WELCOME TO ST. CORNELIUS
5500 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90808, (562)421-8966
|
|
|
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM FR. JAY
June 5, 2020
Dear faith community of St Cornelius,
It is a blessing for us to have the opportunity to join together for Mass again this weekend after these months of painful Eucharistic fast. Of course we are returning not to normal as it was before the pandemic but with restrictions. Here I want to outline some of our new practices required by the state and county guidelines and the ongoing reality of the coronavirus.
Our primary way to worship God is through care for one another. In this environment that care and love is shown through keeping social distance of six feet and wearing face covering. We are also limited to 100 people in attendance during mass. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday mass remains in place so do not feel obligated to attend mass, especially if you are in a vulnerable category or if you are in any way sick. You may prefer to come one day during the week when there are less people. Also you can watch the livestream at 10:00 am and drive by the east entrance , by the ramp, to receive communion in your car after mass.
This situation is unprecedented so please be patient with everybody and the new practices. We do not know how many to expect and have prepared as best we can but there may be unforeseen aspects. For the present, masses will be more like daily mass, without choirs, processions, shorter etc. We will give instructions at the beginning of mass regarding how we do communion, exit etc but here are some general guidelines:
Please:
- Keep social distance at all times, in the parking lot and in the church or hall.
- Bring a face mask.
- Bring sanitizer for your own use in case you should need it.
- Everybody enters the Church through the main doors facing Wardlow.
- Missalettes have been removed from the Church. You can download iBreviary or a similar site which has all the mass readings and parts if you would like to follow on your phone. The Church will open 30 minutes before mass begins.
- After mass please leave promptly as the Church has to be closed and sanitized after each use.
There will be an overflow masses in the Hall, starting 15 minutes after the Church mass. I look forward to seeing you and celebrating with you. Fr. George and I have missed you greatly.
I also want to let you know that work on replacing the church roof will begin Monday, June 8.
Pray the Holy Spirit guide us all in this process and at this time.
Blessings,
Fr. Jay
Dear faith community of St Cornelius,
It is a blessing for us to have the opportunity to join together for Mass again this weekend after these months of painful Eucharistic fast. Of course we are returning not to normal as it was before the pandemic but with restrictions. Here I want to outline some of our new practices required by the state and county guidelines and the ongoing reality of the coronavirus.
Our primary way to worship God is through care for one another. In this environment that care and love is shown through keeping social distance of six feet and wearing face covering. We are also limited to 100 people in attendance during mass. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday mass remains in place so do not feel obligated to attend mass, especially if you are in a vulnerable category or if you are in any way sick. You may prefer to come one day during the week when there are less people. Also you can watch the livestream at 10:00 am and drive by the east entrance , by the ramp, to receive communion in your car after mass.
This situation is unprecedented so please be patient with everybody and the new practices. We do not know how many to expect and have prepared as best we can but there may be unforeseen aspects. For the present, masses will be more like daily mass, without choirs, processions, shorter etc. We will give instructions at the beginning of mass regarding how we do communion, exit etc but here are some general guidelines:
Please:
- Keep social distance at all times, in the parking lot and in the church or hall.
- Bring a face mask.
- Bring sanitizer for your own use in case you should need it.
- Everybody enters the Church through the main doors facing Wardlow.
- Missalettes have been removed from the Church. You can download iBreviary or a similar site which has all the mass readings and parts if you would like to follow on your phone. The Church will open 30 minutes before mass begins.
- After mass please leave promptly as the Church has to be closed and sanitized after each use.
There will be an overflow masses in the Hall, starting 15 minutes after the Church mass. I look forward to seeing you and celebrating with you. Fr. George and I have missed you greatly.
I also want to let you know that work on replacing the church roof will begin Monday, June 8.
Pray the Holy Spirit guide us all in this process and at this time.
Blessings,
Fr. Jay
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING OPENING OF THE CHURCH
The Church will open Saturday, June 6, 2020 @ 3:30pm for Confessions at 4:00pm. The Saturday, Vigil Mass will begin at 5:00pm.
