From the Pastor -The Ascension of the Lord

June 2, 2019

From the Pastor -The Ascension of the Lord

On this Feast of the Ascension, we celebrate Christ’s triumphant return to the Father after perfectly accomplishing His mission on earth. But we also can also view this Feast as a celebration of the “launch day” of our commissioning as Christ’s disciples.

Today’s Gospel draws our attention to the clear instructions that Jesus gave His disciples (and to us) just before ascending to the Father: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

Embracing a stewardship way of life, with its emphasis on the use of time, talent and treasure, helps us to live in such a way that our very lives speak as a witness of the Good News of the Gospel. While we take time to reflect and renew our commitments in these three areas annually as a parish family, it is of great benefit to take some time individually throughout the year to take stock of the commitments we have made — looking at both our strengths and our need for continued growth in each area.

On this Feast of our "launch day," take some time to celebrate your victories as Christ’s disciples and renew your commitment to remain faithful to Him and the unique mission He has entrusted to you!

Pastoral Pondering

Stained Glass Windows – Several folks have asked when all of the windows will be installed and in what order. I would expect all of them would be installed by Christmas They are being created based on when they were sponsored. As of this writing, seven windows have been installed. The remaining windows are scheduled to be installed in the following order: Carrying of the Cross, Institution of the Eucharist, the Resurrection, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Visitation, the Annunciation, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, the Assumption, the Crowning with Thorns, the Old Testament (Moses and the Law), the Baptism, the Coronation of Mary, the Scourging at the Pillar, and the New Testament (Catholic Church).

Matters of Faith — One would, in general, be told to avoid a field containing land mines. However, if the goal of life is on the other side of the field, what is one supposed to do? One would have to get across that field! I have had a number of parents ask be about the morality of video games, especially Fortnite. In all honesty, my video playing days ended with Donkey Kong, Mario Brothers, and Pac Man. Nevertheless, we do believe in moral principles that can be used to evaluate any human behavior or activity.

Recently, I came across a very good article by John Horvat II. He is the author of Return to Order which was recently published. The article appeared in the May 16, 2019 internet release from Crisis Magazine ( crisismagazine.com). Mr. Horvat is a very good writer, and he makes some very salient points that deserve consideration, not only about Fortnite but about any number of cultural fads and trends that, from a moral perspective, we often ignore.

The author asks three fundamental moral questions: “Is Fortnite sinful? Does it lead to sinful acts? Can playing it be sinful?” In responding to these questions, Horvat notes that “the best way to judge Fortnite is to analyze its bad effects.” According to Northwestern Medicine (nm.org), the bad effects include: 1. Gaming can be addictive, 2. Gaming can lead to relationship problems, 3. Gaming may reduce time spent on physical activity, and 4. Live chat features can expose kids to negative socialization and allow them to be victimized by strangers over the internet. The same website identified two positive effects: 1) enhancing creativity, and 2) improving social skills.

Anecdotally, the bad effects, according to Horvat, result in various behaviors including: “children (especially boys) not sleeping due to playing the game. Players isolate themselves and often become rude, violent and uncharitable. Some gain weight for lack of exercise, others lose weight due to refusing to eat because of intense game playing. Some steal money to pay for the game’s accessories. The stress on families is severe as gamers lose interest in family affairs, disobey parents and create conflicts.”

One can say clearly, that these bad effects involve sin in one form or another. Hence, the evaluation of the moral appropriateness of playing Fortnite or any other game would be whether or not they result in behaviors that offend God by acting contrary to the order that He put in society. While not sinful in itself, the game itself is designed to psychologically captivate players. It convinces players that they were close to victory, and a win is eminent. They didn’t lose, but they “almost won”. This same logic contributes to gambling addictions. Players lose control of moderation, which can lead to sloth and gluttony.

In discussions with our Middle Schoolers, we have also discovered that bullying through live chat and in person are prevalent among our own children at St. Mark. Most of our Middle Schoolers are playing Fortnite, especially the boys, and when, during Edge, they anonymously wrote down bullying comments they’ve received or have said to another, a large number of them shared bullying others and/or being bullied about their Fortnite abilities.

One could also consider the amount of violence, the portals or associated websites of some games that connect with or provide access to pornography or other sinful material. We are all called to be people of virtue, because the virtues provide the antidote to the seven deadly sins. Lest we forget what they are, the seven deadly sins include: pride, anger, avarice, lust, gluttony, sloth, and envy. The seven virtues that are set forth to counteract the deadly are: humility, patience, charity, chastity, temperance, diligence, and kindness. One can find any number of listings, but the conclusion is clear, we need to be virtuous to avoid sin.

