of me as a young boy standing on the kneeler of our pew watching my two older brothers serve Mass on Holy Thursday. On one level, I did not know what was happening because I was so young. On another level, somewhere deep in my soul, I understood it perhaps even better than I do now. Something completely awesome was taking place before my eyes. As I stood on that kneeler watching them begin the Eucharistic Procession that concludes the Mass on Holy Thursday, my mother leaned in and whispered in my ear, “They are taking Jesus away.” They were bringing the Eucharist to the Chapel of Reservation, but I also understood that they were going with Jesus to the Garden. I understood that we were leaving the Upper Room and that tomorrow–Good Friday–we would stand on Golgotha.

When my Mom whispered those words to me, “They are taking Jesus away,” I could have burst into tears. In part because I felt this deep sorrow, but mostly because I was, for the first time in my life, feeling the reality of what it means to be Catholic. I was not merely watching a drama about Jesus. In the Sacred Liturgy, I was being taken up into THE DRAMA of eternity. I was participating in the actual events that had taken place two thousand years ago in Jerusalem. Jesus was not some far away character that one reads about in a book. He was present here and now. The millenia, the mountains, and the oceans that separated me from the time and place of Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection disappeared. In the Sacred Liturgy, we meet Christ here and now. We encounter Him here and now. He touches us here and now.

When we participate in the Sacraments, we are immersed into the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. When we, for example, confess our sins and receive absolution, the priest begins the prayer of absolution by saying, “God the Father of Mercies, through the Death and Resurrection of His Son . . . .” In other words, in that moment, we are being absolved through our contact with the power of Jesus’s Death and Resurrection. Or, when we participate in the Mass, the Sacrifice that is being offered on the Altar is the Sacrifice that Jesus offered on the Cross. When the priest at Mass consecrates the Body first and then the Blood, it is a sacramental representation of Jesus’ Blood being separated from His Body on the Cross. In every Mass, the Sacrifice of Calvary is made present here and now. Thus, in every Mass, we participate in THE EVENT that saves us.

Friends, as we now enter into this holiest of weeks, I invite and encourage you to live this week close to Jesus. I invite and encourage you to attend as much of the Sacred Triduum as possible: The Mass of Holy Thursday (7pm), the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday (3pm and 7pm), and the Solemn Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday at 7:30pm). These are the most sacred days of the Church’s Year and the most magnificent of all the Church’s Liturgies. Give yourself a great gift this week. Attend the Sacred Triduum.

As we enter into this Holy Week, I am filled with wonder, awe, and I am grateful to stand with you in the Upper Room, on Golgotha, and in the empty tomb. I am filled with child-like wonder to once again–with all of you–to be taken up into the eternal mysteries of our Redemption. A Blessed Holy Week to all of you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Crosses We Bear

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:53:00 GMT

Everyday people walk into St. Patrick Church carrying with them the heavy burdens of life. Some are undergoing medical testing or preparing for surgeries. Others are worried about their children, their grandchildren, or some other relative. There are people who are anxious about employment or finances. Perhaps a big decision looms large over their life or they feel like their life is a failure. There are people suffering from addictions and people whose family members suffer from addiction. There are marriages that are under strain, children who are making a mess of their life, and people suffering from depression, loneliness, or some other hardship. Some are weighed down by sins that seem to be unforgivable. So many in the pews at Mass are mourning the loss of a loved one.

I sometimes think we would be astounded if we could see written out on a wall all of the burdens, sufferings, and worries that are carried into St. Patrick Church each week. Everyone who sits in our pews carries with them some cross. Some carry many. It’s good for us to remember that. Sometimes it can feel like you are the only one carrying a cross. It can feel like everyone else “has it altogether,” and that your life or your family is the only one that has problems. Or, you can feel embarrassed by your cross or that it is not a worthy cross. Maybe you wish for a more noble appearing cross or a cross that wasn’t so heavy. You’re not alone. We do not choose our own cross, but we must choose to carry the cross that we are given.

Today we turn our attention to a man who knew what it was to carry a cross. St. Patrick was only a teenager when he was abducted from his native land and enslaved in Ireland for several years. This horrific period in his life could have embittered Patrick, made him distraught, and caused him to give up on life. Instead, Patrick became a man of prayer. He drew close to God and grew in his faith. After he escaped captivity and returned home, Patrick had a dream that the people of Ireland were calling to him, asking him to return. Patrick, as we know, became a priest, was ordained a bishop, and then returned to pagan Ireland to convert the people there. Patrick played an integral role in why so many of us today are Catholic.

Faith changes us. Faith teaches us to see the Cross as something to embrace and to carry. When we grasp the Cross, we grasp Jesus and Jesus always sets us free. Patrick teaches us that to carry the Cross we are given can change the world. This, of course, takes faith. It takes faith to say, “Lord, I do not understand why I am in this situation, but I trust in you. I trust that if I carry this cross even though I cannot see the outcome, that you will use it for my sanctification and for the sanctification of the world. I believe that you love me and that you walk with me. I trust that you know me better than I know myself, and that even though I think a different cross would be better for me, I trust that you have given me the cross that is best. I carry this cross because I believe you. I carry this cross because I love you. I carry this cross and trust that, even though it is painful, you will bring something truly good and beautiful from it.”

All of the Catholics in this parish are under the patronage of St. Patrick. He prays for us. He teaches us to carry our cross. He helps us to carry our cross. And, he reminds us that in carrying our cross, God is drawing us close to Himself and drawing others close to Himself through us.

As we enter into these final weeks of Lent, take a look around at Mass this weekend. The persons seated in those pews with us all have a cross too (as do all of our homebound parishioners). Let’s pray for one another, that we will all live by faith. Pray that we will all carry the cross that we’ve been given. And pray that our faithful carrying of the Cross will–as it did in the case of St. Patrick–win many others to Christ.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Peek Behind the Curtain

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:11:00 GMT

This morning (it’s Tuesday as I write this), I am thinking about the past twenty-four hours at St. Patrick Parish. For most parishioners, what they see of the parish is what happens in that one hour on Sundays when they are at Mass. I’d like to share with you what this past Monday was like. I do so for a reason that I will explain at the end.

On Monday morning when I arrived at the office, our facilities team was already long at work, cleaning, setting up for various events, and working on special projects. Under my door were pages of calendar updates (the evidence that Deacon Frank–as usual–was already in his office, hard at work). Soon, drop-off for school would begin which in itself is a well-choreographed event that various school and parish staff manage.

Office staff arrive, as do some of our Monday morning volunteers, to begin dealing with a never-ending list of administrative tasks. The phone and the doorbell never stop ringing. I mean they never stop ringing. On Monday, there are already five funerals posted on our bulletin board for the coming week. Bills are getting paid, contractors are being met, accounts are being reconciled etc. Meanwhile, Deacon Frank has distributed three more editions of the ever-changing calendar.

Fr. Sijo and I spent the early part of the morning hearing the confessions of our Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders of St. Patrick School. Upstairs, Deacon Frank was assisting a visiting priest with a funeral.

Fr. Sijo had the Noon Mass and I headed out to Reading to the home of one of our parishioners who was celebrating her 97th birthday. She was not doing well and the family requested she receive the Sacraments. After visiting her, I intended on visiting one of our parishioners in the hospital. Meanwhile, because I had hospital duty, the hospital called me to anoint someone else in the ICU, so I visited both people.

After that, I went to the nursing home to offer Mass and to anoint about seventeen of the residents there. Our Pastoral Associate, Diane McCarthy, makes certain that St. Patrick Parish attends to the spiritual needs of the residents of various nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in Stoneham. Just as I was about to begin Mass at the nursing home, the hospital called me again to bring the sacraments to someone who was dying. I quickly called Fr. Sijo to see if he could take that call for me. He was already out on a call in Wilmington where a nursing home was unable to find a priest, so they called us. Fr. Sijo went to Wilmington and then to the hospital. Meanwhile, Deacon Frank dropped off more calendar updates.

All day long, various staff members are in meetings, responding to requests, and providing assistance to those in need. On Monday evening young people in our religious education program–along with Deacon David and our volunteers–under the direction of Brenna Langaneau, our Religious Education Director–were in the parish hall and Main Church. In the Lower Church, Fr. Sijo and I were hearing confessions for our parishioners from 6:30pm-7:30pm. And then, at Midnight, I was called out to the hospital again.

My reason for telling you all of this is not to complain!! It is simply to give you a sense of some (and only “some”) of the many things that take place here. The most important parts of our life as a parish–the Sacraments–are able to be so generously available because we have such a hard-working, professional, and dedicated staff. St. Patrick Parish and School is a huge operation. The whole thing holds together because of the incredible talent and dedication of our staff and volunteers. It holds together because of your generosity to the parish.

I hope this peek behind the curtain encourages you to continue to be generous to the parish, to step up when we need help, and to pray for and express gratitude to our fantastic staff.

I have to go now because Deacon Frank will probably be arriving in my office with another version of the calendar.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Traveling the road of Lent together

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

On February 15th the Roman Martyrology (the book that contains the names of the saints who are commemorated on each day of the Church’s year) commemorates twenty-one men who were martyred on February 15th, 2015. All of them were migrants who were working in Libya. (An icon of them is pictured on the front of today’s bulletin.)

