Friar Timothy Patrick Dore, OFM Conv. -- About Me and My Blog . . .

Friar Timothy Patrick Dore, OFM Conv. (Baltimore, Maryland, United States).

On September 3, 1962, I was born at Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland; I’m the second of seven children: I have an older brother and four younger sisters; they each married terrific spouses and now have families of their own; one sibling, a younger brother who my mother named Joseph, died at birth.  In all, I have fourteen wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as a grand-niece and a grand-nephew, both of whom are absolutely beautiful.  My mom, +Carolyn Marie Winterling (d. 09-13-18), was born and raised in Locust Point, South Baltimore, and was of pure German descent; during her professional life she was a Registered Nurse; my father, +Eugene Anthony “Gene” Dore (d. 07-21-24), was born and raised in Irvington, West Baltimore, and was of Irish/Swedish descent; he spent much of his professional career as a salesman within the heavy construction industry. My immediate and extended family members have always been very dear to me!

I spent my earliest school days as a student in both public and parochial schools: first at Beechfield Elementary, P.S.#246, Irvington (grades K-2), then at St. Joseph's Monastery, Irvington, (grades 3-5) and finally at the Catholic Community School of South Baltimore, (grades 6-8). For high school I attended Baltimore's great Calvert Hall College (a Christian Brothers' school locally known as “the Hall).  

As a child, my family and I were always very active in our parishes (both at St. Joseph's Monastery, in West Baltimore where I lived until the age of eleven, and in later years at Our Lady of Good Counsel, South Baltimore).  I was a member of the boy scouts, an altar server, choir member, youth groups, church cleaner and part time youth parish office receptionist.  As a child, my Catholic faith and my parish identity were always very important aspects of my personal and family experiences!  

After graduating from Mount Saint Mary's College (now “University”), Emmitsburg, Maryland in May of 1984, I entered religious life in August of that year as a novice with Conventual Franciscan Friars (OFM Conv.). I completed my Theological studies at the Washington Theological Union in Silver Spring, Maryland in May of 1992. After a six month period as a “transitional deacon,” on October 17, 1992 I was ordained to the priesthood at St. Casimir Church, in my home-town of Baltimore, Maryland, by Baltimore's then Auxiliary Bishop +William C. Newman.

For seventeen years of my priesthood (in two non-consecutive terms between ‘92 and ‘14), I was assigned to Most Holy Trinity--St. Mary in Brooklyn, New York. Both my Franciscan and my priestly identities were greatly “formed” during my years in Brooklyn!

In addition to Brooklyn, I served as a parochial-vicar at St. Philip Benizi, Jonesboro, Georgia, and at St. Stanislaus Basilica, Chicopee, Massachusetts. In August of ‘14, I began a year-long assignment at Pastor at Assumption Church in Syracuse, New York. Years earlier in ministry, I also spent time teaching young people in schools at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, New York (‘87-‘88), at St. Francis Primary School, San Jose, Costa Rica (‘98-‘01), and at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, Maryland (‘01-‘03). Later, and in the Archdiocese of Baltimore (‘15-‘18), I was Pastor of two wonderful Parishes of St. Ann and St. Wenceslaus, in Baltimore City, Maryland.  Then I was Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel, Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, a three parish “Pastorate” in Baltimore County, Maryland (‘18-‘22). 

I’ve always had an “itch” to be a missionary friar.  Although I have never really pursued such a calling, I did have several opportunities in my life to travel and to live abroad in countries where people live in poverty and in great need.  While still a seminarian in 1991, I did a “missionary internship” for three months in Ghana, West Africa where I lived and worked with our friars who ministered to people with leprosy.  Later, after my ordination to the priesthood, I spent three months in Honduras, Central America, where I studied Spanish and further discerned a “missionary calling.”  I’ve returned to Honduras for shorter visits at least ten times over the years, and I still wonder if someday I should return there for a longer commitment.  In 1998, I began a two-and-a-half year assignment in Costa Rica where I taught English to children in our friars’ St. Francis Primary School in San Jose and also to adults in an evening language institute there called the Instituto Interamericano de Idiomas (Intensa).  My experience in Costa Rica was wonderful!

