Monsignor Reports
Monsignor's Reports
Monsignor Gentili frequently suggests interesting articles from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Archbishop Chaput, Pope Frances and more. To be an informed Catholic it’s important to be aware of the key Catholic issues that are happening in our community and world.
Monsignor has also written articles on various issues that affect our parish community.
Current News
2024 - OBSERVANCE OF:
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on December 8th, is always a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States. When December 8th falls on a Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent, its observance is transferred to Monday, December 9th, which is the case this year. This past October 2024, the Holy See clarified that both the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the obligation to assist at Holy Mass are transferred to Monday, December 9th. Archbishop Nelson Perez, upon consultation on the matter and in accord with Canon 87 §1, dispenses from the obligation to assist at Holy Mass on Monday, December 9th, 2024. This dispensation is not to minimize the importance of this Solemnity in the life of the clergy and faithful. In fact, Mary, under this title, is the Patroness of the country. Rather, the Archbishop grants this dispensation due to the shortness of time to instruct on this change in observance, with recognition that most calendars are in place without out the possibility to properly observe the obligation and, most of all, to ease the consciences of the faithful.
The Archbishop encourages parishes, institutions and religious communities to observe the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception as fully as possible—scheduling the additional celebration of Holy Mass for the benefit and convenience of the faithful, as well as, encouraging those who will not be assisting at Holy Mass to pray the Holy Rosary or some other devotion in honor of the Blessed Mother. Schools in session on December 9th are encouraged to arrange for the celebration of Holy Mass. Pastors, especially, are asked to publish this notice about the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in print and on social media. Since this dispensation is not universal throughout the United States, it is important to note for the faithful that this is the pastoral decision of the Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Current News
Safety and Security at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish
Updated October 2024 by Monsignor Joseph Gentili, S.T.D., M. Div.
The safety and security of our parishioners and guests on our parish campus are of an utmost priority to me as we gather to worship and other activities, not only on Sundays, but throughout the week. While not totally a new phenomenon in the practice of our faith throughout history, more recent incidents with regard to acts of violence at places of worship, have shaken all of us. It has raised an elevated level of concern and fear as it directly impacts us and our ability to gather to worship God without fear or threats of violence.
Following is an update on what has been going on behind the scenes at our parish. The Safety and Security Team was formed because of a recommendation from our Parish Pastoral Council. Here is some important information which I trust you will find helpful and ease some of your concerns.
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The dedicated Safety and Security Team is comprised of parish volunteers who have backgrounds in law enforcement and safety/security in various other fields and has been in place for more than four years.
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The team continues to review our already established standard operating procedures (SOP) and stay abreast of current guidelines.
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The team works closely with the Buckingham Township Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. The team also continue to assess the needs of our parish and make adjustments, given the parish resources.
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Our volunteer parish ushers continue to review, update, and prepare for the medical and other emergency situations that could arise. They are familiar with what needs to be in place to keep our Church safe.
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Extensive work has been completed on our parish campus to enhance security. This includes hardware and software updates to help us in this endeavor, including the installation of alarm and security camera systems.
If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to a member of the Safety and Security Team. You may contact the parish office at 267-247-5374 or info@olguadalupe.org and the staff will connect you with a member of the team.
I am most grateful to all the members of the Security and Safety Team for their commitment and dedication to our parish and demonstrating the Our Lady of Guadalupe Difference. I will continue to update you as appropriate and needed.
The team consists of a number of parishioners who have consulted with us over the years to assure our parish safety. Click the link below to read the entire update and view our current Leadership Team.
Current News
BISHOPS: PROTECTING LIFE REMAINS ‘PRE-EMINENT PRIORITY’
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is making it clear that protecting the lives of the unborn remains the “pre-eminent priority” ahead of the November election. Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia stated that Catholics “must rededicate ourselves to fervent prayer on behalf of life” and warned against a “national mindset where many Americans have become comfortable with some amount of abortion.”