Beginning Monday, June 8, the Church will be open for private prayer from 10:00 am to 4:00pm each day.
Sunday Mass Times
Saturday Vigil Mass
5:00 pm - Church
5:15 pm - Large Hall (if needed)
Sunday
8:00 am - Church
8:15 am - Large Hall (if needed)
*10:00 am - Church
*This mass will be live-streamed
10:15 am - Large Hall (if needed)
12:00 Noon - Church
12:15 pm - Large Hall (if needed)
5:00 pm - Church
5:15 pm - Large Hall (if needed)
Daily Mass
Monday - Friday
5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am
"As we enter this new moment, it is important to remember that the coronavirus is still out there, it is still contagious, and it is still dangerous. So, we need to proceed with prudence and caution and concern to protect our most vulnerable parishioners. Let us continue to pray and stand together with our people as we begin to reopen our churches and our society. Know that I am praying for you and I ask you to please pray for me and my ministry." - Bishop Jose Gomez
The Church will open Saturday, June 6, 2020 @ 3:30pm for Confessions at 4:00pm. The Saturday, Vigil Mass will begin at 5:00pm.
Beginning Monday, June 8, the Church will be open for private prayer from 10:00 am to 4:00pm each day.
Sunday Mass Times
Saturday Vigil Mass
5:00 pm - Church
5:15 pm - Large Hall (if needed)
Sunday
8:00 am - Church
8:15 am - Large Hall (if needed)
*10:00 am - Church
*This mass will be live-streamed
10:15 am - Large Hall (if needed)
12:00 Noon - Church
12:15 pm - Large Hall (if needed)
5:00 pm - Church
5:15 pm - Large Hall (if needed)
Daily Mass
Monday - Friday
5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am
"As we enter this new moment, it is important to remember that the coronavirus is still out there, it is still contagious, and it is still dangerous. So, we need to proceed with prudence and caution and concern to protect our most vulnerable parishioners. Let us continue to pray and stand together with our people as we begin to reopen our churches and our society. Know that I am praying for you and I ask you to please pray for me and my ministry." - Bishop Jose Gomez
STATEMENT FROM ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ
June 4, 2020
The killing of George Floyd was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice. How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?
I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country. The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
We should all understand that the protests we are seeing in our cities reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin. It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.
It is true what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, that riots are the language of the unheard. We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.
But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.
Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity.
We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.
The killing of George Floyd was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice. How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?
I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country. The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
We should all understand that the protests we are seeing in our cities reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin. It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.
It is true what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, that riots are the language of the unheard. We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.
But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.
Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity.
We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.
Pope Paul VI exhorted, “If you want peace, work for justice.” We have much hard work ahead of us. May God give us the courage to stand against racism and to be instruments of his loving mercy and justice in our world!
The killing of George Floyd was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice. How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?
I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country. The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
We should all understand that the protests we are seeing in our cities reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin. It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.
It is true what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, that riots are the language of the unheard. We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.
But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.
Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity.
We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.
The killing of George Floyd was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice. How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?
I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country. The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
We should all understand that the protests we are seeing in our cities reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin. It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.
It is true what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, that riots are the language of the unheard. We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.
But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.
Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity.
We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.
Pope Paul VI exhorted, “If you want peace, work for justice.” We have much hard work ahead of us. May God give us the courage to stand against racism and to be instruments of his loving mercy and justice in our world!
STATEMENT FROM THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Following the pain, outrage and violence resulting from the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd, I send this message in a spirit of reconciliation, asking you to join me beginning this Sunday — the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity — in praying our Novena for National Unity & An End to Racism.
We should take to heart the words of Pope Francis. No one should “tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism.” We must all “defend the sacredness of every human life.” And we must redouble our efforts to overcome the suffering and injustice which result from the sin of racism. As we celebrate the perfect unity of the Blessed Trinity, we call upon all Knights and people of goodwill to join in prayer. Let us remember that, as Pope Francis says, “nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.”