Most of my ministerial experiences have been as a “parish priest.”  Parish work has always been at the core of my priestly ministry, and over many years I feel I've been greatly blessed by the wonderful people of the parishes I've met along the way!  See a short reflection I wrote about the life of a parish priest here on my blog entitled “This is the Life of a Parish Priest” (https://www.frayteo.us/2014/04/this-is-life-of-parish-priest.html).

I think one of my most passionate desires within ministry has always been to enthusiastically serve and to work with Christian outreach efforts done for the poor, the marginalized, and to those who are “different.”  I believe this desire is fundamentally rooted in my identity as one who hopes to live in accord with the teachings and example of the Lord Jesus, and as a Franciscan Friar, a follower of “Il Poverello,” St. Francis of Assisi.

Currently, I am stationed at the Shrine of St. Anthony, Ellicott City, Maryland, and there I am one of the friars in the community of the Friary of St. Joseph Cupertino. These days, I divide my time as a friar-chaplain at St. Joseph's Nursing Home, Catonsville, as well as at the Shrine of St. Anthony.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope the posts you find on it are both thought provoking and spiritually uplifting!   Peace, Timothy

Praised be Jesus Christ!
Now and Forever!  Amen!

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Friar Timothy Patrick Dore, OFM Conv.

My Curriculum Vitae:

EDUCATION

12/99 - 12/00:  The Mesoamerica Spanish Language Program (at the Institute for Central American Studies-"ICAS"), Intensive Spanish Program and Tutoring.  Guadalupe, San Jose, Costa Rica, Completed: December 2000.

Fall 1998:  Centro Lingüistico Latinoamericano, San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, Costa Rica, Certificate, Intensive Spanish Program. Completed: November 1998.

1988-1992: Washington Theological Union, Silver Spring, Maryland, Master of Divinity, Graduated: May 1992.

1985-1987:  Saint Hyacinth College and Seminary, Granby, Massachusetts, Pre-Theology Certificate in Philosophy, Completed: May 1987

1984-1985:  Saint Joseph Cupertino Friary, Ellicott City, Maryland, Novitiate Program, Completed: August 1985.

1980-1984:  Mount Saint Mary's College (now “University”), Emmitsburg, Maryland, Bachelor of Arts  (Majors: History and Theology), Graduated: May 1984.

1976-1980:  Calvert Hall College, Towson, Maryland, High School Diploma, Graduated: May 1980.

WORK & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES

06/22-Present:  Pastoral Associate, (chaplaincy at St. Joseph's Nursing Home, Catonsville, and pastoral ministry at the Shrine of St. Anthony, Folly Quarter), St. Joseph Cupertino Friary, Ellicott City, Maryland.

08/18-06/22:  Pastor, St. Michael the Archangel, Annunciation, & St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Churches, Baltimore County, Maryland.

08/15-08/18:  Pastor, St. Ann & St, Wenceslaus Churches, Baltimore City, Maryland.

08/14-08/15:  Pastor, Assumption Church, Syracuse, New York.

06/04-08/14:  Parochial Vicar, Most Holy Trinity Church, Brooklyn, New York.

06/03-06/04:  Parochial Vicar, St. Stanislaus Basilica, Chicopee, Massachusetts.

08/01-06/03:  Secondary School Teacher (Intro to Spanish I & Intro to Spanish II), Archbishop Curley High School, Baltimore, Maryland.

06/02-08/02:  Mission Volunteer, Helping Hands for Honduras, La Paz, Honduras, Central America. 

01/01-08/01:  Parochial Vicar, Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church, Jonesboro, Georgia.

03/00-12/00:  English as a Second Language Teacher (Conversational–for adults), Instituto Interamericano de Idiomas (Intensa), San José, Costa Rica.

12/98-12/00:  Primary School Teacher (Middle School Religion, Second Grade English), Saint Francis Primary School, Moravia, San José, Costa Rica.

01/94-04/94:  Mission Internship, Conventual Franciscan Friars, Campamento, Honduras, Central America.

06/92-09/98:  Parochial Vicar, Most Holy Trinity Church, Brooklyn, New York.

