Bible Study for the Second Week of Lent
  • 2/24 – 2 Peter 1:4 – Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for Your promises. Grant me the grace of faith so that in acknowledging You as my Lord and Savior I may be transformed.
  • 2/25 – Colossians 3:1-2 – Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to count the things of this world as nothing and a singular focus on transforming myself to love in light of the life to come.
  • 2/26 – Romans 12:2 – Lord Jesus, enlighten me to discern what is right and good. Transform my mind and heart to do Your will.
  • 2/27 – Psalm 46:10 – Heavenly Father, You are my God, I long for You and I praise Your name. Thank You for the promise of eternal life in Your presence.
  • 2/28 – 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Lord Jesus, I recall the glory and joy that I experienced in accepting You into my life. Bring me from joy to joy, glory to glory, until I am transfigured fully into Your image.
  • 3/1 – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – Lord Jesus, thank You for the sacramental grace that transforms me in hearing Your word. I also praise and thank You and all who proclaim Your word. Grant that by being transformed I may witness to Your word in all I do.
  • 3/2 – Romans 8:29 – Lord Jesus, transform and conform me to You.

Pray the week: Lord Jesus, transfigure me. Grant that my membership in Your body brings me to transformation and regeneration.

Reflection for the Second Sunday of Lent

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What do I look like?
Jesus!

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body”

Our theme for this year is You + Jesus + Community = Success.

Today we recall Jesus’ transfiguration. In this moment we see the glory of Jesus, which is also the promise of our glory in Him.

When we join ourselves to Jesus in faith and baptism we are made part of all that He is. This includes every aspect of what Jesus is: priest, king, servant, healer, prophet, light, teacher, and so many more things. He is everything good, wonderful, and righteous.

The world looks at us and tries to discern in our words and actions what Jesus might be for the world. As such, they will only know Him, and what they can be, if they see Him in us.

It is said that six out of every ten people do not know Jesus, what He truly represents. Certainly, many might think Jesus was a nice person who gave us wise words. They may look at Him as a teacher on par with their favorite teacher or philosopher. How is He any different from those others?

They will only know His difference and the value of His promises if we proclaim and model what oneness with Him is.

We must take on all that He is and represent that before the world. We are to be Jesus as priest, king, servant, healer, prophet, light, and teacher to everyone we encounter.
In the transfiguration we see Jesus as more than just Moses – who delivered the law to the Jewish people and led them out of captivity. We see He is more than the prophets, represented by Elijah, who offered wise teachings and guidance to the Jewish people when they were going astray. He is what Moses and Elijah represent, but so much more too. He is God. We hear the Father acknowledge and state that from the cloud, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

When we join ourselves to Jesus we obtain the fullness of His promises, including the fact that we will share in His glory as citizens of heaven – the glory we observe today. As St. Paul tells the Philippians: He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body.

By joining ourselves to Jesus, by being Him before the world, we proclaim His truth. He is God who has joined Himself to us, and asks us to join ourselves to Him. In union with Him we offer the truth of His promises – that by joining with Him we will achieve eternal glory and true success.

11th Annual Basket Social in Schenectady

Our 11th Annual and ever popular Basket Social will be held on Sunday, April 7th at the VFW Hall at 1309 Fifth Avenue in Schenectady. Doors open at noon. Besides our usual wide array of baskets, there will be door prizes, homemade afghans, and our traditional Polish kitchen serving all your favorites. Homemade desserts too… Come by and enjoy an afternoon of fun, good food, and plenty of chances to win one or more amazing baskets.

Basket Social

Bible Study for the 1st Week of Lent
  • 2/17 – Acts 7:29-30 – Lord Jesus, appear to me at all times, and grant that Your word and way may be ever before me. With my vision fixed on You may I do all to fulfill Your will.
  • 2/18 – Genesis 39:20-23 – Lord Jesus, whenever I am troubled and feel confined, grant me the grace to take charge and carry out Your will. May all I do bring honor to Your Holy Name.
  • 2/19 – 1 Samuel 23:13-17 – Lord Jesus, whenever I am pursued and set upon, set Your hope and promises before me. Grant that I may find peace and confidence in Your promises.
  • 2/20 – Judges 11:3-6 – Lord Jesus, You prepare me for every challenge. Grant that when called upon I may show forth Your power and love in all I accomplish.
  • 2/21 – Galatians 1:15-18 – Lord Jesus, grant me the patience needed to properly prepare for the work You have given me, and to learn well Your way.
  • 2/22 – Exodus 3:1-10 – Lord Jesus, send me forth from my time of preparation to lead Your people to knowledge of You. Grant that through my work all may find Your land of joy and peace, flowing with the milk and honey of Your way.
  • 2/23 – Revelation 1:1-11 – Lord Jesus, in these times grant that I may be a partner in the persecutions facing all Christians. Allow that I may endure and persevere. May my witness bring many to know, love, and serve You in Your Holy Church.

Pray the week: Lord Jesus, send me out in the desert. Purify me and show me Your way that I may better decide for You.

Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent

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Choices, choices…
Decisions, decisions…

“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
“I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.”
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here”

Lent is a time for choices. What will we do to discipline our lives, to follow Jesus more closely, to reach for perfection in the Christian way of life? More than those choices, we face the choice of how hard we will work at what we choose. How will our choices affect our decisions?

Jesus was drawn into the desert to undergo the discipline of fasting and prayer and in doing so to draw closer to His Father. He chose to follow His Father’s will and decided to do all the things His Father required.

The desert or wilderness was the place in which the Prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Moses, and John the Baptist, as well as Jesus, the Son of God, lived for at least a time, if not most of their lives. The rugged, arid conditions of the wilderness became their molding ground. Alone, they wandered through deserts, forests and mountains, awaiting God’s command. In the rugged desolate country they were set apart for God’s special work. In the wilderness God fashioned their character, making them obedient vessels, who then went forth to carry out God’s will.

For most of us the wilderness (dense forests, deserts and mountains) are only for the adventurous in spirit. It can be vicious to all forms of life – human, animal and plant. Only the most hardy can survive. No soft disguises of civilization can survive here. Wilderness life hones the nature of those who venture there. In the wilderness our true substance is exposed, and we are purified to do God’s will. It is not a place for the foolhardy, or the faint-hearted.

At the end of Jesus’ desert time He was tempted, put to the test in a very severe way. He is offered everything the world might think would fill a person after forty days of fasting and loneliness – food, power, and security. Having been purified and made one with His Father through the desert experience He was able to make the right decisions in the face of these very strong temptations.

Our Lent is a time in the wilderness, to withdraw a bit and draw closer to God. Our Lenten choices and practices, and our choice of how hard we work at them, prepare us to make right decisions when faced with temptation. They mold us, set us apart, and make us obedient servants who decide for God’s way.

Next Soup on Sunday – Free Food

Holy Name of Jesus Parish in #Schenectady is continuing its “Soup on Sunday” ministry on Sunday, February 24th and on the last Sunday of every month from 11:30am until 1:30pm. This ministry is free and open to all who would like to partake of a hot meal in a safe location on these Sundays. Food is also available to take home.

Soup on Sunday will be held in our parish hall at 1040 Pearl Street in Schenectady, located between Crane and Chrisler Avenues near the CDTA Route 354 Pearl Street stop.

Soup on Sunday Flyer3

Bible Study for Quinquagesima
  • 2/10 – 2 Corinthians 13:4 – Lord Jesus, join me to Yourself. Take up my weakness and grant me the grace to overcome all things by living in You.
  • 2/11 – 2 Corinthians 9:6 – Lord Jesus, grant me the strength to be wholehearted in doing Your will. Take all I have to offer and bring about an abundant harvest.
  • 2/12 – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 – Lord, Grant me the power to look beyond the weakness of my flesh to the true strength and truth that are in You. May my faith shine forth to break down barriers so many may come to learn about, know, love, and worship You.
  • 2/13 – Ephesians 6:16-17 – Lord, grant that I may live in and proclaim Your word. Grant me the grace, through my Lenten observances, to persevere and prevail against all temptation.
  • 2/14 – 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Lord Jesus, arm me to increase my prayer, sacrifice, charity, forgiveness, and faith this Lent. Grant me the grace to live up to and overcome the tests put before me.
  • 2/15 – Revelation 21:7 – Lord Jesus, all my hope is in You. Bring me to the promise of everlasting life in Your Kingdom.
  • 2/16 – Revelation 22:14 – Lord Jesus, wash me of my failings. Grant that whatever the sacrifice, I may be ready to give my all for You so that I may enter the heavenly Jerusalem through its gates.

Pray the week: Lord Jesus, grant that I may work to overcome my weakness always trusting in the victory I have in You.

Lent at Holy Name in Schenectady

All are welcome to come and join in our Lenten observances at Holy Name of Jesus. Located at 1040 Pearl Street in Schenectady, we are your small church on a small street with a big and welcoming heart.

Ash Wednesday

We begin Lent this Wednesday, February 14th with Holy Mass along with the blessing and imposition of Ashes at Noon and 7pm.

Stations of the Cross

Journey along with Jesus as we pray through the Stations of the Cross every Friday at 3pm.

Bitter Lamentations / Gorzkie Żale

A sung devotion originating in Poland in the 18th century. The devotion is a reflection and meditation on the Passion of Christ from the perspective of and through the sorrows experienced by the Blessed Virgin Mary. The devotion consists of a three-part cycle. One part of the cycle is held on each Sunday at 3pm. The entire devotion is sung on Good Friday.

Sunday Holy Mass

Come join in weekly worship every Sunday at 10am or Noon. Jesus’ community gathers each week to learn about His life and mission, His teachings, and to show Him proper worship. We also have weekly School of Christian Living classes for children and youth. Investigate the claims of Jesus with us as we strive to know and serve him better. Whether you are working, studying or living in the Schenectady area or throughout New York’s Capital Region, we look forward to welcoming you.