They were kidnapped and brought to a beach where they were videotaped kneeling in the sand. Their captors instructed them to renounce their Christian Faith. When the men refused, they were beheaded.

Twenty of the men were Coptic Christians from Egypt. One of the men, however, remains a bit of a mystery. Matthew Ayariga was not a native Copt. He is believed to have been from Ghana or Chad. It is unknown whether he was even a Christian. What is known is that he was with these other men that day on the beach. And, he was with them when they were all kidnapped.

I sometimes think about Matthew. How did he meet these others? Why did he stay with them? I tend to think that Matthew saw something in this band of brothers. He saw the way that they lived their lives. He saw their love for one another and their virtue. He was attracted to stay with them.

Matthew saw these men being slaughtered one by one. When the terrorists reached Matthew, they asked him what Faith he was. Matthew’s response is very moving to me. He said, “Their God is my God.” Matthew was then executed. From now until the end of time, the Church will honor and seek the intercession of Matthew and his twenty brothers. They died for the Faith.

As we live Lent, it is good for us to remember Matthew and his twenty brothers. They remind us of the power that comes from following Christ. Those twenty men lived in a way that attracted Matthew to stay with them. It attracted Matthew in such a powerful way that he chose to stay with them even until death.

Lent is not about us being isolated in our own private penances. It is a time for us to live more closely together on the road of discipleship. It is a time for us to become more convincing witnesses of our Christian Faith. This Faith is lived in communion with each other. Faith is lived in friendship. It is lived in mutual support, mutual prayer, and mutual charity. Each Sunday at Mass when we pray the Creed, each of us says, “I believe . . . .” The Faith is personal. And yet, we all say those words together.

Traveling the road of Lent together, we ask that the Lord might deepen our communion with Him and with one another. Our penances, prayers, and almsgiving are intended to purify each of us and to purify all of us. We all need this purification.

My prayer this Lent is that each of us will be purified so much and our communion deepened so much that others will be attracted to our life together. I pray that they will see us and be compelled to say, “Their God is my God.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Life gets away from us sometimes

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:10:00 GMT

I remember some years ago a priest said to me, “When you arrive somewhere new, write down the repairs that you notice are needed, because after a year, you’ll not notice those things anymore.” When you first arrive somewhere new, you think to yourself, “We’ve got to fix that leaky faucet.” Two years later when someone mentions the faucet to you, you say, “Yeah, that’s the leaky faucet.” Or, “Yeah, that’s the drawer that doesn’t open.” In one rectory that I lived in, I was cooking one night and needed a can opener. In the drawers I found seven can openers. All of them, broken!

Life gets away from us sometimes. We settle in and get comfortable. It happens in parishes all the time. I’m not talking about the obstinate resistance to change that can sometimes happen. I mean more a complacency that we don’t even realize is happening. It struck me recently that one of the things that every parish needs to do is constantly examine itself to ask, “What do we do well?” And we have to ask, “What needs some work?” As I’ve mentioned to you before, one thing that really strikes me about St. Patrick Parish is how friendly and welcoming people are when you walk in the door. And yet, I want to ask, “Are there ways that we can do that even better?” I think especially because St. Patrick Parish is such a busy place, there never seems time to stand back and examine it. But, I’d like to find a way to begin examining all aspects of our life so that we can continue to grow and flourish. What needs to be pruned and what needs to be planted? What is the Lord asking of us? How can we best respond? This is something that we will have to do together.

Of course, what I just said about parish life is equally applicable to our own spiritual lives. We can settle in, get comfortable, and no longer live as intentional disciples of the Lord. We can lose the savor of following Christ and become insipid. We can grow accustomed to our sins, no longer pursue virtue, and become sluggish in our prayer life. We can lose that fascination for Christ that we once had and live a boring kind of Christianity.

In some ways, this is why the Church gives us the holy season of Lent each year. It is a time to rekindle the love that we first had for the Lord. It is a time of conversion. It is a time to shake off the sluggishness that weighs us down. It is a time to turn to the Lord and ask him to set us free from our sinful habits. It is a time to cast off the deeds of darkness and to put on the armor of light. It is a time to be forgiven and a time to forgive. It is a time to rediscover what it means to be a disciple of the Lord. I am happy that we are living Lent together.

A couple of other things . . .

Last week I noticed a lot of new faces at some of our Masses. I’m new too, so sometimes it is difficult for me to know who else is new! As a fellow newbie, I want to welcome you and tell you how happy we are to have you here. There was definitely one new person at Mass last week. I met a beautiful two-week old infant. Praise God for the beautiful gift of life! And thank you to her parents for sharing your joy with us.

If you are new to our parish, please introduce yourself to me!

Lastly, as a community, let us pray during these weeks of Lent for those among us who are preparing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church during the Easter Season. The example of these people who are falling deeper in love with Jesus Christ and who are choosing to follow him with greater intentionality are a source of encouragement to all of us. We are praying for you!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Lent is Coming!

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:13:00 GMT

Lent is coming! This Wednesday the Church begins her yearly pilgrimage to the Sacred Triduum, the commemoration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. Like the Israelites who were led by the Lord from the slavery of Egypt to the freedom of the Promised Land, Catholics are led by the Lord through the season of Lent so that we can be set free from our sins and experience more fully the freedom of life in Christ.

A real key for having a good Lent is to make a plan! If we do not begin Ash Wednesday with a clear plan in mind, we will have a mediocre Lent. Saying, “This Lent I want to be better” is not a plan! Lent is a time for us to deepen our union with Christ, to become more of a friend to him, to become more of his disciple. Perhaps that might be a good way to start building your Lenten plan–by asking yourself, “How can I be a better friend to Jesus? How can I be a more committed disciple of Jesus?” Once you have a sense of how you might want to grow in your friendship with the Lord, then build the plan around that.

During the Church’s Liturgy, the prayers often refer to Lent as, “this joyful season.” As always, we should take our cue from the Liturgy. Lent, contrary to what you may think, is not intended to be a time of drudgery. It is a joyful season whereby we make our way with Christ. When making your plan for Lent, remember that it is something joyful, not something oppressive. See your prayers, sacrifices, and good works as a joyful occasion.

I would like to make a recommendation to you. An incredible way to live Lent is to attend daily Mass. I recall fondly that during Lent in my home parish growing up, there would be four very crowded daily Masses! At the 7:00 am Lenten Mass, there could be ten altar boys serving because we all decided to go to Mass every day during Lent. I had hoped to add an extra Lenten daily Mass to our parish schedule, but it was not possible this year. There are, however, a variety of daily Mass times available in the general area, including early morning, mid-morning, and in the early evening. If you want to grow in holiness, I can think of no better way than to go to daily Mass during Lent.

Another thing I’d say about a good Lenten plan is that it should be doable, practical, and about making more room for the Lord in your life. Don’t decide to do things that you know you will quit after a day. If you’ve been lazy about praying each day, don’t decide that for Lent you are going to pray for an hour a day. Instead, if you really haven’t been praying at all, decide that you will spend ten minutes every day (preferably at the same time) in intimate prayer with the Lord. This seems practical and doable.

I was impressed by the things that some of the college students I worked with did for Lent. They were really creative. One guy gave up sitting on furniture except if he were in class, work, or Mass! He’d either stand or sit on the floor. I remember another one gave up drinking anything except water during Lent. These kind of silly disciplines have no value in themselves. They did them so that they would have opportunities to remember Christ throughout the day. Drink coffee with cream or sugar? Perhaps drink it black for Lent. Or, drink tea instead. Take the elevator? Use the stairs instead. Staying up too late? Go to bed at the same time each night. Addicted to your phone? Don’t look at it for an hour before bed or an hour after you’ve woken up!

Most importantly, remember that Lent is more about what God does than what we do. So, if you do fail in something, don’t just quit. Begin again! We sometimes have this mentality that says, “Well, I committed to praying every morning at 6:00 am for ten minutes, but I didn’t do it yesterday, so I guess Lent is a failure for me now, so I will just go back to not praying at all.” We really can be ridiculous sometimes! If you fail in your Lenten discipline, begin again.

I look forward to living this joyful season of Lent with all of you. May Easter find all of us closer to the Lord and closer to one another.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Belonging to a Parish

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:48:00 GMT

Recently I received a letter from a married couple who belong to our parish. They are both in their eighties and experiencing some of the physical limitations that come with age. In their letter to me, they spoke about how much Fr. Mario meant to them, how much St. Patrick Parish means to them, and a bit of their history with the parish over many decades. In their letter, they also mentioned to me that having reviewed their finances, they were reducing their monthly and annual donations by a bit.

Their letter really was very striking to me. By taking the time to write me that letter, it said something about their connection to this parish. They really “belong” to St. Patrick Parish. Their letter reminded me of something that is a bit missing in younger generations, a sense of true belonging to a parish.