06/91-08/91:  Mission Internship, Franciscan Community Services, Ankaful Leprosy Camp and the Ahotokurom Village, Ghana, West Africa.

09/90-05/91:  Supervised Ministry in Pro-Life Advocacy, Human Life International (H.L.I.), Gaithersburg, Maryland.

09/88-05/92:  Supervised Ministry in a Parish Setting, Saint Mark Church, Catonsville, Maryland.

09/87-05/88:  Secondary School Teacher, (Freshman Social Studies, Sophomore Religion), Saint Francis High School, Athol Springs, New York

Pulled-Over by a Maryland State Trooper on I-95

Pulled-Over by a Maryland State Trooper on I-95

Today, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, I drove home to Maryland from my sister Kelly’s house in Sullivan, Maine.  It took me almost twelve hours (including a couple of short stops along the way). 

Just as I crossed over the Maryland state line, and after traveling for most of those hours, I was so very happy to be close to home!  And so, as I continued to drive south on I-95, I called Kelly and her husband Toby to let them know I was almost home (using my hands-free blue tooth, of course!). 

Perhaps because at that point my blissful adrenaline had kicked in just a bit, I quite frankly moved speedily along (more or less), and just as fast as the rest of the traffic around me.  

Then . . . I suddenly noticed the dreaded lights of a police car tailing close behind me!!  I told Kelly and Toby I was being pulled over and better hang-up.  “I’ll call you after this is over,” I said, as I pulled my car onto the highway shoulder.  

Soon after I stopped (disappointed the cop had not passed me for someone else), a very polite Maryland State Trooper approached my car and asked me if I knew why I was being pulled over.  I sheepishly responded that I had “no idea.”  

He told me that (1) I was speeding, that (2) one of my headlights was out, and that (3) my license plate annual sticker tags were “expired.”  

I then very politely, and with a bit of a chuckle in my voice, responded to him:  “My gosh, I’ve really hit the jackpot tonight, no?”

In response to my comment, the officer smiled broadly, and he literally laughed out loud! 

I gave him my driver’s license and the car registration card and he returned to his squad car, returning to me just a few moments later. 

“I’m giving you a warning for the speeding and the tag sticker, and a work order for the burned-out headlight.  There’s no fine for anything this time . . . but please drive safely,” he said very cheerfully. 

“Thank you sir, and also thank you for your service,” I joyfully responded!  

I then safely pulled back into traffic, continued on my way home, and in my thoughts thanked God for sparing me from the legal consequences the traffic stop really did merit!  

Perhaps it was the trooper’s sense of humor that spared me?  I guess I’ll never know, but I truly am grateful for all police officers’ self-sacrifices, their service to society, and their willingness put their lives on the line for the safety and good of others.  I hope I would have thanked this particular cop for his service, even if I had driven away from that encounter with the otherwise warranted fines! 

To all the men and women in blue, I’ll say it again: 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! 

And I'm also happy to report that my wallet isn't lighter today than it was yesterday!

Praise God!  🙏

A Time to Every Purpose

A Time to Every Purpose

The etched-glass sanctuary window in the chapel at St Joseph's Nursing Home features four season of foliage, an image of Christ crucified, and the Scripture passage “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

This morning, both before and after the Mass at St. Joe’s, I stopped by the room of one of our residents who was nearing the very end of her life’s journey.  Her family was with her and keeping vigil at her bedside.  

After Mass, and our usual communion visits with many of the residents, I went with Sr. Teresa back to the room of our dying resident.  Sadly, she passed-away at nearly the exact moment we entered the room (where we then immediately prayed for her and with her family).  

I knew this resident to be an incredibly faith-filled woman who loved her God with all of her heart, mind, and soul.  And so I’m very confident she is now with the Lord!

After spending some time with her family, I returned to the chapel, and once again I was deeply struck by the sanctuary window and the message it contains.  