Lenten Charity

The practice of Lent motivates us to expand our charity towards our brothers and sisters. Holy Name is participating in a Directed Giving program for Lent. Food and gathered items are delivered to Schenectady area food programs:

Our Directed Giving Program suggested offerings:

  • Ash Wednesday Week, Feb. 14-17, LET’S DO LUNCH Tuna and Mayonnaise, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Soup and Crackers.
  • 1st Week of Lent, Feb. 18-24, FEELING FRUITY Canned Peaches, Pears, Fruit Cocktail, Pineapple or Applesauce, 100% Juice in Cans.
  • 2nd Week of Lent, Feb. 25 – Mar. 3, VEGGIE MANIA Canned Corn, Canned Peas, Canned Beans, Canned Potatoes, Canned Sweet Potatoes.
  • 3rd Week of Lent, Mar. 4-10, DINNER IS SERVED Canned Beef Stew, Canned Pork and Beans, Instant Potatoes/Stuffing Mix, Macaroni and Cheese, Spaghetti or other Pasta, Canned Spaghetti Sauce.
  • 4th Week of Lent, Mar. 11-17, SCHOOL NEEDS Pencils and Pens, Folders and Notebooks, Crayons,
    Tape and Elmer’s Glue.
  • Passion Week, Mar. 18-24, BABY MAKES THREE Disposable Diapers, Baby Wipes, Liquid Formula, Jars of Baby Food.
  • Holy Week, Mar. 25-30, SPECIAL NEEDS DIET Low Sodium Soups, Canned Fruit in Juices (not syrup), Canned Tuna in Water, Low Sodium Crackers, Natural Applesauce.

Fast and Abstinence

During Lent we also abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. This small practice of denial helps us in regulating our minds and bodies. We need to practice for all endeavors, whether sports or hobbies. So too spiritually. If we practice small denials we are better prepared to reject things that are truly damaging to our lives.

Reflection for Quinquagesima Sunday

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What are you living for?
For forever!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

We are about to embark on our Lenten journey. In 4 days, we come to church to have ashes imposed on our foreheads in an act of desire – desire for repentance, change, and victory. These desires puts us on the side of Jesus so that we live in accordance with His way and in faith that His promised victory will be fulfilled for us.

Many people don’t get it. They might ask us why we take on ashes. What’s the point of our desire? Aren’t we generally good enough, victorious enough already?

If we are honest with ourselves and with them, we state a faith in Jesus and a victory beyond the here and now. We admit that Jesus is our life; that we have complete faith in Him and in His victory. We admit that the ashes symbolize our shortcomings in not living Jesus’ way of life. We state that we want to make our lives like His. Our ashes symbolize a fact and a desire – We want to fix our lives so we live as Jesus asked us to live. Then we will find eternal happiness and victory.

If we lived only by our own desires and practices our lives would be empty. We would always be chasing after perfection in what we want, but never find what we need. We know, in the end, that our ways, our desires, our wants and needs are ultimately unfulfilling. They offer no hope beyond today (and not that much).

By aligning ourselves with Jesus’ way, in striving to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord we conform our lives – we focus on living the right way. Living Jesus’ way brings us to eternal life which is God’s offer and promise of victory. Jesus’ victory helps us along the way and brings us to perfection even when we fall short. His love covers our failures giving victory.

In taking on ashes, in working through the season ahead, we implore God’s help to get back on track. We ask Him to help us in living for what is greater and more powerful than any temporary desire; better than anything the world can offer. We place our trust in His mercy that overcomes all weakness.

What can the world offer? The world offers more work, rules, temporary solutions, and a day’s wage. Are they enough? Where will they lead? Nowhere! With faith, and a re-commitment to Jesus we live for glory. All else will fade except happiness forever – our complete victory in Jesus.

Bible Study for Sexagesima
  • 2/3 – Psalm 149:5 – Father, grant that I may follow Your ways, living a godly life so that I might exult every day.
  • 2/4 – Romans 2:4 – Lord Jesus, You have given us the perfect example of love and kindness. Grant that I may trust in Your patience and grace as You lead me in reforming my life.
  • 2/5 – Romans 11:22 – Lord Jesus, grant that I may persevere in kindness. Have mercy on me when I fall.
  • 2/6 – Matthew 9:13 – Lord Jesus, help me to prioritize my life so as to put mercy first. Then may my gifts be acceptable upon Your altar.
  • 2/7 – Luke 6:35-36 – Father, Your love for us knows no bounds; You gave Your all for us. Grant that all You have done may be more than an example for me, but rather my way of life.
  • 2/8 – Ephesians 4:32 – Holy Spirit, fill Your Holy Church with kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness. Grant that I may live these virtues among my brothers and sisters.
  • 2/9 – Galatians 5:22 – Holy Spirit, fill me with Your gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, and faithfulness.

Pray the week: Lord Jesus, grant that I may live Your kindness and mercy. Save me from my sinfulness.