Current News
Liturgical Updates
at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Announcement for Reinstituting Holy Communion under Both Species
In consultation with the Liturgy Committee and the Pastoral Council, I have decided to begin the process of reintroducing the distribution of Holy Communion under both species, that is the Sacred Host and Precious Blood, for weekday Masses and to the ministers at the Altar for Sunday Masses. You may recall this was our practice prior to the outbreak of COVID in 2020. This will be a precursor for the possibility of offering the option at all Masses on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, with some exceptions as determined in advance by Msgr. Gentili in consultation with the clergy of the parish.
As you may already be aware, receiving Holy Communion under both forms is highly encouraged by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, which is a resource for the guidelines and regulations concerning the celebration of Mass. This practice allows for the congregation to have a more authentic experience of receiving Holy Communion as it was originally instituted by Christ at the Last Supper, as well as during the early history of the Church.
You may also be aware that receiving from the cup is an option and that the true and real presence of the entire risen body of Christ is present in each of the species as we were reminded this past summer during our Eucharist Homily Series in August. I assure you that all precautions will be taken regarding appropriate hygiene and the sharing of the chalice. You are also reminded that should you not be feeling well in any way, I recommend that you not receive from the cup.
Thank you for your attention to this announcement. The first part of this practice will commence on the first Sunday of Advent, 2024 with the possibility of expanding the practice to all parishioners at the Masses on the First Sunday of Lent, 2025.
Update on Prayer for Catholic Evangelization
Three years ago, as a part of our preparation for the National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis, Indiana in July, we began the practice of praying St. John Paul II’s Prayer for Catholic Evangelization at the end of the Universal Prayer. This prayer was very helpful in making us aware of the importance each person’s personal role of assisting the Church in the task of evangelization, spreading the Gospel. The preparation for and the celebration of the Eucharistic Congress was and continues to be a success.
After consultation with the Liturgy Committee and the Pastoral Council I have decided to bring the practice of the public recitation of St. John Paull II’s Prayer for Catholic Evangelization to a close.
You are most welcome to continue the practice privately. We will conclude the practice on the weekend of September 28/29, 2024
Update on Prayer of Saint Michael after Mass and introduction of Hail Holy Queen
The USCCB encouraged all parishes throughout the United States to begin the practice of reciting the prayer of Saint Michael after the celebration of all Mass. Coincidently, we had already recited the prayer as a part of our local tradition after our weekday Masses. The bishops encouraged this optional practice in light of attacks on religious liberties and our Church in recent years.
After consultation with the members of the Liturgy Committee and the Parish Pastoral Council, I wish to inform you while we will continue this optional prayer as a part of our local tradition, we will substitute the Hail Holy Queen prayer in its place for the months traditionally know to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, namely October and May.
I trust you will find this innovation helpful in your spiritual lives as we conclude our Masses.
This adjustment will take place on October 1, 2024.
Current News
Parish Pastoral Council Election Results
Dear Parishioners,
I would like to thank our parishioners who participated in the election process to be a member of our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). The PPC is an important part of our parish and helps guide me in making decisions to serve our parishioners and to follow the Parish Strategic Plan.
I am happy to announce that Dominique Galloway, John Graham, Linda Wilbourne and Ryan Visniski were elected as new members of the PPC. Please know that all parishioners are welcome and encouraged to become an active member of the more than 40 ministries we have at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
The members of the PPC and the Parish Finance Council (PFC) along with all of our ministry leaders and volunteers help us live our mission of being “a vibrant, welcoming parish dedicated to growing disciples and making church matter”.
In Christ,
Rev. Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili
Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili, S.T.D.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Current News
Monsignor Welcomes: TRANSITIONAL DEACON
Deacon Alfredo Tuesta, M.Div., Ph.D.
Deacon Alfredo was ordained a transitional deacon on April 6, 2024 for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, and will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe for the 2024-2025 school year.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
I am Deacon Alfredo, a transitional deacon of the Diocese of Arlington. In less than a year I will be ordained, God willing and with your prayers, as a priest of Jesus Christ.