I think it is true that in many ways, people my age and younger often approach church with a bit of a consumer mentality. We can go in order to “get something out of it,” but we do not always have a sense that we also go in order to provide for others. Somewhere along the way, we lost the sense of “joining a parish” and “belonging to a parish.” A friend of mine is pastor of a parish with tons of young adults. He loves them, but he often says that it can be difficult to run a parish with young adults as your major base. He says, “If you have an event that they like, they come out in full force, but if you need to put a new roof on the church, they’re not interested in that!”

That was what was so striking to me about the letter from that couple. These people took the time to write to me to explain why they had to give a little less going forward. They’ve been supporting St. Patrick Parish longer than I have been alive! Their generosity–and the generosity of so many people of their generation–is why we have our beautiful church, why we have our school, why we have a roof, why we have a parish.

Their letter was so beautiful to me. They feel this sense of responsibility to the parish and they think carefully about what they can give. I hope that some pastor thirty, forty, or fifty years from now will receive a similar letter and think to himself, “What incredible parishioners! They started supporting this parish way back in 2024 and they have this incredible sense of truly belonging to the parish.

I want to thank our many parishioners who have generously belonged to St. Patrick Parish for decades for all you have done and all that you continue to do. Your “belonging” is an inspiration. I’d also like to encourage those who are younger and who continue to benefit from the generosity of our elders to intensify your belonging. How? I can think of three quick ways:

Actually Register for the Parish. You can do that online or in person.

When you see or hear of a need in the parish, step up and offer help.

Contribute consistently and generously to the parish. (Online giving is a huge source of help to the parish because it helps us to budget well.)

Whether you have been a parishioner for eighty years or eight days, whether you are wealthy or poor, whether you are young, old, or somewhere in between, I invite you to imitate the authors of that recent letter and intensify your belonging to a parish. We belong here. And, I am grateful to belong with you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Catholic Church LOVES Marriage

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:05:00 GMT

Last weekend I offered a Nuptial Mass for a wonderful young couple named Austin and Sarah. I met them when they were students at the Boston University Catholic Center when I was the chaplain. It was such a beautiful wedding. I was especially moved by how they continue to maintain, deepen, and live a beautiful Catholic friendship with so many others whom they met at the Catholic Center. It was an event marked by deep faith, great joy, and just a lot of fun.

Before I went out to California for their wedding, I spoke with another guy I know from BU. Patrick and Sheila want to receive the Sacrament of Marriage.

About a week before that, I met with Kenny and Angela. I met Kenny when he was around six years old and I was his pastor! Kenny and Angela want to receive the Sacrament of Marriage.

That same week I was also happy to meet Brendan and Lindsay who are from right here in Stoneham. They want to receive the Sacrament of Marriage.

In the days ahead, I will be meeting with Andrew and Christina and with Andrew and Victoria. They too will be receiving the Sacrament of Marriage here at St. Patrick Parish.

Over the course of the past few decades, the number of marriages has declined dramatically, and even many Catholics see “the church wedding” as just one option among many. In doing so, these couples are depriving themselves of the extraordinary graces that come through the Sacrament of Marriage. For Catholics, we understand that marriage is something that is so much bigger than just these two individuals. I think that many people seem to think that “a church wedding” is just some rule imposed upon us by the Church.

I always wish that more young Catholics understood the beauty, the richness, and the absolute grandeur of the Catholic Church’s teachings on Holy Matrimony. I wish that every young Catholic who was preparing for marriage could have the same depth of faith that Austin and Sarah had this past weekend. They knew that they were entering into a union that is sacred and incredibly serious. They had a joy that can only come from God himself.

While marriage itself is taking a lot of hits in the present culture, I am so happy to see (and to report to you) that there are signs of faith and love out there! What we Catholics believe and teach about Marriage is more beautiful and more profound than anything you will see about marriage anywhere else.

As I looked around last weekend at the purity, the love, the seriousness, the joy, the friendship, the devotion, the faith, and the love that filled those days together, I thought to myself, “The world really needs a renewed understanding and love for marriage.” Holy and good marriages make for holy and good men and women. They make for holy and good families. They make for holy and good parishes. They make us all more aware of God’s presence in our life and make us more aware of his love for us.

Another reason I am so grateful to be Catholic: The Catholic Church LOVES Marriage.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Sacrament of the Sick Helpful Hints

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:39:00 GMT

Last week I wrote to you about who should receive the Sacrament of the Sick and what exactly is the Sacrament of the Sick. This week, I want to offer a few practical “helpful hints.”

1. Do not wait until a loved one is close to death to request the Sacrament of the Sick. Once a serious illness has come upon someone, then is the time to request this Sacrament. Firstly, it is because, as mentioned last week, the Sacrament gives us graces during our illness. So, we should rely upon those graces while we are seriously ill and not only at the end of life.

2. Another reason you should not wait until death is imminent is because there is never a guarantee that a priest will make it to you in time. It is not always going to be the case that a priest is readily available or reachable. Priests go on vacation, have days away, and have other commitments. I hope that I will have a priest at my deathbed, but delaying the Sacrament is foolhardy.

3. Another reason you should not wait until the very end is because the ideal situation is that the sick person be conscious during the administration of the Sacraments. Ideally, at the end of our life, we want to have received the Sacrament of Confession, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and the reception of the Holy Eucharist. That is what I want for myself. It is what I pray will happen to me. It is what we should all desire.

4. Sometimes families don’t call the priest because they “don’t want our mother to know that she is dying.” I’ve been present at many, many deathbeds over the years. Believe me when I tell you that the person knows she is dying. For a person of faith, the presence of a priest bringing the Sacraments is a source of consolation and hope. Do not deny a loved one that privilege. Let them see and talk to a priest while they are still alert. Let them go to Confession if they are still able. Let them receive the Blessed Sacrament. Sometimes, if people wait until it is too late, the person cannot confess because they are unconscious or they cant receive the Eucharist because they are unable to swallow. That is why it is better to make the request when the person begins a serious illness rather than delaying.

5. If you didn’t catch the theme of numbers 1-4: Don’t put off the Sacrament!!! Receive it as soon as a serious illness is present, before serious surgery, or as old age has made one significantly frail. If a condition worsens significantly, the person can be anointed again. But, it is better to receive it when needed and not to delay it! It gives you graces!

If you are seriously ill, facing serious surgery, or if you have become frail due to being elderly, you should go to confession, receive the Sacrament of Anointing, and receive Holy Communion.

The priest administering the Sacrament of the Sick is not like you’ve thrown in the towel and called the Grim Reaper. Two thousand years ago, Jesus drew close to those who were ill and suffering. He drew near to them and brought them healing and forgiveness. Jesus continues to do that today through the ministry of priests as they anoint the sick. Why would anyone delay such an encounter with Jesus? Why put off receiving healing and forgiveness?

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Sacrament of the Sick

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:37:00 GMT

Recently, a priest friend of mine was attending a basketball tournament and one of the players–just twenty years old–collapsed and died on the court. Thankfully, thanks to the quick action of some of the coaches and bystanders, the young man was resuscitated and survived. While they were performing CPR on him, the priest knelt beside him and gave him the Sacrament of the Sick.

I am sure the sight of that young priest giving the sacraments to that young man at that moment will be forever ingrained in the memories of the fans, players, coaches, and that young man’s family. There were many seminarians at that tournament, and I cannot help but think that they must have been incredibly inspired to see the grace of priesthood being lived out right in front of them.

For the next couple few weeks, I want to use this column to speak about the Sacrament of the Sick and some practical issues regarding the reception of the Sacrament of the Sick. Maybe it might clarify some things for you and be helpful to you. This week, I simply want to convey what the Sacrament of the Sick is. What does it do? Who should receive it?

I encourage you to read the following paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In next week’s bulletin, I intend to write a bit about some practical considerations surrounding the Sacrament of the Sick.

Until Then….stay healthy!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

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From the Catechism:

The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.

If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.

The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will. Furthermore, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Union with the passion of Christ. By the grace of this sacrament the sick person receives the strength and the gift of uniting himself more closely to Christ's Passion: in a certain way he is consecrated to bear fruit by configuration to the Savior's redemptive Passion. Suffering, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus.

An ecclesial grace. The sick who receive this sacrament, by freely uniting themselves to the passion and death of Christ, contribute to the good of the People of God. By celebrating this sacrament the Church, in the communion of saints, intercedes for the benefit of the sick person, and he, for his part, through the grace of this sacrament, contributes to the sanctification of the Church and to the good of all men for whom the Church suffers and offers herself through Christ to God the Father.

A preparation for the final journey. If the sacrament of anointing of the sick is given to all who suffer from serious illness and infirmity, even more rightly is it given to those at the point of departing this life; so it is also called sacramentum exeuntium (the sacrament of those departing). The Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just as Baptism began it. It completes the holy anointings that mark the whole Christian life: that of Baptism which sealed the new life in us, and that of Confirmation which strengthened us for the combat of this life. This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father's house.

Happy Epiphany!

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:13:00 GMT

Fr. Sijo and I wish to thank all of you who extended so many kindnesses to us during these days of Christmas. We are very grateful for the many ways that you expressed your love toward us.

I know I have mentioned it several times already, but I am still deeply moved and grateful that so many parishioners came to confession in the days leading up to Christmas. In that week before Christmas, Fr. Sijo and I heard confessions for a total of about sixteen hours. Hearing confessions is both exhausting and life-giving. At the end of all of those confessions, I thought, “This is why I became a priest.”