Our prayers are inspired by our legacy as Knights of Columbus — may we carry on in the same spirit of unity that has inspired the Order to welcome Catholic men of all backgrounds, regardless of race, from our very beginning. This is especially important as we move forward as “Knights of Columbus: Knights of Unity,” which was the theme of last year’s Supreme Convention.
As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Time is cluttered with the wreckage of broken communities which have surrendered to hatred and violence. For the salvation of our nation and the salvation of mankind, we must follow another way.”
We pray that we all can follow this other way and come to understand that injustice to a black person is injustice to all; that regardless of race or culture, all people, without exception, are made in the image and likeness of God, and are deserving of our respect and love.
Please join me in offering this prayer for national unity and an end to racism. May we pray for the strength to learn from the courageous example of Dr. King and from the leadership of our Holy Father, and continue to work to build a society that recognizes the dignity and brotherhood of all.
As men of faith, let us together confidently turn to prayer during the nine days of this novena, beginning on Sunday, June 7, and concluding on Monday, June 15.
May God, through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Civilization of Love, hear our prayer.
Following the pain, outrage and violence resulting from the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd, I send this message in a spirit of reconciliation, asking you to join me beginning this Sunday — the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity — in praying our Novena for National Unity & An End to Racism.
We should take to heart the words of Pope Francis. No one should “tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism.” We must all “defend the sacredness of every human life.” And we must redouble our efforts to overcome the suffering and injustice which result from the sin of racism. As we celebrate the perfect unity of the Blessed Trinity, we call upon all Knights and people of goodwill to join in prayer. Let us remember that, as Pope Francis says, “nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.”
Our prayers are inspired by our legacy as Knights of Columbus — may we carry on in the same spirit of unity that has inspired the Order to welcome Catholic men of all backgrounds, regardless of race, from our very beginning. This is especially important as we move forward as “Knights of Columbus: Knights of Unity,” which was the theme of last year’s Supreme Convention.
As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Time is cluttered with the wreckage of broken communities which have surrendered to hatred and violence. For the salvation of our nation and the salvation of mankind, we must follow another way.”
We pray that we all can follow this other way and come to understand that injustice to a black person is injustice to all; that regardless of race or culture, all people, without exception, are made in the image and likeness of God, and are deserving of our respect and love.
Please join me in offering this prayer for national unity and an end to racism. May we pray for the strength to learn from the courageous example of Dr. King and from the leadership of our Holy Father, and continue to work to build a society that recognizes the dignity and brotherhood of all.
As men of faith, let us together confidently turn to prayer during the nine days of this novena, beginning on Sunday, June 7, and concluding on Monday, June 15.
May God, through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Civilization of Love, hear our prayer.
Refection from Deacon George Mora
June 5, 2020
One aspect often overlooked is the how Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors: as ourselves.
This means that there is a healthy way to love ourselves, and that is the model for how we should love our neighbors.
There is also an unhealthy kind of self-love.
We call that selfishness, self-centeredness, or self-absorption.
The healthy kind of self-love is part of the virtue of humility. Humility recognizes that, as human beings,
we all have basic needs and built-in limitations.
Accepting our limitations and taking reasonable care of our needs is a way of acknowledging that we are not gods, that we are not self-sufficient.
Many times, when we find it difficult to be patient with others, to forgive others, to be generous to others, the root of that difficulty can be found in a lack of humility.
In a certain sense, then, we will only learn to accept, love, and value others
(and thus treat them with Christ-like patience, mercy, and generosity) to the extent that we learn to accept, love, and value ourselves.
As we learn to see ourselves through God’s eyes, our blindness will subside and we will also learn to see others through God’s eyes.
My God, thank you for caring enough about us to walk with us, to patiently instruct us.
Thank you Lord, for giving us your commandments and for giving us the grace to follow them. I want to learn more deeply how to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
I want to continue to be reminded to love my neighbor as myself. I know that learning to love as you love is the great adventure of my life.