I was born in Lima, Peru and moved to NJ with my immediate family when I was ten years old. I studied mechanical engineering at the University of Notre Dame and did my graduate studies at Purdue University focusing on laser diagnostics of plasma systems. After graduation, I was hired by the US Naval Research Laboratory in Washington DC and that is how I moved to Virginia in January of 2015.
I very much enjoyed research in science and engineering but after a few years of doing what I had sought to do for so long, I discovered that I was not fully satisfied. With the help of spiritual mentors and much prayer, I was able to discern God’s call in 2019 and became a seminarian. I look forward to a life of intimacy with his Sacred Heart and to serving His flock at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
Please keep me in prayer as I move forward in formation towards the priesthood.
May God bless you!
Current News
Support Catholic Schools
Please contact your state senator and representative to encourage them to support an important school choice measure that would greatly help our Catholic schools. It's SB 795, the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) program.
Why support SB 795: COVID has highlighted the fact that Pennsylvania is failing to provide a good education for thousands of students. Just look at the recent PA School Performance data from the PA Department of Education: only 55% of students in PA are proficient in English and only 38% of students in PA are proficient in math. We need/have to do better. The time is NOW!!
The PASS program will allow students attending one of PA’s 15% lowest preforming public schools-- that meet family income limits (250% of the poverty level, or $75,000 for a family of four)-- to receive up to $10,000 for high school, $5,000 for grade school, $2,500 for kindergarten and $15,000 for special needs students… for tuition at a nonpublic school or for associated expenses.
The PA Treasury Department would oversee eligible student scholarship accounts which may be utilized for tuition at an eligible nonpublic school, tutoring and educational resources. The PASS program would be a lifeline for thousands of families to secure a good education for their children. Please support SB 795, the PASS program.
Send your message via the following link on the PA Catholic Conference.
Current News
WelcomE - Father Herbert Sperger
Father Herbert Sperger has served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since his ordination in 1979 He was Director of Spiritual Formation at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary from 2013 to 2023. Previously, he served as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in South Philadelphia (2006-2011) and as pastor of St. Michael and Immaculate Conception Parishes in Northern Liberties/Fishtown (2000-2006).
Father Sperger served in the Hispanic Apostolate of the Archdiocese (1985-2011) while also teaching for four years at Bishop Shanahan, Cardinal Dougherty and Roman Catholic High Schools. He began serving as an adjunct personal spiritual director at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1985. He has also served as a visiting retreat director at the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, the IHM Sisters’ Villa Maria by-the-Sea, and Daylesford Abbey.
A 1971 graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote, PA, he graduated with a Masters in Divinity from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1979.
EDUCATION
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Certificate (Personal & Retreat Spiritual Direction) - The Jesuit Spiritual Center, Wernersville, PA (1988-1995)
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Certificate (Conversational Spanish) - The Spanish Language School, Philadelphia, PA (1985)
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M.Div. - St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, PA (1979)
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B.A. (Philosophy) - St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, PA (1975)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
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Director of Spiritual Formation, Theological Division, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (2017- 2023)
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Director of Spiritual Formation, College Division, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (2013-2017)
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Weekend Assistant, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Drexel Hill, PA (2016-2023 )
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Adjunct Personal Spiritual Director, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (1985-2013)
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Staff Personal and Retreat Spiritual Director, Daylesford Abbey (2011-2013)
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Rector (pro-tem), Malvern Retreat House (2011-2012)
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Visiting Retreat Spiritual Director, The Jesuit Spiritual Center (1988-2012)
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Visiting Retreat Spiritual Director, Villa Maria by-the-Sea (2000-2010)
Current News
Monsignor Welcomes:
Father Herbert Sperger &
Reverend Mr. Alfredo Tuesta
Dear Parishioners,
I am happy to announce that Archbishop Nelson Perez has assigned a priest to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish to assist with all of our growing pastoral needs.