When I was a boy, I attended Sacred Heart School in North Quincy where I was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Every morning before school, after we said our prayers, we sang some Catholic hymn. After lunch, after we said our prayers, we would sing some patriotic hymn. We also sang every day during music class. (I thought that it must be a requirement for every nun to own a pitch pipe.) Additionally, we sang in parish variety shows and we sang around a piano or guitar whenever people gathered together. Singing has a way of expressing unity with one another.

I like at Mass each week when it comes time to say the “Our Father,” to hear all of you pray together. I almost always whisper that prayer so that I can enjoy hearing the whole congregation pray together. In that moment, you can hear and feel the unity. That is a good thing.

There are some parts of the Mass where a choir or cantor might be the only voice heard, but there are other times when we should all sing. That singing is an expression of our unity together. Could I ask you to step up your singing game? You don’t have to be Pavarotti to sing “Holy God We Praise Thy Name.” It would be good if the cantors could “lead” us in song, but not “replace” us in song. So, if you’re not singing, can you give it a shot? Yes, I’m talking about the men too! Singing elevates our worship of God and helps us to express and deepen our own unity with one another. It also breaks us away from the notion that the congregation is the audience during Mass. The only audience during Mass is God. The rest of us – priests, deacons, servers, readers, cantors, musicians, and congregants – are there to render worship to God.

Each Sunday when we enter into church, let us echo the words of the Magi, “We have come to worship him.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Feast of the Holy Family

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 17:13:00 GMT

Although, because of the bulletin deadline, this letter is being written before Christmas, I want to thank all of you for the magnificent way that you have prepared for and celebrated Our Lord’s Birth. St. Patrick School had its Christmas Pageant, the church has been decorated, an enormous number of gifts have been provided for those who are less fortunate, parishioners delivered plants to the homebound, the choir and musicians have practiced, and the parish staff has been non-stop for weeks.

In the week before Christmas, we had a funeral Mass every day. Additionally, the parish confessionals were busy with many parishioners seeking to be reconciled to God through the Sacrament of Penance. On a personal note, I have to tell you what an incredible joy it has been to minister to all of you in this most profound encounter with the Lord’s Mercy. I know that Fr. Sijo feels similarly.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. As we do so, in my mind’s eye, I see so many of our parish families. I see you walking into church, sitting in your usual pews, and I see the dinner tables where I have been privileged to eat with you. I see the extraordinary love of parents who care for their children who suffer from various medical afflictions. I see the young parents bringing their little ones; parents who teach their children the Catholic Faith. I see married couples–young and old–who are living out their marriage vows. I see adult children and grandchildren caring for their parents and grandparents.

I see young men and women who are faithful to coming to Mass, and I think how proud their parents must be of them. I see those whose families are experiencing turmoil. To be a holy family in the current culture and climate is a monumental task. It is so easy to grow lax, to yield to the irreligious currents, and to lose faith. I see young men and women who are serious about growing in faith. I see young people who are discerning calls to the priesthood and religious life. I see young adults who are trying to make sense of life and their place in it.

As we meditate this weekend upon the Holy Family of Nazareth, I entrust all of you–the beautiful family of St. Patrick Parish–to their heavenly intercession. The graces of the Holy Family are even now being poured out into your hearts and homes. What happened in the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is not relegated to the past. It overflows into the families of faithful believers even now.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Christmas Message

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:40:00 GMT

On Christmas Day 1863, a man from Cambridge, Massachusetts was heavily burdened. He was still mourning the death of his wife who had died in a tragic fire. More recently, he had received a telegram informing him that his eldest son was seriously wounded in battle during the Civil War. As he sat at his desk, he could hear the church bells ringing throughout Cambridge. He felt within himself a certain dissonance. How, he wondered, is it possible to experience the peace and joy of Christmas while there is so much suffering, pain, and grief?

That man, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, put pen to paper that Christmas Day and wrote the poem that we know as, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Longfellow expresses something about the beauty of faith and about Christmas.

Perhaps at no other time during the year, do we feel the dissonance between what Christmas proposes and what the world seems to be like. Christmas promises joy, peace, goodwill, hope, and love. At this very same time of the year, we look around and are more sensitive to all the ways that those things seem to be lacking in the world. We see sorrow, conflict, grief, and despair. And yet, as Longfellow beautifully describes, faith is relentless. No matter how dark the circumstances or how heavy the burdens, the Good News keeps calling out to us. It keeps reminding us that the bad news can never conquer the indomitable power and grace of Christ’s Birth.

Fr. Sijo, our deacons, lay staff, and I wish all of you a Blessed Christmas. In a particular way, I want to single out any of you who may be feeling that dissonance a bit more this year. I pray that the joy and peace that Christ’s birth ushers in, relentlessly pursues you and sustains you. I pray that the full joy and peace of Christmas penetrates your heart in new and grace-filled ways.

A Blessed Christmas,

Fr. David Barnes

Do You See What I See?

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:04:00 GMT

Do you see what I see?

I see a Catholic Community that worships God devoutly, that generously supports the parish, cares for the poor, and that is marked by a love for one another. I see a parish staff that works tirelessly for the people of St. Patrick. I see young families coming to Mass. I see bible studies, bereavement groups, and support groups. I see people praying together. I see a parish that has vocations to the priesthood and to the religious life. I see young adults and young couples at Mass. I see long-time stalwart parishioners who–even though burdened by age–are as committed now to the parish as they were decades ago. I see Sister Maureen who just turned Ninety coming to work each day at the parish and praying for us all in Eucharistic Adoration. I see people bearing witness to the beauty of marriage. I see people coming to confession regularly. I see deacons pouring themselves out in service to the parish. I see a Christian people who care for and love one another.

Do you hear what I hear?

I hear the sounds of our musicians playing and singing for the Lord. I hear Fr. Sijo warmly inviting people to Bible Study and to Retreat Days. I hear the glorious sound of babies and children at Mass. I hear the school choir practicing from my office window. I hear the residents at the Arbors, Fuller House, and Life Care belt out the hymns we sing at their monthly Masses. I hear a lot of joy and laughter in the rectory and the parish office. I hear our Catechists teaching children about God and the Church. I hear the Word of God being preached and taught. I hear people who pray with devotion.

Do you know what I know?

I know that the Lord is present here in our midst. I know that he draws close to us. I know that he wants no one to be excluded from his salvific grace. I know that he is the answer to every heart’s deepest longing. I know that if you are heavily burdened, he is close to you. I know that he wants to forgive all of your sins. I know that he wants to give you freedom. I know that he loves you. I know that he has always loved you. I know that he will never not love you.

Listen to what I say:

As we draw close to the Feast of Christmas, it is such a source of joy to see and to hear the signs of Christ’s Presence among us. He is coming, but he is also already here. He will indeed bring us goodness and light. We can have confidence about this because as we look around and listen, we can confidently know that he already has brought us goodness and light. And…there is more where that came from. Get Ready!

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Beginning the Season of Advent

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:02:00 GMT

A couple of years ago, I went to a monastery for my yearly retreat. Before arriving, the nuns sent me a contract to sign. It was not a contract for how much I would have to pay to be a guest, but rather a contract stating that I would not speak with them or with any other person at the monastery! Perfect silence (with the exception of the necessary instructions upon my arrival) was expected. The monastery provided me with a two-level cabin in the woods. On the ground floor was a nook for eating meals in private, a bed, a small bathroom, and a kitchenette. On the second floor was an oratory with three icons, a wooden kneeler, a desk and chair, and a small table–upon which I offered Mass each day and reserved the Blessed Sacrament. For five days, other than a few deer who would show up to graze near my porch, I had no contact with anyone. I didn’t check email, messages, the news, or voicemails. It was GLORIOUS! Sometimes we find prayer difficult. This was one of those occasions when I felt like I just couldn’t stop praying. Even as I write to you now, I imagine myself up in that simple wooden oratory.

Today, we begin the holy season of Advent. It begins quietly and simply. A single flame is lit. In a world given over to fanfare, noise, distraction, and the bombardment of constant sound, Advent’s quiet beginning could at first glance seem underwhelming. Shouldn’t we do something flashier, something that will really grab everyone’s attention? And yet, it is precisely this quiet, simple, almost imperceptible flicker that draws our attention. It awakens in us a desire for something greater than the world has to offer. It stirs in us a longing for what is not ephemeral, but eternal.

If we are humble before the Liturgy, we can learn from it. The Sacred Liturgy is not in competition with all of the other noise in our life. The Sacred Liturgy stands confidently on its own. It stands in contrast to the noise of the world. The Sacred Liturgy in its noble simplicity invites us to encounter God Himself. God did not come into the world in the big cities, in the palaces of the powerful and famous. He came into the world in the womb of a poor girl from an outskirt town that almost nobody knew about or cared about. He came in silence.

As we light this first candle of Advent, we are reminded that the light is coming into the world. God is doing something. God works in silence. He draws us close to Him in silence. He meets us in silence. And in this silence, we begin to perceive slowly and gradually the presence of Christ. It moves us to be filled with a consoling and strengthening hope. Little by little in Advent, another candle is lit, a little more light fills our life.

