CO - CATHEDRAL OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE HOLY MASS SCHEDULE Monday-Friday: 7:30am (in Chapel) & 12:10pm Saturday: 5:30pm (Vigil for Sunday) Sunday: 8:00am (Music), 10:45am (Choir), and 4:30pm (Music) CONFESSIONS Monday-Friday: 11:30am - 12:00 pm Saturday: 4:45pm - 5:15pm Sunday: 3:45pm - 4:15pm www.baltimorebasilica.org /baltimorebasilica PARISH OFFICE 320 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 21201 410-727-3565 x 220 Office Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
RECTOR S COMMENTARY BY FR. JAMES BORIC, RECTOR BASILICA STAFF Dear Friends, This past weekend, I travelled to Los Angeles to officiate at a wedding. It was quite beautiful. I m glad I went. During the 5 hour trip to and from LA, I had a chance to do some spiritual reading. I am currently making my way through Uncommon Faith, by John F. Coverdale. It is about the early years of Opus Dei an apostolate of men and women who desire to live holy lives in the world.it was founded by Saint Josemaría Escrivá. Opus Dei is not a religious order. Rather, it is a group of people who sanctify the world from within. So instead of renouncing the world and going to a monastery, they live in the world as intentional Disciples of Christ. They are single, married and ordained. They work in factories, law offices, homes, farms, churches, etc. In a word: they seek to live out their baptismal call to holiness in whatever part of the world God placed them. They recognize that sanctity is not just for the priests and the religious brothers and sisters. It is for all. The founder of Opus Dei (Fr. Josemaría Escrivá) is a canonized saint. The man who succeeded him (Fr. Álvaro del Portillo) has been beatified. And one of the early lay members of Opus Dei (Isidoro Zorzano) is a venerable meaning his cause for canonization is up. He was an engineer. Bottom line: this is a spirituality that leads to holiness. And it is something we can all do. Saint Josemaría Escrivá outlined a very simple plan of life for those who desire holiness. That plan includes the following components: daily Mass (as often as possible), regular confession, a daily Rosary and mental prayer, daily reading of the Scriptures for a few minutes, and performing simple penances (like giving up the dessert you desire, not using salt on your food, drinking water instead of soda, making sure your room is neat every night, etc). Finally, Josemaría Escrivá insisted that members of Opus Dei study. If you are an engineer, seek to be the best engineer you could be. If you are a factory worker, become a great one. If you are a priest, study so you can feed your people. The idea is to use the gifts God has given you to build up His Kingdom on earth. I find this so inspiring! Sanctity is possible for us all no matter where we are in life. I want you all to know something God has placed you where He wants you. For some, that is in an office. For others, it is caring for your family at home. Still for others, it is in the classroom or the hospital. Wherever you are, God is calling you to be His presence in the world. He needs you to live a holy and joyful life so others may come to know Him. There are people who only you can reach! To truly become who we are meant to be, we have to put God first. He has to be the reason we do everything work, study, relax, etc. The way in which we put God first is attending Mass as often as possible, praying the rosary, reading the Scriptures, going to confession and offering small penances. This is the way of the saints. It s not difficult per se. But it requires a decision: I want to live for God above all else and I want to bring others to Him as well. If you want to learn more about Opus Dei and Josemaría Escrivá I recommend Uncommon Faith by John Coverdale. I still have a bit more to read. But it is excellent. I also recommend checking out the Opus Dei Web site: http:// www.opusdei.org. We are not called to live mediocre lives. We are ALL called to holiness. We are called to be saints. Let s become who we are