What came heavily to my mind was that all of 2023, and then January of 2024, were incredibly difficult times for me, and my family and friends, as we faced the reality of the deaths of many loved ones (the names of +Doug Bruchman, +Marjorie McDonell, +Gene Dore, +Richard Sies, +Tom Sheehan, +Dottie Stokes-Wallace, +Linda Malat Tiburzi, quite a few friars of my community, and most recently my young friend and protege +Nicholas Hickman immediately filled my thoughts).

The resident who passed-away this morning at St. Joe’s died in the same room that once belonged to my mom +Carolyn Marie Winterling-Dore.  I was with my mom in that very same space when she passed-away on September 13, 2018.  I could not help but to think of my mom as today’s family shared a similar experience of grief and loss! 

Indeed, although it may not seem very clear to us as we pass through the significant moments of our lives, there surely is “a time to every purpose under heaven . . . ”

May eternal rest be granted to all those we’ve loved and lost!

Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he/she die, yet shall he/she live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

+ + +

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

Praise God! 🙏

Friar Timothy

Condemned to Hell?

 

CONDEMNED TO HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY?

My thoughts this morning (on Tuesday, January 6, 2024) . . .

Some “religious people” claim that if a person does not “accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior” (and then completely conform their lives to this or that particular, and frankly “man-made,” way of following the Gospel), then he or she is destined for eternal damnation (i.e., after death, that person will suffer the torments of the everlasting fires of hell).

In response to such thinking, I may be at risk of being called a “heretic,” but I prefer to believe in a God who so loves each and every one of his children, that he does so without conditions and/or exceptions.  No human “dogma” can ever overrule the infinite and compassionate love of a God who loves us more than anyone of us (especially the dogmatists) can ever possibly imagine!

Can any one of us really know the actual and possibly conflicted minds, hearts and personal struggles, and even the “faith” of others, especially those who are otherwise and often quickly labeled as “sinners?”  Can just anyone simply identify him/herself as “saved,” and then claim the right to be the arbiter of God’s boundless love?

I can’t . . .

As a person of faith in a merciful, forgiving, and ever-loving God, it’s clear to me that the concept of “hell” is all too often simply used as an instrument to frighten people into conformity with the whims and biases of those “in power” (and who “at the moment” happen to “control” the religious narratives of the day).

It’s also apparent to me that this type of pharisaical approach to exercising “religious authority” is unfortunately and somehow present, to some degree or another, within the minds of a number of “fanatical” adherents to many and various Christian denominations, “religious systems,” faith expressions, and spiritual traditions throughout the world, and this seems to be the case “from time immemorial.”  And I believe as such it’s a scourge on the human quest to know and serve God and God’s people.

Sorry Pharisees of all stripes, I believe the idea of “hell” to which you ascribe is quite an empty concept (if, as you explain and use it, your teaching is wielded to threaten those of us you label as “unsaved sinners,” and/or if in fact the infernal region is “a place” at all).

Amen!

Praise God!

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Some additional thoughts after feedback from others . . .

I don’t doubt the words of Jesus, the teachings of the Church, and I certainly believe in the authority of the Scriptures.  I also believe that OUR human understandings of these things are in constant need of refinement and clarity. This I think is our path to authentic obedience to such things.  

Unfortunately, the words of Jesus, the teachings of the Church, and even the Holy Scriptures themselves are often weaponized (by some "Christians" who in fact are very uncharitable) against the poor, the marginalized, and those who are “different.” It seems to me the “Pharisees” are sometimes quick to do so in order to justify their hatred towards such people, and as such they then distort concepts of true faith, genuine hope and unconditional love (a love empowered by God and that never ends!). 

I couldn’t agree with those who have reminded me of their faith in a a Jesus who promises to be “the Way the Truth, and the Life.”  But the arguments against what I have shared above have ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the sentiments I originally expressed.

My “personal relationship” with Jesus is extremely important to me as a Christian man of faith. It guides my life, and the daily decisions I make about how to authentically remain faithful to my God!

My friends, please don’t jump to conclusions about the thoughts I shared above. My perception is that some have completely missed the point I tried to make. Perhaps they might want to read more carefully what I wrote!

My whole point is about how I think some “religious people” are so preoccupied with judging others in this life that they are very quick, and don’t hesitate, to pass the “sentence of hell” on them for the next.