Hence, whether it is Fortnite, Social Media, or any other type of activity, most of which are not sinful in themselves, parents and those who take their place, should always evaluate how the activity in question impacts the person’s ability to love God and love their neighbor. Does this or that help the child to become more loving, more Godly and more other-centered or does it lead to the opposite. Is it a good use of time? Parents can (and probably should) make use of parental controls and monitor who their children are connecting with over gaming and social media platforms. Vigilance in our technological society is always necessary. There is a lot in the world that can be beneficial to be sure, but there are also many things that can be detrimental. For the disciple of Christ, we must always evaluate what we say and do against who we are before God and who we are called to be before our fellow human beings.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 10, 2026
In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus shares the familiar Parable of the Sower. It is a powerful image for the stewardship way of life, demonstrating the gradual but transformative effect that a life centered on God can have on us over time. In the parable, some seed falls on a path where birds quickly carry it away. Other seed falls on rocky ground, where it begins to grow but cannot develop deep roots. Still more seed falls among thorns that eventually choke the young plants. Finally, some seed falls on rich, fertile soil and produces an abundant harvest. Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God, generously scattered for all to receive. The question is whether our hearts are prepared to receive it and allow it to take root. This is where the stewardship way of life comes in. When we offer our time, talent, and treasure to God and place Him first in our lives, we help create the “good soil” needed for the Kingdom to flourish within us. Stewardship removes the “rocks” of mistrust as we grow in confidence that God will provide for our needs. It clears away the “thorns” of worldly concerns that can distract us from what matters most. Through prayer, the sacraments, and generous service, the soil of our lives is continually nourished and renewed. Let us deepen our commitment to this way of life, allowing the Divine Sower to do His work within us. In time, He will produce an abundant harvest through our lives. ©Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering A Pastoral Reflection on the Earthquakes in Venezuela Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In these days, our hearts are heavy as we learn of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Two powerful tremors, measuring approximately 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have caused great loss of life, injured thousands, and left many families homeless and grieving. As your pastor, I invite you to join me in prayer for all those affected— the deceased, the injured, the missing, and those working tirelessly in rescue and relief efforts. May the Lord grant them strength and comfort in this time of trial. The Catholic Church offers us clear guidance on how to understand such natural disasters. They are not punishments from God directed at specific sins or peoples. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, our world is “in a state of journeying” toward its ultimate perfection (CCC 310). In God’s wise plan, creation includes both life-giving and destructive forces of nature—such as the shifting of tectonic plates that cause earthquakes. Physical evils like these remind us of the disorder introduced into the world by Original Sin, yet they are not direct divine judgments. Jesus Himself rejected such thinking when asked about tragedies in His time (see Luke 13:1-5 and John 9:1-3). Instead, these events humble us, turn our eyes from fleeting earthly goods toward heaven, and call forth the best in us: compassion, solidarity, and trust in God’s providence. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has expressed his deep closeness to the Venezuelan people. He has offered prayers for the victims and their families, entrusted the rescuers to the Lord, and sent an initial emergency donation of €100,000 to support relief efforts through the local Church. He urges the international community to respond with generous solidarity. In moments like this, we remember that creation itself “groans” in labor pains as it awaits full redemption (Romans 8:22). Yet we are not without hope. God does not abandon His children. He is present in the suffering Christ who walks with us, and He brings good even from tragedy—through heroic acts of charity, stronger communities, and hearts turned more fully toward Him. What can we do here at St. Mark’s? - Pray: Offer Masses, Rosaries, or personal prayers for Venezuela. Consider a special intention at weekend Masses. - Help: Support reliable Catholic relief organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) or efforts coordinated by our Diocese of Charlotte. Even small donations can provide food, shelter, and medical aid. - Reflect: Use this as an opportunity for personal conversion and gratitude for the blessings we enjoy.  Let us entrust our Venezuelan brothers and sisters to the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Mark, our patron. May the Risen Lord bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer. And may we, as one parish family, respond with the love of Christ.

From the Pastor - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 10, 2026
The theme of humility is central to our readings today. God Himself is a humble God, so if we wish to follow Him as Christian stewards, we too, must be humble. In fact, humility is key to the stewardship way of life, and to a peaceful and fulfilling life. In our Gospel passage from Matthew, Jesus Himself speaks to the Father about the privileged role that humble souls play in God’s plan of salvation. “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.” What does it mean to be a “little one”? It means that we acknowledge we don’t have it all figured out, but that we are very much in need of a savior. It means we recognize that all we are and all we have been given is a gift from God. It means we embrace the stewardship way of life. It is not easy, but deep peace and consolation come with this way of life. Jesus offers these warm and encouraging words to entice us to embrace them. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Let us resolve to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, embracing the humble path of stewardship. It is the path that leads to peace here and now, and ultimately leads us to heaven. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering One of the struggles that confessors often have to face is the reality of scrupulosity. It is not something new and has in fact been recognized as a spiritual obstacle throughout the centuries. Hence, I thought a discussion of the issue, albeit brief, would be helpful to those who face it or know someone who does.  Scrupulosity is a condition in which a person experiences excessive, persistent anxiety and doubt about sin, often seeing mortal sin where there is none or obsessing over past faults that have already been forgiven. It is sometimes described as a religious form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and can cause great spiritual distress, frequent confessions, and difficulty trusting in God’s mercy. The Church has long recognized scrupulosity as a heavy cross, not a sign of weak faith but a challenge that even great saints like St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Alphonsus Liguori faced. The Catholic response emphasizes trust in God’s infinite mercy, the reliability of the sacraments, and obedience to a trusted confessor or spiritual director. Key principles include: once a sin is confessed and absolved, do not revisit it; temptation is not the same as consent or sin; and venial sins are forgiven through ordinary acts of love and the Eucharist. If you struggle with scrupulosity, choose one regular confessor, follow his guidance faithfully, and resist the urge to “priest-hop” for repeated reassurance. Professional help from a therapist familiar with OCD and Catholic teaching can also be a valuable complement. Remember the words of Jesus : “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). God’s mercy is greater than our fears. If you or someone you know suffers in this way, speak with a priest, seek spiritual direction, and know that you are not alone. Resources such as *Scrupulous Anonymous* (a free newsletter) and books like Fr. Thomas Santa’s *Understanding Scrupulosity* can offer further encouragement. May the Lord grant peace to all who carry this burden.