Father Herbert Sperger will be a Parochial Vicar with Senior Priest status. I am confident that his experience and wisdom will be a blessing to our parish community. He comes to us with much experience as a former parochial vicar, pastor and member of the faculty at Saint Charles Seminary. He will continue to serve the seminary community as a spiritual director to some of the seminarians and future permanent deacons in formation.
Coincidently, he happens to be a classmate of Father Al Masluk. Father Masluk will continue to assist us as needed by celebrating Masses on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
The good news continues to bless us as St. Charles Seminary informed me that another transitional deacon will be assigned to us for the next academic year. Reverend Mr. Alfredo Tuesta, Diocese of Arlington, VA, will be coming on Thursdays and weekends in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Please join me in giving a warm welcome in the style of the OLG Difference as they arrive. Father Sperger will arrive in July and Deacon Alfredo will arrive in September. More information on both Father Sperger and Deacon Alfredo will be offered as available in the near future.
In Christ,
Rev. Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili
Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili, S.T.D.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Current News
Pope Francis Proclaims 2025 -
Jubilee Papal Bull: ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint’
Vatican City, May 9, 2024 / 13:54 pm
The Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee was officially proclaimed on Thursday by Pope Francis, who presided over a formal reading of the Jubilee’s papal bull of indiction.
The papal bull, titled “Spes Non Confudit,” meaning “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” declares that the Jubilee Year will officially begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024.
The pope further decreed that every Catholic cathedral around the world should offer Mass on Dec. 29, 2024, as the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year for their local communities. Pope Francis encouraged dioceses to organize pilgrimages to the cathedrals for the occasion.
Click the button below to read more.
Current News
Survey:
New priests are young and involved in their community
The incoming class of seminarians who will be ordained in 2024 is young and involved in their community, an
annual survey released April 15 found.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops commissioned the Center for Applied Research (CARA) at Georgetown University for an annual survey. From January to March of this year, CARA surveyed almost 400 seminarians who are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in 2024.
Click the button below to read more.
Current News
Voting Guidelines
From the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
In our commitment to follow Jesus Christ we must do more than just show up for Mass on Sunday morning, we must bear Christian witness in all we do—in our homes, in our work and recreation, in our interaction with the world around us and in the public square. You are reminded to vote in all presidential and primary elections.
Flyers distributed or signs placed on the Church property supporting any particular candidate are not authorized nor permitted. Monsignor Gentili reminds you that this type of activity jeopardizes our tax exempt status as a religious institution. If you see someone putting out political materials such as signs on the Church property or flyers on cars in the Church lot, you may contact the Buckingham Police.
The only election information materials on candidates permitted are those authorized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia or the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Monsignor will make those materials available to parishioners as appropriate through our normal means of communication. You are reminded of your moral obligation to participate in the election process with an informed conscience. In this way, you may choose leaders who best align with our values and priorities.
Click the button below to read more.
Current News
Vatican document on human dignity condemns gender transition, surrogacy, abortion
Monsignor Gentili highly recommends this spiritual reading. This article also includes a link to the Vatican website with the actual document, Dignitas Infinita, translated into English.
Click the button below to read more.
Current News
Pope Francis Appoints
Three New Auxiliary Bishops for Philadelphia
Last week, a wonderful announcement came from Rome regarding the life of our local Church.
Pope Francis has named Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Reverend Christopher R. Cooke, and Reverend Efren V. Esmilla as Auxiliary Bishops to serve the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and her people.
Click the button below to read more.
Current News
Mission Co-Op Collection for Haiti
Haiti, September 27, 2023
Reverend Monsignor and my Brothers and Sisters from
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish,
Greetings of love and peace and best wishes in Christ from Haiti. I’m writing you this message with mixed feelings; joy of reaching out to you and the sadness of not being able to travel to the United States to talk to you directly. It’s been three years now that circumstances have not allowed me to obtain a visa as the U.S. Embassy has temporarily canceled the consulate service in Haiti.