I believe I cannot do that because only God knows the hearts and minds of the people around me. “Judge not, lest you be judged” comes to my mind.

Matthew 7:1-3
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?”

It seems to me far too many “Christians” think they can exempt themselves from this admonition of Jesus (and only because they now identify themselves as “saved”). I believe such people are in reality the “modern day Pharisees,” and so I for my part will do everything possible in my own faith life to stay as far away from such “pharisaical thinking.”

GOD IS LOVE! ❤️

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There are but three things that remain: 

faith, hope and love. 

And the greatest of these is love.

1st Corinthians 13:13 

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On January 14, 2024, in an interview on Italian television, Pope Francis was asked to comment on the idea of hell, and if he believes God will forgives all those who have sinned.  Said the Pope: “It’s difficult to imagine [hell]. What I would say is not a dogma of faith, but my personal thought: I like to think hell is empty; I hope it is.”

**I love Pope Francis! 

A Young Man Greatly Loved By All, and Gone Too Soon: . . . . . . . – My Friend +Nicholas Roger Hickman (d. 01/25/24)

 

+Nicholas Roger Hickman (12/03/96-01/25/24)

This heart wrenching photo is of a young man whose name was +Nicholas Roger Hickman. He recently died very suddenly, and under tragic circumstances (at the age of 27). 

 

I met +Nick in May of 2020 when I was the Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel, Overlea, Baltimore, Maryland.  He came to our door looking for help and guidance.  At the time, it was at the height of the COVID-19 lock-down.  It didn't take long for me and the other friars of our friary to "take him under our wings."  I believe we all did so with great compassion, affection, and care!

The image of +Nick above now rips apart my heart. His sudden passing early in the morning of Thursday, January 25, 2024 caused tremendous grief and sadness for all those who knew and who had great affection for him, including me! To be sure, +Nick left behind many, many people who loved him dearly! 

By chance (and for reasons that are only clearer to me now in my grief), some time ago I snapped a screenshot of +Nick late one night while we were video chatting.  That night, he was struggling with many of (I'm sad to report) his usual demons, and as he shed lots of tears, he once again poured out his heart to me.

+Nick was full of anguish and pain for many reasons (many of which those who knew him were well aware).  I believe this is why he so often turned to fleeting pleasures to ease his inner pain.

+Nick so enthusiastically showered others in so many ways with his incredibly loving heart and spirit. And I, and countless others, received that love in wonderful and lasting ways.  

Sadly, it seems +Nick was never able to turn that love inward towards himself, and that led him to make some choices that were simply very destructive and hurtful to himself and to the very people he loved the most (and I’d like to include myself in that—I was a true recipient of his great ability to love others, a love he so energetically and unconditionally gave to everyone!). 

 

Now that he’s gone, I think those who loved +Nick might find some comfort in the reality that he’s no longer in pain, no longer shedding tears, no longer hurting himself and those of us who loved him so very much.  

For our peace of mind, we need to let go, forgive him of any failings, and entrust him to God, who now and forever will hold +Nick tight in his everlasting, peaceful, and loving embrace.  That's now how we must, and the only way we can, continue in our great love for +Nick.

Let us be at peace, and worry not about this or that, the "what ifs," the "should have dones," and/or for that matter, ever doubt how much he loved us. 

We know +Nick often used the expression "I love you with all my heart!"  

And now, although our hearts are broken and filled with grief, we can take comfort in knowing that +Nick’s love for us will forever be eternal, pure, and without end!  

I take comfort, and find some consolation in this.  

Rest in peace my dear friend!

You will be terribly missed for sure.  💔

With unceasing love for you +Nick!

Adios Amigo!

Your faithful friend, and as you would often say, "'dawgs' to infinity and back!"