As we live this Advent, perhaps a gift that we could give to ourselves and to one another is the gift of silence. Maybe reduce the noise in our life so that we can hear the voice of God speaking to us. Arrive for Mass a bit early and spend time in quiet prayer. When in the church, recall that it is a sacred place and observe reverent silence, affording others the gift of silence so that they too can encounter the Lord in prayer. Stop by church during the day and spend some time with the Lord. Silence can be an oasis for us; a place to drink in the Presence of Christ.

That small candle that begins burning today is for you. It burns as a reminder that God wants to do something in your life. He wants to encounter you personally. He wants to speak to you, personally. That candle is inviting you to draw close to the Lord as he draws close to you. The Word comes to us in silence. I pray that all of us receive the gift of silence this Advent so that the Word can find a ready welcome in our souls.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:49:00 GMT

The large stained-glass window behind our church altar depicts today’s Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. At the center of the window is Jesus Christ, and gathered around him are the saints and angels. Jesus Christ is the center of everything. He is at the center of time and at the center of meaning. Without him, everything falls apart. But through him, and with him, and in him, all things hold together.

The saints who are depicted in that window seem to be held in place by the power of Christ’s Presence. He draws them into communion with himself and sustains them in that communion. Without Christ, we flail, falter, and fall apart. Christ is the Savior of the World. He saves us from living a life of meaninglessness. He saves us from sin and eternal death. He saves us for eternal life and beatitude. He reaches into the darkness and confusion of life and rescues us.

Next week, we begin the beautiful season of Advent. It comes and goes so quickly every year, but Advent offers us an opportunity to make a spiritual retreat. Advent affords us the opportunity to listen to the deepest desires of our heart. There is a longing in each one of us for our life to be held together, to be saved, to belong, and to be loved. Advent affords us the time to give expression to these deep longings of our heart. To pine for Christ, to pine for the one who holds all things together.

In Advent, the Church’s liturgy expresses each day the longing of all time and history for Christ. It expresses the longing of every human heart. If the last Sunday of the liturgical year celebrates Christ as the King, the beginning of the new liturgical year (i.e. Advent) teaches us to acknowledge our deep need for the King. It teaches us to beg for his presence in our life. In Advent, we go out to meet the King who is coming into the world.

I encourage you to live this privileged season well. One way to do this is to attend daily Mass during Advent. If you cannot attend daily Mass, spending time reflecting on the Daily Readings for Mass is definitely a spiritually fruitful exercise. I am a big fan of “Magnificat,” a monthly periodical that has all of the prayers and readings for each day during the month and a daily reflection. Spending time each day in some moments of quiet prayer, especially fed by the Word will make for an extraordinary Advent.

Going to confession during Advent should be a priority for all of us. We will add additional times for confessions towards the end of Advent.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

What I Am Thankful For

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:45:00 GMT

Recently I bumped into a friend of mine who was with his toddler son. As the dad and I were chatting, the little boy was pushing his toy trucks, making noises, and occasionally telling me, “Look at this!” At one point, the dad asked his son, “When we go to visit Jesus at church, do we tell him what we are most thankful for?” “Yes,” the little boy responded. “And what do you tell Jesus you are most thankful for,” asked the dad? The little boy lit up, looked at me, and said, “The USS Constitution.”

That was not the answer I was expecting, and it made me laugh. Apparently, the father brings his son to the Constitution on a regular basis to hear them shoot the cannon at Reveille and when the flag is lowered in the evening. Next thing I knew, the boy and I were paging through a book of old ships with him excitedly pointing at them.

In a few days, we will all gather for Thanksgiving. Ever since we were toddlers, we have been taught that it is not only polite and fitting to give thanks, but that it is something necessary to our humanity. When we feel and express gratitude, we become more human. Without the expression of gratitude, something is incomplete, lacking, and missing.

Jesus tells us that unless we become like little children we will not enter the Kingdom. Little Raphael’s gratitude for an old ship can teach us something. He is filled with the wonder of youth. He stands before reality with awe and with gratitude. For us Catholics, the Sunday Mass is our weekly opportunity to stand before God and offer profound gratitude for all of the wonders He has done for us. Thanksgiving Day is also a wonderful opportunity for our whole nation to give thanks.

There are many things for which I am thankful this year. In particular, I want to express my gratitude for the way you have welcomed me to St. Patrick Parish. The arrival of a new pastor is often fraught with difficulty. The arrival of a new pastor who follows someone as well-loved and respected as Fr. Mario can make for an enormously difficult adjustment. I am sure that it would not surprise you to know that pretty much every priest I met would say to me, “You’ve got a tough assignment.” They didn’t say that because of the parish, but because they knew I was following such a beloved pastor.

From the moment I have arrived here, I have received nothing but cooperation, kindness, and friendliness from the priests, deacons, staff, and parishioners. I tell every priest who asks me how things are going, “I am so impressed by how friendly the people have been.” To me, it is amazingly beautiful how–in the midst of your grief–you have been able to be so gracious, welcoming, and kind to the new guy. Like little Raphael in front of the USS Constitution, I stand in wonder before your goodness.

I am very grateful that I love living with my brother priests, working with such wonderful parish staff, and serving such a great parish community. Things are never complete until we express gratitude. I wish all of you a Blessed Thanksgiving, and I most certainly Thank You.

Fr. David Barnes

Scattered Thoughts

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:27:00 GMT

Just some scattered thoughts this week.

Last Sunday afternoon, Fr. Sijo, Deacon David, and I gathered with many of you at St. Patrick Cemetery to visit and pray at the graves of your loved ones. I really felt in those moments that we were doing something truly great. Besides the prayer, what I particularly appreciated was hearing different parishioners talk about the persons for whom we were praying. “Father, these are my parents.” “Father, this is my son.” “Father, this woman here was very active at St. Patrick’s.” I also appreciated how close-knit the community is here and how you care for another. There were a lot of people and a lot of graves to be blessed, but everyone was so patient and kind. And, everyone seemed to know one another and know all the deceased. It seems strange to say that an outing to a cemetery made for a good day, but it really was a wonderful experience.

I want to thank Diane McCarthy and all of those who worked with her for organizing the Mass on November 2nd for all of those who died this past year. The first three times I visited St. Patrick Parish, as I was preparing to come here permanently, I noticed that there was always a hearse outside the church! There are a lot of funerals here. One of the corporal works of mercy is to bury the dead, and one of the spiritual works of mercy is to console the sorrowing. I am grateful for the way in which our parish clergy, staff, and parishioners dedicate themselves to these two important works of mercy. It really is impressive.

On November 3rd, I attended the Funeral Mass for Fr. Thomas Oates. Many of you may remember Fr. Oates when he assisted here. Fr. Oates was the first priest I ever lived with when I was a young college seminarian. When he was fifty-seven years old, he went to South America to work in the missions. His first assignment was in Bolivia and was often considered to be the nicest parish that the St. James Society had. After being there for several years, he requested to be transferred to the Society’s poorest parish in Ecuador. He was a priest who was well-read, who loved the poor, and who was very funny. There was always a twinkle in his eye. May he rest in peace.

In other news, one of the tasks that I need to attend to is reconstituting the Parish Finance Council. This consultative body assists the pastor in the administration of the goods of the parish and helps to ensure accountability to the archbishop and to parishioners. When I was a pastor before, I had an excellent Finance Council and was really indebted to them for their excellent work. I hope to have a similar experience here at St. Patrick.

When you are new to a parish, you notice certain things. I have noticed that the Readers at Mass here are quite excellent. Believe me, that is not the case everywhere! Also, I notice that the ushers are wonderful. They make people who enter the church feel very welcome. Again, that is not always the case everywhere! Just an observation.

I hope you all have a great week ahead.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Starving for Beauty

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:22:00 GMT

Some years ago, when I was a pastor in a different parish, the organist at the parish – on his own initiative – introduced something to our parish’s musical customs. As the distribution of communion was coming to its end and the priest was approaching the tabernacle to reserve the Blessed Sacrament, the organist would begin playing the “ Adoro te devote ,” (a beautiful Eucharistic hymn). No matter what he had been playing before that, he would transition into quietly playing that little tune. Since I have always loved that hymn, I thought that I was probably the only person who even noticed that he played it. It would last for no more than a minute. It was barely perceptible.

One day a woman from the parish came to see me because she was moving from the parish and wanted to talk about a few things. I have always been struck by one of the things she said. She said, “Father, do you know what I am going to miss most about coming to Mass here? Every week, right as you are putting the Blessed Sacrament back into the tabernacle, the organist would play that little tune. I don’t even know what it is, but I look forward to it every week. I have a very difficult life, but hearing that tune every week really comforted me and kind of told me that everything was going to be okay.”

Beauty has an extraordinary power about it. It can transform us and can lift us up. Beauty slows us down, makes us pause, and makes us desire to live in a deeper and truer way. Beauty is different from entertainment. Entertainment seems to give us a momentary pleasure, but beauty leaves something impressed upon our soul. In some ways, beauty is more difficult for us to bear than entertainment. Entertainment is flashy, loud, and it seems to fill up the silence in our life. Beauty is more sublime and it draws us into silence. If entertainment is designed to make us temporarily forget our troubles, beauty, in some mysterious way, heals our troubles.