Be my teacher, Lord, and my guide, and my inspiration: “Your ways, O Lord,
make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior” (Psalms 25:4-5).
Blessings to you,
Deacon George
June 5, 2020
One aspect often overlooked is the how Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors: as ourselves.
This means that there is a healthy way to love ourselves, and that is the model for how we should love our neighbors.
There is also an unhealthy kind of self-love.
We call that selfishness, self-centeredness, or self-absorption.
The healthy kind of self-love is part of the virtue of humility. Humility recognizes that, as human beings,
we all have basic needs and built-in limitations.
Accepting our limitations and taking reasonable care of our needs is a way of acknowledging that we are not gods, that we are not self-sufficient.
Many times, when we find it difficult to be patient with others, to forgive others, to be generous to others, the root of that difficulty can be found in a lack of humility.
In a certain sense, then, we will only learn to accept, love, and value others
(and thus treat them with Christ-like patience, mercy, and generosity) to the extent that we learn to accept, love, and value ourselves.
As we learn to see ourselves through God’s eyes, our blindness will subside and we will also learn to see others through God’s eyes.
My God, thank you for caring enough about us to walk with us, to patiently instruct us.
Thank you Lord, for giving us your commandments and for giving us the grace to follow them. I want to learn more deeply how to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
I want to continue to be reminded to love my neighbor as myself. I know that learning to love as you love is the great adventure of my life.
Be my teacher, Lord, and my guide, and my inspiration: “Your ways, O Lord,
make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior” (Psalms 25:4-5).
Blessings to you,
Deacon George
Reflection from Deacon Rich
June 3, 2020
"Peace, as we know, is a whole lot more than the simple absence of war and strife. Peace is constituted by two things: harmony and completeness. To be at peace something has to have an inner consistency so that all of its movements are in harmony with one another and it must also have a completeness so that it is not still aching for something it is missing. Peace is the opposite of internal discord or of longing for something we lack. When we are not at peace it is because we are experiencing chaos or sensing some unfinished business inside us. Positively then, what constitutes peace? When Jesus promises peace in his farewell gift, he identifies it with the Holy Spirit; and, as we know, that is the spirit of charity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, long suffering, fidelity, mildness, and chastity."
Taken from Leaving peace behind as our farewell gift" by Fr Ronald Rolheiser, OMI; Angeles - May 22-29
St. Paul tells us: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Spirit." Romans 14: 17
My wife's favorite word is "joy". This, I believe, should be distinguished from happiness. Happiness is a sense of elation, being pleased. Joy, however, goes much deeper, an interior state of contentment, satisfaction, having that which one needs and wanting no more. Maybe it is having peace in one's life that, given by God, goes beyond our understanding but fulfills out very existence.
May you continue to experience the joy that only God can bestow on us and the peace that comes with it.
June 3, 2020
"Peace, as we know, is a whole lot more than the simple absence of war and strife. Peace is constituted by two things: harmony and completeness. To be at peace something has to have an inner consistency so that all of its movements are in harmony with one another and it must also have a completeness so that it is not still aching for something it is missing. Peace is the opposite of internal discord or of longing for something we lack. When we are not at peace it is because we are experiencing chaos or sensing some unfinished business inside us. Positively then, what constitutes peace? When Jesus promises peace in his farewell gift, he identifies it with the Holy Spirit; and, as we know, that is the spirit of charity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, long suffering, fidelity, mildness, and chastity."
Taken from Leaving peace behind as our farewell gift" by Fr Ronald Rolheiser, OMI; Angeles - May 22-29
St. Paul tells us: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Spirit." Romans 14: 17
My wife's favorite word is "joy". This, I believe, should be distinguished from happiness. Happiness is a sense of elation, being pleased. Joy, however, goes much deeper, an interior state of contentment, satisfaction, having that which one needs and wanting no more. Maybe it is having peace in one's life that, given by God, goes beyond our understanding but fulfills out very existence.
May you continue to experience the joy that only God can bestow on us and the peace that comes with it.