Much love, Timothy

 

I Dedicate the Words to this Song to +Nick:

I Still Can See Your Face

By Barbra Streisand--with words slightly adapted

At least one moment everyday
I hear the echo of your voice
And though it's only in my mind
It stays with me, I have no choice

I reach for you as if you're here
Your tender touch, your warm embrace
And though my heart is filled with grief
I still can see your face

We're all just prisoners of time
The days go rushing by
With memories we've locked away
There may not been much I regret
But there were things we couldn't say

Maybe the ending came too soon
You are the one I can't replace
And though my heart is filled with grief
I still can see your face

Somehow we knew another love would find us
We'd carry on, leave yesterday behind us
Sometimes I find, the quiet nights
I close my eyes and realize
I've never loved you more

And if by chance we meet again
A sudden crazy twist of fate
A place where we have never been
And with the hour getting late
You run into to my arms and heart
Like all the grief has been erased

In every shadow of my thoughts
I still can see your face

In every shadow of my thoughts
I still can see your face
I still can see your face
I still can see your face

[Words changed above:  "And though it's been so many years" changed to "And though my heart is filled with grief;" "I've never loved too far" changed to "I've never loved you more;" "A street where we have never been" changed to "A place where we have never been," "In every shadow of the past" changed to "In every shadow of my thoughts."]

Find this song on YouTube at the following in link: I Still Can See Your Face

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w3cDrVainI

 

** The photos above were taken: (1) during a video chat in Baltimore, Maryland on October 27, 2022; (2, 3, and 4) on November 6, 2022 at High Rock Overlook, Smithburg, Maryland; (5) on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023 on White Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, (6) on May 12, 2021 in the front parlor of St. Michael the Archangel Rectory, Overlea, Baltimore, Maryland, and (7) with Jesus now!  And (8) the funeral memorial card.

The Tree

 

THE TREE

This morning, I made my usual ministry call at St. Joseph's Nursing Home, Catonsville, Maryland. 

After Mass and my visits to room-bound residents, and as I departed the home and I made my way to my car, once again I was awestruck by the magnificence and beauty of the very huge, ancient, and winter-barren tree in front of the building.  Today for some reason, the tree's form and stature spoke loudly to my thoughts!

Imagine how much life that seemingly “dead” tree has in fact already sustained, and will no doubt continue to generate! 

As I gazed upward into the majestic stretches of the tree's many branches, my thoughts took me to an encounter I had with one of the residents just a short while earlier. 

As I made the rounds accompanied by the ever faithful Sister Theresa, we visited and prayed with a beautiful resident named Shirley, a very elderly woman and the mother of a beloved son named +Barry who passed-away just yesterday after a long struggle with a difficult illness.  Today, Shirley is stricken with tremendous grief, and although she and her family are Jewish and Sister and I Christians, we held hands and prayed together for +Barry's soul and for his family and friends who are filled with sorrow. It was a powerful moment, and I believe Shirley found at least some consolation through our prayers, and by the conversation we had during which she shared her heartache and pain.  

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the fragility of human life. In very recent times, I too have experienced pain, grief, and loss caused by the deaths of family and friends I have greatly loved.  From so many perspectives, my encounter with Shirley this morning certainly amplified my thoughts about these realities! 

I'm thinking . . . 

Some who've gone before us had lives cut way too short, others thankfully had quite long lives filled with many blessings! 

Nonetheless, our grief and heartache at the deaths of our loved ones, no matter the amount of years they spent on this earth, or whatever faith perspectives they had, or we might have, likely causes contemplation about the brevity of our own mortal lives (this at least as we consider hoped for “eternal realities”).

The stark truth is that no one can escape death, and the eventual end to our present lives. And this reality almost always causes sorrow, grief and heartache for those left behind.

Truth also is we have only 'today.'  Let's be grateful for every breath we take, and in this moment and every day, let's cherish our family members, friends, and loved-ones with whom we have been, and are now blessed to share the journey.  

It is a fact that the tree, although seemingly dead, actually is promised resurrection and new life!  Our faith in a loving, eternal God somehow points in that same direction!  For the tree, and for now, life has simply changed, not ended.  Its yearning for springtime is clearly evident and filled with joyful hope as its branches reach to the skies! 

My friends, may that fervent desire be ours as well! 

– Please pray for the consolation and peace of Shirley, and for the peaceful repose of her very beloved son +Barry.  And of course, may we never forget, and always cherish, the memories we hold within our hearts of our own family members, friends and loved ones who have passed from this life to the next! 