I think we are often afraid of beauty because we know that it takes work. A well-prepared meal with a set table is beautiful, but a take-out pizza is easy. Going to a museum exposes us to beauty, but it’s easier to watch TV. Reading a classic novel exposes us to beauty, but scrolling social media is easier. Dressing up brings beauty to others, but wearing shorts and a t-shirt is easier. Silence opens us up to beauty, but noise is easier.

None of this is to say that entertainment, social media, pizzas, or casualness is bad. I like all of those things. But, when we use it to replace beauty in our life, something great, it seems to me, is lost.

I think we are all starving for beauty. The world is starving for beauty. The great writer, Fyodor Dostoevsky, famously wrote, “Beauty will save the world.” For that woman that I mentioned earlier, a subtle tune entered into her life and somehow saved her. It shows the sublime power of beauty. If you are feeling frazzled, burdened, weighed down, anxious, and are seeking to escape from those things, perhaps resist that temptation. Instead, encounter beauty. Do something beautiful. Go somewhere beautiful. Listen to something beautiful. Have a beautiful meal. Not to be entertained, but to be saved. Beauty leads us always to the One who is Beauty itself, Jesus Christ.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

All Soul's Day and a Plenary Indulgence

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:52:00 GMT

The week I arrived at St. Patrick Parish, I walked up to St. Patrick’s Cemetery to pray for those who are buried there. In a way, I feel like they too are my parishioners. The most important thing we can do for our loved ones who have died is to pray for them, especially having Masses offered for them. I encourage you to come to the Masses on November 2nd–All Souls Day–to pray for our dead. The evening Mass that night will be offered for all of those whose funeral Masses were offered at St. Patrick’s this past year.

On Sunday November 5th (weather permitting), Fr. Sijo, whatever deacons are available that day, and I will go to St. Patrick Cemetery at 2:00 pm. We will gather at the Cross in the center of the cemetery, and pray for all who are buried at St. Patrick’s. Immediately after that, we would be happy to go with you to the individual graves of your loved ones, to say a prayer over their graves, and to give a blessing.

I hope to see you there.

Fr. David Barnes

A plenary indulgence , applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who:

–on any and each day from November 1 to 8, devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed;

–on All Souls' Day devoutly visit a church or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed.

To gain a Plenary Indulgence (only one per day), the faithful must be in the state of grace and the following
conditions must accompany the prescribed act:

and recite prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (one Our Father and one Hail Mary is suggested as a minimum, but any other additional prayers may be added).

It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope's intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed; but it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act . Prayer for the Pope's intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an "Our Father" and a "Hail Mary" are suggested. One sacramental Confession suffices for several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate prayer for the Holy Father's intentions are required for each plenary indulgence.

Letting Christ Live in Us

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:05:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

This week my mind is still thinking about the Gospel from last Sunday, the Parable of the Wedding Feast. As you recall, the parable concludes with the king entering the banquet hall and seeing a man not dressed in the proper wedding garment. The king then banishes him from the wedding banquet.

Each Sunday at Mass, we participate in the wedding feast of the King’s Son. The Liturgy itself offers us an image of what our whole life should be. Before Mass, the priest puts on vestments. In putting on these garments, the priest is, in a sense, meant to disappear, to fade into the background. This is so Christ himself becomes more visible. It is why the priest doesn’t make things up according to his own preferences during the Mass. His role–and the role of all the ministers–is to humbly place themselves at the service of the Sacred Liturgy. They do this by adhering to the liturgical texts and norms that the Church herself gives to them. The words the ministers speak, their postures, the manner in which they are to close or extend their hands, their movements etc. are all prescribed in the various liturgical books. In a sense, this is so that the Liturgy is saved from the personality of the individual.

There are times in the Liturgy when there are options. For instance, the priest can opt to chant or to speak certain parts of the Mass. There are several Eucharistic Prayers and Prefaces from which the priest can choose Or, at the end of Mass, the deacon has four options from which to conclude the Mass: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” “Go in peace.” But, even with all of these options, the ministers are required to adhere to them. The priest cannot add things to the Eucharistic Prayers or mix them together. In vesting before Mass, the priest is reminded that it is Christ himself who now presides over the Mass. The priest is meant to “put on Christ” the Head, Shepherd, and Bridegroom of the Church.

This is all a model for us in the Christian life. More and more, we are meant to put on Christ. We are meant to put on that wedding garment and become more configured to Jesus Christ. The “old man” is meant to die and the “new man” who is Christ Jesus is meant to live more and more in us. At the funeral Mass, when they place the pall over the casket, it is a reminder of what we want for all of us. We want the King to look and see us completely clothed in the wedding garment, completely clothed in Christ Jesus.

In all of us, there is a fear and a resistance to letting our old selves die and to allowing Christ to live in us. We have a hidden fear that somehow, we will lose something if we allow ourselves to die to self so that Christ can live in us. We think that we know better. This is where the Sacred Liturgy can teach us. It teaches us to submit ourselves to something bigger than ourselves. It teaches us that if we clothe ourselves in Christ, we lose nothing, and we experience an incredible and previously unknown freedom. To clothe ourselves in Christ enables us to bring joy to the Heart of the King, to the Heart of our Heavenly Father. When the King comes into the banquet hall, what will bring him the greatest joy is if he sees us clothed completely in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Both in the Sacred Liturgy and in life itself, may we all strive to die to self so that when the King arrives, he sees the happiest of all sights–all of us clothed completely in Christ.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Blessed are those who mourn

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:09:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

Among the Beatitudes that Jesus mentions in the Gospels is, “Blessed are those who mourn.” We might think that this is merely a meager attempt to help people to get over their problems. It can seem like an attempt at a quick fix or an end run around the real seriousness of suffering. “Oh, you have this terrible disease? Well, ‘Blessed are you!’ Someone you love died? Well, ‘Blessed are you!’”

This is not really what this particular beatitude is about. Christian mourning is about mourning the presence of evil, mourning over sin (particularly my own sins), and mourning over the rebellion that is still present in the world against God. This type of mourning is not mere sadness or despair. Although it is felt deeply, it is still filled with hope. Although we might not be able to change a particular situation, we can still mourn with Christian hope. Let me provide some examples.

Someone struggles with a particular sin in their life. Perhaps it is unforgiveness, anger, some form of lust, untruthfulness, or some other sin. They know in their heart that this sin is not what the Lord wants for their life. And so, by God’s grace, they mourn. This mourning is indeed “blessed,” because it can lead to true repentance and conversion. Weeping over our sins is not meant simply to say, “I’m just a terrible person. Guess that’s who I am.” It is meant to say, “I know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and wants something better for me. I mourn my rebellion against him and seek to turn back to him.” That is why it is blessed to mourn.

Another example might be when we see someone we love go down the wrong path. Many Catholic parents find themselves in this position today. Someone we love stops going to Mass, stops believing in God, stops living by the commandments, and/or adopts a worldview contrary to the Gospel. Oftentimes, in the face of such situations, we feel a bit helpless and confused as to how to respond. Do we confront? Do we ignore? Do we withdraw? Do we concede? Do we “live and let live?” It is often quite difficult to know exactly how to respond in each situation. One thing, however, we can do is “mourn.” We can mourn in our heart for that person and for the situation. In some way, this mourning unites us in a closer way to God. It conforms us more to Him because we enter into his own love for this person. Our tears are not the tears of hopelessness. Christian tears remind us that what is impossible for us is not impossible for God. We mourn like the women at the foot of the Cross on Good Friday. They were helpless to stop what was happening, but they were able to mourn. On Easter Sunday, they were comforted. Christ had won the victory.

Lastly, as the events of this past week in Israel reminded us, the power of evil is still active in the world. How is it possible that human beings can murder innocent children? Even here, as horrific as these events are, Christians mourn differently. We do not mourn as those who have no hope. We mourn with true tears, but we also mourn with a confidence in God’s goodness and mercy. We mourn because these acts are so contrary to God’s plan for the world. And yet, we mourn with tears that are filled with the hope that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail.

Christian mourning does not close in on itself. It doesn’t despair. So, if you find yourself mourning this week for your sins, or if you mourn because someone you love is confused or lost, or if you mourn this week because of the evil that is present in the world, “Blessed are you.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

A Few Experiences and Encounters

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:03:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

I just want to share a few experiences and encounters that I have had over the past couple of weeks.

A couple of weeks ago, a young family in the parish invited me to their home for dinner. After dinner, several other families joined us for a fire in the yard and some singing. It was very beautiful to be with them, to witness their friendship, and to see so many young children thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was such a joy to hear these couples speak about their lives, their friendship, and their faith. The fact that the meal was delicious certainly didn’t hurt either!

On Friday September 29th, the Noon Day Mass was offered as the Month’s Mind for Father Mario. The church was crowded and Fr. Sijo preached a very beautiful homily. At that Mass, I not only was filled with gratitude for the priesthood of Fr. Mario, but also for that of Fr. Sijo. I was also grateful for the Daily Mass community.