meant to be and set the world on fire! God Bless Most Reverend William E. Lori Archbishop of Baltimore Cardinal Edwin F. O Brien Archbishop Emeritus of Baltimore Reverend James Boric Rector jboric@archbalt.org 410-727-3564 x221 Deacon Robert Shephard robert.shephard@baltimorebasilica.org Deacon Sean Keller sean.keller@baltimorebasilica.org Reverend William Graham, OFM Cap Reverend Gilbert Seitz Reverend James Sorra Reverend William Foley Reverend Michael Thompson, SSJ Bishop Mark Brennan Assisting Clergy Thomas Hochla Director of Music thomas.hochla@baltimorebasilica.org 410-727-3564 x 217 Mr. Mark Marozza Sacristan mark.marozza@baltimorebasilica.org 410-727-3564 x215 Ms. Maura Belton Parish Secretary maura.belton@baltimorebasilica.org 410-727-3564 x220 ANNOUNCEMENTS RCIA: Continues this Sunday at 6pm ~ 320 Cathedral Street Guided tours of the Basilica are available today (Sunday) following the 10:45am Mass Poor Box next weekend: Nov 19th ~ Franciscan Center
GOSPEL COMMENTARY BY JEFFREY SJ ALLAN Gospel, Matthew 25:1-13 The Church encourages us to prepare ourselves for the hour of death. In the ancient Litany of the Saints, for instance, she has us pray: From a sudden and unforeseen death, deliver us, O Lord ; to ask the Mother of God to intercede for us at the hour of our death in the Hail Mary; and to entrust ourselves to Saint Joseph, the patron of a happy death (CCC 1014). The five virgins that fell asleep in this Gospel parable signify the delayed arrival of the groom. And falling asleep represents the condition of being unprepared for the Parousia, or Second Coming of Christ; but also on a smaller scale the parable teaches us about the importance of being ready to meet Christ because of our own death as individuals. How sad it would be to hear the words, I do not know you (Luke 13:25). Meeting our Lord face-to-face should be free from any kind of awkward or fearful introductions. In ancient customs, the bridegroom went out to fetch his spouse and earnestly bring her to his home. What a beautiful image to hold on to when considering our own hour of death. A bridegroom and his spouse already are quite familiar with each other; but what remains is the great solemnity of the bridegroom bringing his spouse to not only his home but their home. Through the sacraments, spiritual reading and a daily prayer life, Christ s arrival at the hour of death will not require any apprehensive or worrisome introductions; but instead He will lovingly come to remove us from this valley of tears forever and bring us to our eternal home. -SancteBruno1006@gmail.com 4 th Sunday of Advent Masses ~ Dec. 23: 5:30pm Mass ~ Dec 24: 8am Mass ~ Dec. 24: 10:45am Mass Please Note: There is no 4:30pm Mass on Sunday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Masses ~ Dec. 24: 4PM Fr. James Boric ~ Dec. 24: 6PM Fr. Bill Graham ~ Dec. 25: Midnight Bishop Denis Madden Christmas Day Mass Dec. 25: 10:45 AM Archbishop William E. Lori Please Note: This is the only Mass on Christmas Day FINANCIAL STATS Offertory Envelopes $ 1936.00 Offertory Loose $ 2049.12 All Saints $ 541.00 All Souls $ 535.00 AOB: Catholic Schools $ 5.00 AOB: Seminarians $ 224.00 AOB: World Missions $ 130.00 Music Ministry $ 5.00 Maintenance $ 180.00 Catholic Review $ 5.00 Votive Lights $ 708.26 Poor Box $ 328.42 Mass Intentions $ 110.00 Total Parish Income: $ 6756.80 Trust Box $ 272.00 Cardinal Keeler $ 1.00 Restoration envelopes $ 65.00 Total Trust Income: $ 338.00 MASS INTENTIONS Sunday, November 12th 8:00am Robert L. Dean, Sr. (L) 10:45am Geneva Hoey Monday, November 13th 7:30am Souls in Purgatory 12:10pm Hubert Boursiquot Tuesday, November 14th 7:30am Deb & Richard Allison (L) 12:10pm Mary R DutKevich (L) Wednesday, November 15th 7:30am Personal Intention of the Donor 12:10pm - All Souls Novena Thursday, November 16th 7:30am Melissa Eisenberg (L) 12:10pm - Christopher Harper Friday, November 17th 7:30am Mrs. Christopher Harper & Daughters (L) 12:10pm Joch Johanson (L) Saturday, November 18th 5:30pm All Souls Novena