Praise God!

For those who grieve . . .

This morning at Mass, we heard the following words spoken in the “prayer of the faithful” (aka “the intercessions”):  

— For those who grieve the loss of a loved one, may God bring them consolation and hope, let us pray to the Lord.  

Last year (2023) was a grief-filled year for me and my family.

— On April 23rd, after my brother-in-law +Doug Bruchman’s long and heroic struggle with cancer, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.  At the age of 58, he had been my sister Nancy Dore Bruchman’s husband of 34 years.

— On July 19th, after a short illness, my dad +Gene Dore, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean City, MD.  When he died, he was surrounded by loving family and friends.  At the age of 87, and for five years before that, he had been the widower of my mom +Carolyn Marie Winterling-Dore. My mom and dad were married in October of 1959.  

— On July 29th, my sister Kelly Sheehan’s father-in-law, (the dad of my brother-in-law Toby Sheehan) +Thomas Patrick Sheehan, Jr., unexpectedly passed away while peacefully sleeping at home and at the age of 94. He left behind his lifetime soul-mate of 66 years, his wife Karen.  My niece and nephews consequently lost both their grandfathers within nearly one week’s time (that is, my dad and Tom too).

— On September 26th, my brother-in-law +Richard Sies died very suddenly after suffering a heart attack while on his job. At the age of 57, he had been my sister Tracy Sies’s husband for 32 years.  +Richie’s death was a great shock to all of us and was the fourth family death within six month’s time.

— Last year, I lost some long-time friends and former classmates as well (standing out most in my mind was my friend +Linda Malat Tiburzi).

As I contemplate all of these losses of 2023, already this year death has struck close to me.   

— Last week on Thursday, January 25th, death suddenly came knocking again. This time it was that of my young friend and protégé, +Nicholas Hickman.  He died suddenly and very unexpectedly under tragic circumstances.  His passing has caused me tremendous grief and profound sadness.  It’s so very heartbreaking to lose such a beautiful person who was so young (age 27), and who in life had so much joy and love to give to others.

Collectively, all of these deaths within a year’s time have been so difficult to face, even as I am a person of faith.  

This morning’s prayer spoke so loudly to me I found my eyes welling with tears . . .

Please God, eternal rest grant to all of these loved ones who without exception will be missed so much.  

🙏

** See a tribute slide show for +Nick on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/2Nel8lKV2UA?si=Int12Yq_oj4jZkqO

 https://youtu.be/2Nel8lKV2UA?si=Int12Yq_oj4jZkqO

Room #1 and St. Joseph's Nursing Home

 

For the past couple of years I’ve been serving as a chaplain (along with other friars of my community) at St Joseph's Nursing Home, Catonsville, Maryland.  😇
 

Most days of the week I’m here for Mass and to “make the rounds” visiting and taking the Eucharist and/or praying with those residents who are confined to their rooms. 🙏

One of the reasons I love ministering in this place is because in the past both of my grandmothers (+Frances Eckholm-Dore and +Marie Koehler-Winterling-Haspert) as well as my mother (+Carolyn Marie Winterling-Dore) were residents here.  ❤️

In this photo, I’m standing at the door of room #1.  This was my mother +Carolyn’s room for the three and a half years she resided at St. Joe’s.  My dad +Gene Dore and I were with her in this room when she passed away on September 13, 2018.  😕

Today the current resident of this room asked me to pray with her for strength and healing.  I couldn’t do so without thinking of the many times I did just that with my own mom right there in the same space!  This gives me a sense of joy and consolation that I can’t express in words!  🥰

I always try my best to treat each and every resident of St. Joe’s as if they are my own grandmother, mother, or family member! 😊

Praise God! 🙏

“Carrollton Hall”

 

“Carrollton Hall”

This is “photo/art” I created today.  The subject is the “Carrollton Hall” manor house located on the grounds of the Conventual Franciscan Friary of St. Joseph Cupertino and the Shrine of St. Anthony, Howard County, Maryland.

At first, I wasn’t completely satisfied with the final “touches” I made to this image, but as I reflected on it, I changed my mind.