About a week ago, I met with one of the members of the parish’s St. Vincent DePaul Society. I am very grateful that the Society at St. Patrick Parish is so active and committed. Their work ensures that as a Catholic parish, we never forget the needs of the poor among us.

Last Saturday, Fr. Frank and I were hearing confessions from 3:00-3:45 pm. When I left the confessional at 3:45 because I had to say the 4 pm Mass, there were still about 15-20 people waiting! It was such a wonderful thing to see! Fr. Frank was in the confessional for another hour! When I saw him later in the day, he said to me, “It was so wonderful!” God is so good. If I have to have a problem as a pastor, too many people coming to confession is the one I want! To me there is something very beautiful about the whole “waiting in line” for confession thing. It’s a good reminder that we are all in this together. (Though I admit that when I am waiting in line and someone “takes too long,” I get impatient.) It’s good for us to be in that line and to remember that we all need mercy. We all need grace.

The last personal experience I want to share with you is about living in the rectory. There is a lot of joy, laughter, and fraternity in our home. For me, priests living a joyful, prayerful, and fraternal life together is good not only for the priests personally, but also for the people whom we serve. Priestly fraternity in the rectory overflows into our ministry.

In addition to these personal experiences of smaller communities, I also think of the smaller communities who meet regularly in the parish; communities like the group for the separated and divorced, the bereavement group, the RCIA (those preparing to enter into the Catholic Church), the Prayer Shawl group, and various groups that come together to pray. Small communities are so important to living the Catholic life.

My hope is to continue to promote and to encourage such smaller communities within the larger St. Patrick Community. I think a key for living the Catholic life is friendship. In a particular way, I want to provide opportunities for young people and young families to experience the joy that comes from healthy and normal Catholic friendship. The first step is for us all to be a little more intentional in living out our Catholic friendships and in bearing witness to others the joy that we receive when we encounter Christ in one another. In any event, that is what I hoped to do here in this bulletin column today.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Our Lady of Victories

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:51:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

In 1571, the Ottoman Empire was poised to invade and conquer Italy, and eventually all of Europe. Had they done so, millions would have died and countless others forced to renounce the Catholic Faith. As the great battle loomed dark over all of Europe, Pope St. Pius V called upon the people of Italy urgently and ardently to take up the prayer of the Most Holy Rosary. Those fighting for Italy were all sent into battle armed with a Rosary. The overwhelming forces of the Ottoman Empire made it seem impossible that Italy could be saved.

Miraculously, on October 7, 1571 the much smaller and less well-armed fleet of the Catholic League were victorious in the daylong naval Battle of Lepanto. Europe was spared and people were free to continue practicing the Catholic Faith. As a result, Pope St. Pius V declared that October 7th would henceforth honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of, “Our Lady of Victories.” A later Pope changed the title of the Feast to “Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.” It is for this reason that October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary.

I have to admit that I am a little bit partial to the older title of “Our Lady of Victories.” I’ve always taken a liking to spiritual imagery that involves battle. Many great hymns have stirred the hearts of believers to fight and to struggle toward victory. Sometimes I like to see an image of the tender Virgin Mary, sweetly holding the Christ Child, but there are other times when I want to see the Blessed Virgin crushing the head of the serpent!

In any event, October is the Month of the Most Holy Rosary. It is a wonderful time to become more dedicated to the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary. She is still Our Lady of Victories. She still desires to assist her children in their hour of need. The Catholic sailors who battled at Lepanto were vastly outnumbered and outgunned, but they were victorious because they relied upon the Blessed Virgin.

A source of great sorrow for me–and I know, for many of you–is the abandonment of the practice of the Faith by so many Catholics. It is deeply painful to see people whom we love–people who were once faithful to the sacraments–abandon the Faith that others fought so nobly to live. Covid certainly did not help us. Many who had been practicing the Faith, stopped coming and never returned. They no longer worship God nor do they receive the Most Holy Eucharist. It was not an armada of well-armed naval vessels that defeated them, but rather a spirit known as acedia. Acedia is a spiritual malady that makes one listless or sluggish in regards to God, to the Commandments, and to the whole of the spiritual life. It eventually leads one toward spite, malice, despair, and an unrestful spirit. This “unrestful spirit” finds one roaming about from one thing to another trying to fill the void.

Like 1571, we are outnumbered and outgunned. Despite our best efforts at inviting and encouraging (but not, haranguing!) our family members and friends who have surrendered the greatest treasure ever possible, we seem to be fighting a losing battle. The cultural influences and the dreadful power of a slothful spirit seem far more forceful than what we can muster.

If you do not pray the Rosary, could I recommend to you that you pray just one decade each day during October? It would take you no more than a few minutes. If you want to pray more than that, great, but maybe just commit to one decade to begin? Young families who eat together, maybe pray one decade before supper?

One intention that maybe we could all pray for during our daily Rosary this month is for the return to the Sunday Eucharist of those whom we love and dearly miss.

May she whose Motherly assistance brought victory to the Catholics at Lepanto now come to our aid and win for us a new and glorious victory.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Saint Patrick Parish Grand Annual Appeal 2023

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 21:09:00 GMT

Recently, several passages from the Fourth Chapter of St. John’s Gospel have influenced my prayer: “One sows and another reaps.” “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work.” “I tell you, look up and see the fields are ripe for the harvest.”

As I immerse myself in the life of St. Patrick Parish, I am filled with gratitude and wonder for all the good that is manifestly visible here: your love for God, the sacraments, the Word, and for one another. I am deeply grateful for all those who have sowed so much in this parish over the past hundred and fifty-five years. I am especially mindful of and grateful for Fr. Mario’s ministry. He sowed so very richly here, and I know that I am sharing in the fruits of his loving labors.

A Catholic parish should always be sowing and reaping. It never ends. During the past weeks the Lord has put into my heart an intense desire to sow and to reap; to sow seeds among those who no longer participate in the life of the Church and who have disappeared from Sunday Mass, and among the young who search for meaning, for friendship, and for real community; to reap where the harvest is abundant, assisting those who already had the Word planted in them, but who desire to grow in their faith, to deepen their spiritual life and their understanding of the Faith, and to become more generous laborers in the Lord’s vineyard. The Lord is calling all of us to experience the joy that comes from sowing and reaping in the Kingdom.

Sowing and reaping abundantly involves the financial stability of our parish. Our beautiful church, superb staff, and rich Catholic life are due–in part–to the financial generosity of so many people. We ask you to consider making a donation of $350 per household. If you are able to give more, please do! I know some of you are older and/or are on a fixed income. Maybe you have long labored in the vineyard and can no longer afford to contribute as much financially. Do what you can, and know of our deep gratitude for all you have done over the years.

The Grand Annual Appeal’s success is vitally important for the financial health of our parish. It keeps the lights, the heat, and the air conditioning on. It funds the never-ending repairs to our buildings, enables us to make necessary capital improvements, and provides the funds for the salaries of our clergy and staff. Most importantly, it enables us to do the work of the Church–to worship God, to assist the poor, and to evangelize. I want to maintain what we have and to sow even more, so that the Lord’s vineyard here in Stoneham grows more abundantly.

Please join your fellow parishioners and me in supporting the Grand Annual Appeal. I believe the Lord wants to continue to do great things in this parish. I ask you to make as generous a contribution as you can. “I tell you, look up and see the fields are ripe for the harvest” (Jn 4:35).

Your Co-Worker in the Vineyard,

Fr. David Barnes, Pastor

A new Pastor and a new Deacon

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:30:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

Once again, I offer congratulations to the Archdiocese of Boston’s newest deacon, Deacon David Caouette, to his wife, Sherri, and to David’s father and siblings. I join all of you in being delighted that Cardinal Sean has assigned Deacon David to St. Patrick’s where he joins a great and dedicated team of deacons. It was a joy to attend Deacon David’s ordination, to offer Mass on the occasion of his first exercise of the diaconal ministry, and to hear him proclaim the Gospel for the first time. The whole event also comes at a fitting moment. I think we all needed something joyful to celebrate.

I want to inform you that I received word this week that Cardinal Sean has appointed me Pastor of St. Patrick Parish. One of the responsibilities of a Pastor is to pray for his parishioners and to offer a Mass each week for them and for their intentions. It really is a great joy to offer that Mass each week. It’s difficult to explain, but when I offer that Mass, I think of how the thousands of Catholics of Stoneham–practicing and non-practicing–and all of their holy intentions are being lifted up to the Father. It’s pretty awesome. I would be grateful if you also would pray for me.

Incidentally, when I told my Mother that I had been appointed Pastor, she asked me, “Will you still have that Fr. Sijo with you?” I said, “Yes.” She replied, “That’s good. It will be good for you to have someone who is young and has energy with you.” I’m still absorbing that comment.

The last time I was assigned to a parish, I was there for thirteen years! I was so grateful for that because it meant I had time to get to know people, to grow close to them, and to live the Catholic life with them. At Boston University where I served as the Newman Center Chaplain, besides having a robust sacramental life, there was a lot of just “hanging out” with the college students. Most of my day was spent with the students, drinking coffee, doing the Wall Street Journal Crossword together, playing Frisbee, talking about The Office, and working together to build a community that would attract others to Jesus Christ and to the Catholic Church. And for the past three years at the seminary, I literally lived twenty-four hours a day with the people I was sent to serve; the seminarians.