I thank God for each and every one of you and for your friendship, prayers and continuous support of our missionary activities. In spite of the many discouraging obstacles and difficulties, our school is continuing to somehow offer a quality education to our youth. It is classified among the best schools in the North-East Department. This year we are happy to report to you that we have finally completed all the High School grades. Last July we sent our first batch of baccalaureates (2) to the official exams and the first results are very positive. We have succeeded with 92%. The first laureate for the entire department is from our Saint Jean-Bosco School. This rewards someway our joint efforts. These efforts could not be achieved without your incredible support.
Monsignor, thank you so much for your caring attention to our cause. Thank you to each and every one of you, my brothers and sisters, on behalf of our students, parents, our school staff and all Saint Anne’s parish and our own name.
Since the murder of the president Jovenel Moïse, it is shocking to witness daily the degradation of the situation here. The insecurity has escalated; worsening the condition of the people already deprived of a suitable living. Left by themselves, many people are fleeing all over the place leaving behind everything as the increasing gangs are killing at will, stealing, kidnapping and raping without fear. The government seems weak to resolve these challenges.
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The U.S. State Department has encouraged all U.S. citizens to leave Haiti as soon as they can, and the Dominican Republic has also closed all its borders. This makes our living even harder. Hope and faith are the only thing left. People seek urgent help and we need your support. Changes are slow, very slow, and can happen only if everyone and everywhere could do something at every level for Haiti. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we do pray for you.
Again, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your patience and loving attention. “whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do it on to me”.
May God shower blessings upon you all for your undeniable generosity.
Fr. Mubakanda Bavon Marie, cicm Haiti
Building Our Future:
The Comprehensive Campaign for Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
LEARN MORE WATCH THIS VIDEO!
Dear Friends in Christ,
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The seminary began in 1832 ~ on the upper floor of Bishop Kenrick’s residence on Fifth Street ~ with five men seeking to respond to God’s call. By 1871, Saint Charles Seminary needed more space and a new home at the intersection of Lancaster and City Line Avenues. Over the past 150 years it has grown and changed at that location. Today, we welcome a diverse array of people each year as they embark on a formational journey to become priests, deacons, catechists, and lay men and women seeking to embrace ministerial roles who will be servant leaders after the Heart of Jesus Christ. As priest alumni of Saint Charles, we are filled with deep gratitude for the way it prepared us to serve the Church we love.
As you know from your own personal experience, spiritual journeys, and the places we call home, evolve over time. The seminary’s ongoing evolution has brought us to a new chapter and the hope-filled prospect of a new home in Lower Gwynedd Township. We look forward to transforming our physical space into one that will flourish as a house of formation preparing priests, deacons, and other leaders for our Church for generations to come.
We are asking you to be a part of the Building Our Future: The Comprehensive Campaign for Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary because we know you share our love for the seminary and its mission. Please partner with us and walk with the seminarians and students who will come to us at the seminary’s new location. While this is an extensive undertaking, together we will ensure that our vibrant seminary community of committed disciples has every opportunity to succeed. Be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions. Saint Charles Borromeo, pray for us!
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia
Chancellor, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Current News
Eucharistic congress videos
Dear Friends,
Thank you very much for your participation in the Eucharistic Congress last weekend. We are pleased to share with you the recordings of the Opening Mass and the talks for the Adult English Track from the Congress. The videos can be found at the link below (please note that there are two pages of the playlist).
God bless you!
Fr. Joseph Shenosky and Maria Richardson
Eucharistic Congress Organizers
Current News
Catholic VOTE - Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
Dear Parishioners,
I highly encourage all of our parishioners, along with any person of good will reading this article, to take a stand and respond to the following request from Catholic Vote.
Congress passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) to protect pregnant mothers against discrimination in the workplace. The poorly written law did not directly mention abortion, so the Biden administration is exploiting the law to invent a right to abortion out of thin air.
The administration has formally proposed regulations to implement the PWFA. The proposed regulations would require every employer in the USA to provide "reasonable accommodations" for pregnant women to seek abortions. There are no meaningful religious exemptions, so faith-based organizations would be forced to facilitate abortions, including travel and possibly paying for the abortions themselves!