COMMUNITY UPCOMING EVENTS ~ December 5th: Choral Arts Christmas Concert Admission: by ticket only ~ 7:30pm December 7th: Speaker Series: Fr Charles Connor Admission: A free will offering is appreciated ~ December 14th: Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Concert Admission: by ticket only POOR BOX Poor Box contributions this weekend will be donated to support the ministry at My Sisters Place. Sponsored by Catholic Charities, My Sisters Place provides support to women and children in need. Thank you! FOOD DONATIONS Family in Town for Thanksgiving? Take them to America's First Cathedral. Experience one of America s most historic houses of worship, and a masterpiece of American architecture. Built from 1806-1821, the Basilica reopened in November 2006 after a major restoration. The restoration returned the church to its original design, as envisioned by America s first bishop, John Carroll, and as planned by renowned architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Latrobe went on to design the U.S. Capitol. The Basilica, the first Catholic Cathedral in the United States, offers free tours by trained docents. Phone-410-727-3564 x220 Maura.Belton@baltimorebasilica.org http:// americasfirstcathedral.org The Basilica parish collects weekly donations of nonperishable food items in the baskets, located at the back of the church. These are then packed and delivered by the Basilica K of C Council to Assisi House in Fells Point. Assisi House uses your kind donations to restock their very busy Food Pantry that provides an essential service to the local
SPEAKER SERIES RCIA GIFTS TO THE HOLY HOUR + Great Events Of U.S. Catholic History in the Baltimore Basilica The 2nd presentation in the Basilica 2017-2018 Speaker Series will be a presentation by noted author, church historian and EWTN host, Reverend Charles Connor. The Presentation will take place at the Baltimore Basilica on December 7th at 7:30pm. Admission is free, but a good will offering is encouraged and appreciated. VOCATIONS www.bmorevocations.org Contact the Parish Office at 410-727-3564 x220 or Fr James 410-727-3564 x221. RCIA meets every Sunday at 6pm at the Catholic Center 320 Cathedral St. GIFT SHOP Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm TOURS Guided tours of the Cathedral / Basilica BALTIMORE BASILICA The Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust, Inc. continues to rely on the generosity of our parishioners and visitors. If you have specific questions, please contact : Robert J Brown, Director of Development, Basilica Trust, at SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM OR MATRIMONY The Holy Hours with The Lord takes place the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month beginning at 7:30pm in the Our Lady Seat of Wisdom chapel in the Basilica undercroft. For information contact the Deacon: sean.keller@ baltimorebasilica.org Free parking for Mass attendees is available in the Franklin St Garage, 15 W Franklin St., Sunday mornings only, from 7:30am until Noon. B'MORE VOCATIONS HEAR GOD'S CALL! Monday thru Friday at 9AM, 11AM & 1PM Saturdays: Walk ups or if a groups, PLEASE CALL AHEAD Sundays: 12:00PM [Following 10:45am Mass] Consult the Basilica website (www.baltimorebasilica.org) or contact the parish office for more information at 410-727-3564 x220 BALTIMORE BASILICA COUNCIL K OF C DEVOTIONS Mother of Perpetual Help Novena 4:30pm Saturdays Undercroft Chapel ANNOINTING THE SICK HOME CALLS FOR HOLY COMMUNION In case of serious illness, or advanced age, please contact the Rector The Baltimore Basilica Council is actively involved in both the Basilica Parish and the local community in providing support and fundraising activities that are the hallmark of a well respected fraternal organization. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus, and helping to serve not only the Basilica family, but our local community, please contact PGK Jim Goldbeck: jag24b4212@yahoo.com. BASILICA COUNCIL COATS FOR KID CAMPAIGN For the next 2 weekends, November 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th, the Baltimore Basilica Council Knights of Columbus, will be accepting donations after all the Masses for the annual Coats for Kids campaign. All funds collected will be used to purchase winter coats for school age children here in Baltimore. This year coats will be donated to children attending St. Casimir s School, and to the Baltimore City Police Central District coats campaign. K of C Car Raffle results: Winner of Car or Cash- Clara I. of Silver Spring- Ticket sold by Resurrection Council # 11341 Winner of the ipad: Beth M. of Emmitsburg Ticket sold by Brute Council #1860 Winner of the Gift Card: Kimberly M. of Mt. Airy Ticket sold by St. Michael of Poplar Springs Council # 10525
- BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY THANK OUR BULLETIN ADVERTISERS - WELLS DISCOUNT LIQUORS MITCHELL- PAUL E. DRAPER Attorney-at-Law WIEDEFELD Funeral Home, Inc. estate and trust administration estate planning 6500 York Road 201 N. Charles St., Suite 708 Baltimore, MD 410-347-5632 410-377-8300 6310 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 410-435-2700 BALTIMORE CITY DELIVERY AVAILABLE Compensation and parking vouchers are given Wednesday Sr. Citizens Day Dial A Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home Downtown at Meadowridge Memorial Park, Inc. We Bring the Tires To You Doctor 7250 Washington Blvd. Elkridge, MD 1-800-M.D.-MERCY 410-244-8477 1024 S. Hanover St. 410-796-8024 Mercy Medical Center Grow Your Business Here! This Space Available Lord Baltimore Florist Est. 1930 Arrangements, Weddings for Any Occasion & More Mention This Ad to Receive a Special Discount 355 N. Calvert Street 410-539-2782 Rely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family s future. of Little Italy Export Catering Special Events Room Thomas A. Strassner, FICF 410-258-0308 thomas.strassner@kofc.org 410-783-9209 LIFE INSURANCE DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE RETIREMENT ANNUITIES Loudon Park If interested please call us at Award Winning Cucina Regional Italiano ristorante italiano DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE #2097 OUR Jim Bush Plumbing LOUDON PARK FUNERAL HOME LOUDON PARK CEMETERY, INC. 3620 Wilkens Ave., Baltimore, Md 21229 410-644-1900 410-578-3600 HIT HOME(S)! If interested in this space please call us at 410-578-3600 INNER HARBOR 410-837-1010 ext. 2 AFFORDABLE cchaseniorhousing.com WHAT CAN STRAY CATS TEACH US ABOUT LIFE?... SPACE AVAILABLE You may be surprised! Fr. Joe Breighner's book an easy "purrfectly" insightful read. Send $10.00 plus $2.00 for postage & handling to FATA P.O. Box 4889 Baltimore, MD 21211 (checks only payable to FATA) - a booklet for those suffering health problems. Quick-reading, inspiring, cheering... A meaningful gift for those you care about. 410-768-0110 www.padovatech.com 410-644-1399 ST. JUDE SHRINE NATIONWIDE CENTER OF ST. JUDE DEVOTIONS St. Jude Shrine, conveniently located at Paca and Saratoga Streets in Downtown Baltimore Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 pm Sunday Masses: 8 am, 9 am, 11:30 am Perpetual Novena Services: Every Wednesday: 7:45 am, 12 noon, 5:45 pm, 7:45 pm Sunday Perpetual Novena: Services after the 9 am, 11:30 am Masses Gift Shop ST. JUDE SHRINE Pilgrimages Welcome Paca and Saratoga Streets 410-685-6026 Handicapped Accessible The bulletin is available online "For the Love of Stray Cats" Seeking Serenity Senior Discounts Plumbing Heating Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Waterproofing Drains Cleaned SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE US SENIOR ONLY APARTMENTS 1012 Eastern Ave. www.lascaladining.com Visit parish website to view Sign up to receive the bulletin electronically each week MARYLAND SCENIC BYWAY Send $10.00 to FATA: P.O. Box 4889 Baltimore, MD 21211 (Checks only payable to FATA) Leonard J. 5305-09 HARFORD ROAD BALTIMORE, MD. 21214 PHONE: 410-426-1517 www.ruckfuneralhomes.com For ad information, call Tim Maher or Phil Maher at 410-578-3600 or write P.O. Box 13103, Baltimore, MD 21203-2017