My point in sharing all of that is simply to communicate to you that I look forward to developing that same kind of slow, gradual, and intentional communion of life that the Lord has given to me for the past twenty-six years of priesthood. Since most of you I see only for that quick ten second interaction as you are heading into or out of Sunday Mass, I try to use these columns in the bulletin not only as information or teaching, but also to cultivate our communion with each other.

Two last things:

This past week, I had the opportunity to offer Mass with the St. Patrick School faculty, students, and parents. I was so impressed! It was so evident that the students have been receiving excellent formation. From kindergarteners to Eighth Graders, they were prayerful, joyful, reverent, and knowledgeable about their Faith. For me, it was a fantastic introduction to St. Patrick’s School.

Many of you have asked if there is something that parishioners could donate in memory of Fr. Mario. This was the subject of our parish staff meeting this week and I hope to be able to propose to you an idea for your consideration next week.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Our Gratitude for Father Mario and all who honored him with us

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:29:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

Were we not limited in how many pages the weekly bulletin can be, you would be carrying home a telephone book sized version this week. There is much that I would like to reflect upon concerning the events of the past few weeks. In some way, however, I feel like words might take away from what we all experienced together. Instead, it might be best to stand in reverent silence as we ponder the beautiful and remarkable events of Fr. Mario’s Wake and Funeral. In fact, one of the most impactful moments of those days for me happened in silence.

On Friday night, after thousands of people had filled our church and expressed their love for Father Mario and prayed for him, the priests, deacons, and staff of the parish were left alone in the church as we prepared for the next day’s Funeral Mass. The doors locked, the crowds gone, the lights dimmed, we all stood together around Fr. Mario’s casket in silence for several minutes of pure, silent prayer. There is much that I would like to say about that moment, but I feel as though words would lessen it. Instead, I simply leave you with that image.

What I cannot remain silent about is our gratitude. The Catholic heart is a grateful heart. Firstly, we give thanks to God for the life and priesthood of Fr. Mario. We give thanks for his parents, family, and to Fr. Albert Capone who offered the Funeral Mass. We are grateful for the presence of Cardinal Sean, Bishop Mark O’Connell, and to all of the clergy who attended the wake and funeral.

In your name, I wish to express gratitude to everyone who made these days so beautiful, especially: the members of the Choir and the Music Ministry; Bill & Dawn DiOrio/Sound City Events, Amy Brough Palmerino & Stoneham TV and Ray Lodato for all their hard work enabling the live stream of Fr. Mario’s funeral. Sgt. Shawn McIntyre, Mass. State Police, Lt. Thistle and the Stoneham Police Department, the ushers and volunteers who kept things moving during the wake and funeral, Sue Rolli for coordinating all the beautiful arrangements and her attention to detail, Angelo’s Ristorante, J. Pace & Sons, Rose Therese Cap & Gown Co., Barile Family Funeral Home and to all those who sent food and flowers to the Parish Office.

I am profoundly grateful for the incredibly generous work of the clergy and staff of St. Patrick Parish. In the midst of their own mourning, they worked tirelessly, intelligently, and sensitively to ensure that everything went so well for everyone else. You should be so proud of the people who serve this parish. I am certain that Fr. Mario would be very proud of them.

I thank Fr. Sijo, for earnestly leading the parish in prayer over these past several months.

In a particular way, I want to express our gratitude to Fr. Frank Campo who faithfully assisted Fr. Mario in his last weeks of life. He was at Fr. Mario’s side to the very end.

Lastly, I wish to thank all of you. I know that the past months have been very difficult for you, and that the past days are filled with much grief for you. I have shared with friends of mine how touched I have been by how all of you have been able to grieve and to warmly welcome me at the same time. It would be easy to understand if you were too clouded by grief to have the wherewithal to welcome me, but you really have been incredibly thoughtful, gracious, and welcoming. I am very grateful.

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

We mourn the loss of our Pastor, Fr. Mario

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:28:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is difficult for me to believe that Pope St. John Paul II died almost two decades ago. It seems like only yesterday to me. Those of you who are old enough to remember might recall that at the end of his funeral in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, as his coffin was being carried away, the pallbearers stopped, turned toward the crowds, and showed the coffin to them one last time. At that moment, St. Peter’s Square erupted into thunderous applause.

In some ways, it seemed incongruous to be applauding at a funeral. Yet, it was a profound act of love and gratitude. At that moment, the whole world was recognizing that we had witnessed something beautiful and unforgettable in the life of John Paul II. We were all grateful for what God had done in and through our Holy Father, John Paul II, and everyone felt a need to express their gratitude.

This week, we mourn the loss of our Pastor, Fr. Mario. There will be tears and sorrow. Something beautiful and good that stood in the midst of this parish for so many years is now gone from our eyes. It is fitting that we mourn. Yet, it is good for us also to be filled with profound gratitude. You were given a Pastor who loved you, poured himself out for you, and who prayed for you. You witnessed something extraordinary during these years.

We pray for Father Mario. We pray that the Lord will welcome him into the Father’s House. We mourn Father Mario’s death. We will miss him. But also, like the pallbearers at John Paul II’s funeral, we lift up Father Mario and marvel at what God did in and through him. In the midst of our sorrow, we can also be filled with gratitude for how God has loved the people of this parish through Father Mario’s priesthood.

At the end of every Mass, the people respond, “Thanks Be to God.” At the end of Father Mario’s earthly life, we hold him up in our memory and with hearts filled with deep gratitude, we cry out together, “Thanks Be to God.”

Your Brother in Christ,

Fr. David Barnes

Let Us Walk by Faith

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:28:00 GMT

Dear Friends in Christ,

There are certain moments in life when the distance between earth and heaven kind of disappears, and we know–like Moses standing before the burning bush–that we are on holy ground. We can feel the weight of glory pressing up against us. These moments awaken within us a peaceful and joyous realization that heaven is not some distant, far off place, but rather is imminently close. It is, as of yet, still hidden from our eyes, but here in the valley of tears, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). As this faith in us increases, we can say with St. Paul, “We are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8).

This past week, on August 22 ^nd , the Church celebrated the feast of the Queenship of Mary. On that day, we celebrate the crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Mary always stands as a ready reminder that heaven and earth are close, for she is the Queen of both. She who reigns gloriously in heaven, also attends to us here on earth as a tender Mother. She holds us by the hand, and she helps us to be courageous and to continue walking in Faith toward our true homeland.

When our pastor, Fr. Mario, wrote to you some months ago, he asked that you become devoted to the Most Holy Rosary. I have been touched by how you have responded to that invitation. I have heard from several people telling me that they never prayed the Rosary before until he made that request. What a beautiful tribute to his priestly fatherhood and to his filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin!

As someone who is completely new to this parish, I can tell you that the fruits of those prayers are entirely evident to me. This great devotion to the Blessed Virgin–Queen both of Heaven and Earth–is showing us how close heaven is to us. It is consoling us, strengthening our faith, and making us courageous. These prayers undoubtedly are assisting Fr. Mario in his great time of trial, but they are accomplishing things that we will only fully understand when the veil of this life is lifted and we see clearly in the full light of heavenly glory.

Until then, let us walk by faith. Let us be courageous. And let us turn our eyes to the Queen of Heaven and Earth, our Mother, and ask her, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners . . . now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

Your Brother in Christ,
Fr. David Barnes

Welcome Father Sijo and Thank You for your kindness and generosity

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:35:00 GMT

I sincerely hope and pray that you and your families are healthy, doing well, and will be able to relax as we approach the summer months. As always, I want to thank you for all that you do for Saint Patrick Parish every day.

Also, I want to welcome with open arms Fr Sijo Jacob, my Carmelite twin brother, to the Parish. Fr. Sijo is a great blessing to the Saint Patrick Community. I have been praying for another good and Holy priest to assist us in our ranks and low and behold we are blessed to have Fr. Sijo join us. Not only is he a great blessing for the Parish and to live with…he is young, happy, healthy, and has a full head of hair!!!!!!!!

I want to thank everyone for their kindness, generosity, cards, gifts, love and well wishes during my recent diagnosis and illness. Since I’m still working behind the scenes, I wanted to bring everyone up to date on some recent developments for our Parish. As you know, we are continuing to install a new heating and air conditioning system in both school buildings which should be accomplished this summer. In conjunction with that, we are also putting new security measures in place to further ensure the safety of our children both in the school and in the Parish. This will also ensure further security for our parishioners as well.

Recently, I met with two different individuals, who would like to remain anonymous, who have pledged 50k and 200k respectively towards the new security system. I want to thank them both from the bottom of my heart. We are also looking to improve the sound system in the upper Church and microphones for the choir. We are in the process of receiving bids for that project as well as looking towards streaming possibilities for the Masses and Adoration in the Lower chapel. If anyone is interested in donating towards these projects please call the office staff at 781-438-0960. It would be greatly appreciated!

Please know that you are always in my Rosary!

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!

Fr. Mario