In addition, the law gives unprecedented power to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to possibly target pro-life organizations. This means that Catholic organizations will yet again be subjected to long and expensive lawsuits to assert their religious freedom.
By law, the administration must accept comments on the proposed regulations and then respond to them. Identical comments are treated as one, but unique comments must be reviewed and responded to individually, lengthening the amount of time it takes to implement the regulations. You can submit the example comment as written, or you can put it in your own words so the administration is required to read it!
Please see the link below or go to the parish website to make you voice heard.
Thank you and God Bless You and God Bless America.
Rev. Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili
Current News
OLG Exceeds 2022 Catholic Charities Appeal Goal
The Catholic Charities Appeal ensures that our most needy and vulnerable brothers and sisters receive the material, emotional, and spiritual support they need.There are over 200 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and their support of the Catholic Charites Appeal is crucial to the success of the initiative. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is one of just 64 parishes that exceeded their 2022 goal and one of just a few that contributed more than $100,000.
“The generosity of our parishioners is astounding. Their commitment to helping those in need is consistently demonstrated throughout the year. In addition to the Annual Catholic Charities Appeal, our parishioners regularly support the local community through food and clothing drives, personal assistance for people in desperate need, support of pregnant woman and families with young children and much more.
We also continually provide funds, resources and volunteers at our sister parish in Haiti,” comments Monsignor Joseph Gentili, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
OLGC THANKS YOU!
Recommended Reading from Monsignor
Practical Ways to Cultivate Chastity in Body, Mind, and Heart
Lust is a brutal sin to combat. Once yielded to, it has a way of seizing hold of us and sinking in deep roots. At times, the struggle against it can seem overwhelming. There is good news, though: there are many practical steps we can take to say “No!” to this sin and “Yes!” to God.
Current News
HELP PREGNANT WOMEN!
Dear Parishioners,
Pro-abortion forces in the PA House of Representatives want to take essential funds away from pregnancy resource centers around the Commonwealth. I personally encourage you to participate in this important initiative to support the organizations that help mothers and fathers say “yes” to life.
Please click link below to Help Pregnant Women and send an immediate message to your state lawmakers to preserve funding for pregnancy resource centers.
In Christ
Rev. Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili
Current News
Learn more about the Permanent Diaconate
We are thankful to have Deacon Brady as part of the Our Lady of Guadalupe family! If you are interested in learning more about the permanent diaconate watch the video, check out the website or reach out to Deacon Brady or Monsignor Gentili.
Current News
Making A Good Confession
- Monsignor William J. King
The sacrament of reconciliation is depicted in a stained-glass window at St. Aloysius Church in Great Neck, N.Y. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)
A father watched his young son at work in the garden.
Instructed to remove the weeds, the son eagerly took up the challenge, taking garden clippers and lopping off the stems as close to ground level as he could maneuver. He assured his father that the weeds were gone, never to return, but the father knew better: without removing their roots the weeds would grow back.
Making a good confession of our sins is like weeding the garden of the soul. Most of us have the experience of assuring our heavenly Father that we have removed all the weeds, but unless we attack them at their roots, we’ll confess the same sins again and again.
It takes work to make a good confession. Focusing on behaviors and actions alone is like taking garden clippers to weeds: we may for a time cut off the parts we can see, but hidden within the soil of our behaviors the roots of sin are still growing. The real power of the Sacrament of Penance is unleashed when we expose the roots to God’s grace.
Monsignor Gentili Message
Please listen to Monsignor Gentili's message to our parish family about the return to Church, plus a coronavirus update.
PLEASE WATCH!