I like the multiple color schemes (enhanced by late afternoon sunlight), and the way the building is somewhat hidden behind the trees in the foreground.  My thought is that the “mystery” the image provokes somehow “pulls one’s eyes into its ambiguity.”

The building pictured was constructed (c. 1832) by Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a very wealthy Maryland landowner, patriot, politician, and the sole Catholic signer of the American Declaration of Independence.  

The friary property (of approximately 320 acres), a small part of the original Carroll estate, includes the manor house, a large “monastery-style” friary built nearby in 1930, a provincial house office and friary residence built in 1991, various service buildings, vast woodlands, rustic walking trails, gardens, manicured lawns on rolling hills, cow pastures and farmlands.  

Carrollton Hall, purchased by the Franciscan Friars in 1928 (after passing through the ownership of various proprietors), is today on the National Register of Historical Places.  It now serves as a cultural center, museum, and conference facility.  

I hope you like the photo as much as I now do!

Praise God!

The Holy Rosary

The Holy Rosary

—The faithful traditionally pray the five decades of the Rosary with specific mysteries on certain days of the week, and as follows:

• Monday: Joyful Mystery.
• Tuesday: Sorrowful Mystery.
• Wednesday: Glorious Mystery.
• Thursday: Luminous Mystery.
• Friday: Sorrowful Mystery.
• Saturday: Joyful Mystery.
• Sunday: Glorious Mystery.
  

 

—Begin with “the Apostles Creed" (said while holding the Crucifix): 

I believe in God, 
the Father almighty,
 Creator of heaven and earth, 
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, 
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
 born of the Virgin Mary,
 suffered under Pontius Pilate,
 was crucified, died and was buried; 
he descended into hell;
 on the third day he rose again from the dead;
 he ascended into heaven,
 and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
 from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit,
 the holy catholic Church, 
the communion of saints,
 the forgiveness of sins,
 the resurrection of the body,
 and life everlasting.  Amen.

—On the first bead, pray an Our Father, then on the following three beads pray a Hail Mary on each (for an increase in faith, hope, and love).  Conclude this first part with a "Glory Be."  

—At the conclusion of each “decade” pray a “Glory Be” and the “Oh My Jesus (aka Fatima)” prayer: 

Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy. 

The Joyful Mysteries--Monday and Saturday.

1.  The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary (Mary is chosen to be the mother of Jesus). 

2.  The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of our Lord). 

3.  The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ (the infant Jesus is born and placed in a very humble manger in Bethlehem). 

4.  The Presentation of our Lord (the baby Jesus is presented in the Temple of Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph). 

5.  The finding of the child Jesus in the Temple (the boy Jesus is found by May and Joseph discussing God's laws in the temple).

The Luminous Mysteries (i.e. "of Light")--Thursday. 

1.  The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan (God the Father proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son). 

2.  The Wedding Feast at Cana (at his mother Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first public miracle). 

3.  The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom). 

4.  The Transfiguration of Jesus (Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor). 

5.  The Institution of the Eucharist (Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper).  

The Sorrowful Mysteries--Tuesday and Friday.

1.  The Agony of Jesus in the Garden (In the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Jesus prays when confronted with the sins of the world).

2.  The Scourging at the pillar (Jesus is whipped before His execution).

3.  The crowning of Jesus with thorns (Jesus is mocked with a painful crown of thorns).

4.  Jesus Carries his Cross (Jesus carries the weight of our sins to his crucifixion).

5.  The Crucifixion of our Lord (Jesus Christ dies to save all humankind). 

The Glorious Mysteries--Sunday.

1.  The Resurrection (God the Father raises Jesus from the dead).

2. The Ascension (Jesus returns to his Father in heaven). 

3.  The coming of the Holy Spirit (at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples). 

4.  The Assumption of Mary (at the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven). 

5. The Coronation of Mary (Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth).

—At the conclusion of the Rosary pray the "Hail Holy Queen":

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to the do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. 

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

—And then some also pray the "Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel".

Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

—Conclude the Rosary with the following prayer: 

O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation; grant we beseech thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.