For Further reflection:
Covid-19 Virus and Vaccine Update
Dear Parishioners,
In my effort to keep parishioners informed on all important issues, I offer this article to assist you in making decisions concerning the Covid-19 Virus and the vaccines available at the present time. I did publish a Flocknote on Friday, March 5, 2021 regarding the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) statement on the virus. In the interim another statement has been published by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops. I have been able to do some research and receive guidance which helps to clarify and add to past information published on the website and bulletin. I realize that, at times, it may be difficult to plow through and research all the information that is out there for us to consume in order to be informed Catholics. I am attempting to synthesize some of the salient points regarding the vaccines associated with the Covid-19 Virus. I highly recommend that you read the resources I have made available to you in the past as well as those referenced in this article.
The Bishops of the state of Pennsylvania encourage all people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting the vaccination, whichever one you may choose, or is made available to you, is considered an act of charity and even part of a moral responsibility for the common good. It is a way of protecting not only you, but also those around you. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops reminds us of the consistency of their message throughout the pandemic in reference to the virus and vaccines:
“While we should continue to insist that pharmaceutical companies stop using abortion-derived cell lines, given the world-wide suffering that this pandemic is causing, we affirm again that being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good…In essence, we recognize that at this time individuals are not given a choice of which vaccine to receive and that this should not prevent Catholics from getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Catholics may in good conscience receive any vaccine in order to protect themselves.”
Click to view entire statements at:
The Ethics & Public Policy Center recently offered a pastoral approach to the issues at hand when reflecting on the virus and the vaccines associated with it. The article is entitled, “Statement for Pro-Life Catholic Scholars on the Moral Acceptability of Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines.” You may be aware that there are four major vaccines available at the present time: Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca. (The AstraZeneca vaccine is not yet approved in the United States.) The authors of the article present to us a cogent, appropriately Catholic rationale, in communion with the Vatican’s Statements on Covid-19, the USCCB as well as the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops. They make the case that in accepting any of the vaccines offered at the present time, one would not show disrespect for the remains of an unborn human being. Furthermore, one could say that you would not be violating the most important value of defending the intrinsic equal dignity all human beings from conception to natural death. “Accordingly, Catholics, and indeed, all persons of good will who embrace a culture of life for the whole human family, born and unborn, can use these vaccines without fear of moral culpability.”
Additionally, I refer you to the Vatican documents, “Vatican Covid -19 Commission in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy for Life and Sciences” (December 29, 2019) and “Note on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 Vaccines.” These documents are well worth your read as they set into context the Church's constant and consistent moral teachings, observations and concerns regarding the virus and vaccines in the areas of: research and production, avoidance of commercial exploitation, fair and equitable distribution, forming a proper conscience, along with the overriding concern for the public health and well-being of humanity during the present crisis of this world pandemic.
I hope you find this information helpful. Let us continue to pray for one another and for all those people working so diligently to serve all of us who have been affected by this horrific pandemic.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Rev. Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili
Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Fully Vaccinated Individuals
do not Require Masks in Church
As you are aware, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish has followed the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Archdiocese of Philadelphia (AOP) guidelines related to COVID-19 safety protocols. We thank you for your support throughout this time.
Letter from Monsignor as COVID-19 Restrictions are Lifted
Dear Parishioners,
Thank you again for all that you are doing to help Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish navigate the tail end of the pandemic. Below you will find the recording of a recent webinar from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, a link to the new liturgical directives as COVID-19 restrictions lift and a few other resources.
Click below for a webinar recording: Liturgical Directives as COVID-19 Restrictions Lift
Click below for the document of Liturgical Directives as COVID-19 Restrictions Lift (dated May 19, 2021)
Information about the Church's teachings on vaccination, links to the Catholic Schools and PREP guidelines and many other resources can be found on the Arise website at http://archphila.org/arise/.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Monsignor Joseph P. Gentili
Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Monsignor's recent COVId -19 UPDATE
Nothing Compares to Being There
Monsignor's Articles
2022 - The Relics at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Catholic Philly: Across the Aisles Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
2017 - Crossing the Finish Line, Monsignor Talk at All Masses
recommended reading
Lenten Video homilies
Here you will find recordings of Lenten Homilies beginning in 2018.
