My name is Fr. Jorge Iván Ramírez Velásquez, but all my family and friends have called me George since I was four years old. So, it is fine if you call me Fr. George.

I am from Medellín, Colombia. I grew up in a very Catholic country, and I always studied in Catholic schools. My home parish is Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Our Lady of the Mount Carmel), and since I was a boy, I have been very active in the Church. I joined El Seminario Conciliar de Medellín (The Council Seminary of Medellin), where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. Later I received a Licentiate Degree in Philosophy with a specialization in Docencia Universitaria y Gerencia Educativa (University Teaching and Educational Management).

I came to the United States in 2009 to study to become a priest for the Diocese of Rochester. First, I studied English at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, NY, and then Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, MD. I was ordained by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano on June 4, 2016, and served as a parochial vicar at Holy Cross Church in Charlotte. There I enjoyed serving the community, working on programs such as Bible study groups, altar servers, RCIA, celebration of different liturgies and teaching in Holy Cross School Spanish and religious education. In addition, I was working with the Hispanic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese. This was a great experience for me because I share my ministry with my fellows Hispanics as well.

Later, in 2018, I started my pastoral ministry at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Community in Penn Yan, NY as a Parochial Vicar. God called me to serve this beautiful community in which I continued to experience the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I served the Lord and the Church under the leadership of Fr. Leo Reinhardt. I learned wonderful things from him, such as always to show the face of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd to each person in my pastoral ministry.

In 2021, Bishop Matano sent me to serve as the Parochial Administrator of three wonderful communities: All Saints, Holy Cross, and St. Anthony at N.E.T. Catholic (North East Tompkins Roman Catholic Parishes).

As a part of my formation to become a priest, I served as a seminarian in different parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Diocese of Rochester. One of these parishes was Holy Trinity Church in Webster, NY in 2011 and 2012. I am not sure if you remember me when I was around as a seminarian, but I have wonderful memories of Holy Trinity when I was here helping Fr. Horan and the staff. One of these memories is that I learned to drive during my stay at Holy Trinity. I am back not as a seminarian anymore, but as the Pastor. I hope to share with all of you my vocation, ministry, and love for God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Roman Catholic Church. I also hope to learn from all of you, and to share in your beautiful faith and love for God, our Blessed Mother, and the Church. I am praying for all of you, and I hope you are praying not only for me, but for all priests, deacons, bishops, the Pope, and all religious (men and women) vocations.

I want to say to God, thank you for entrusting to me this wonderful and big responsibility of being the Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish. I know that with your support, faith, and love we can work together for the Kingdom of God.

God bless all of you and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always.

Fr. George

(please enjoy this previously published article by Father Tim)

Faith, of course, is the principle means through which we come to know God and enter into a relationship with Him. And this faith bases itself on the Word of God given to us in sacred scripture. This word is spoken by God “who can neither deceive nor be deceived.”

So Jesus (the Word made Flesh) says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, or, “I am the Resurrection and the life”, or, “I am the Good Shepherd leading my sheep into eternal life.” And in response Peter said, “Oh Lord, you alone have the words of eternal life.” So Faith opens the door to heaven.

But there is something else that can happen. Sometimes before faith happens, one can have an experience that leads them to believe in God. OR, sometimes this experience can follow faith and help it to grow.

What is this experience? Wonder. Children have it all the time. Hopefully, you’ve had it too. It starts with a simple observation of life around us and leads to a “moment” where we experience the sheer beauty or power or mystery contained in what we are observing.

For example:

• The ocean, the waves, the horizon
• Seagulls riding a lake breeze
• The folds and color of a rose
• A baby’s smell
• The eyes of a child
• The full moon on new snow
• A lover’s first “I love you” and then hearing “I love you” back.
• A base hit in little league
• The day you could finally ride a bike
• Sitting on your dad’s lap, playing with his giant fingers
• Really hearing a great piece of music
• Tears upon finishing some effort that took everything you had in you
• Winning a game in triple overtime
• Losing a game in triple overtime
• Reading a book that moves you with its description of the human character
• Counting the stars at night
• (What would you add as your moments . . . . ?)

None of these moments happen in church, but each of them can open a window through which we catch a glimpse of a world filled with a beauty and mystery that far surpasses our ability to fully understand it. Yet it will not let us leave that place without touching our hearts with that experience we call “wonder.”

Read Psalm 139 for a beautiful moment of wonder. It all leads to a surrender to faith . . . “Oh Lord, How great you are. Thank you for letting me live and have my being. Thank you for letting me see/feel this moment”.

I hope you take time this summer to experience the beauty of this world and of our lives as human beings. Don’t try too hard though.

Just let the moment be what it wants to be in you. Remember, God loves you and made this world for us. Summer blessings.

Fr. Tim

(please enjoy this previously published article by Father Tim)

Like Mother’s Day this tribute to fathers ran last year at this time. Why again? Well. . . it’s like dad’s brown shoes  he wore them day after day.

It’s hard explaining Fathers. Each is different. Each father brings different skills with which they make their contribution. Some are handymen, fixing everything in the house. Some are sportsmen, sharing the love of outdoors, fishing, and hunting. Some make work their special skill.

But here’s some things that all fathers share, or at least, I think they should.

Today is your day. We’re not too keen on these things, are we. Somehow it goes against what we see as our role as the “watch over person”. We’ve all seen holy cards of the Holy Family. There they are, Mary and the baby, front and center. Joseph is usually off to the side watching or standing over his wife and the child as protector. We like the background role.

In fact, we can sometimes “hide” in the back when things get sticky or uncomfortable. When tears or disappointment come to the children, it’s time for mom! She’s the expert in handling emotions or significant events . . . birthdays, inlaws, holidays, vacation plans, etc.

So what DO you do, dad?

Can I tell you what I’ve seen you do? First off, you love your wife. She has the key to your heart. She is the one person who pulled you out of yourself when you were this whiney, selfish 20/30 something. She helped you discover that “to love” meant to “lay your life down”. You didn’t know that until you met her. Now your job is to make her life a joy.

The second thing is the children she gave you to hold. What profound stirrings you felt when each of your children looked up at you.

Somewhere came that particular “Father feeling” that said, “No one will ever hurt this child so long as I am here. You are safe with me dear one . . . do you hear that world?!!”

What else do you do, Dad?

You create a “place” that is warm, safe, and fun. Yes, it’s a place to live, but it’s more than that. Your strength and love and watchfulness brings about a place in which your wife and children can blossom and grow. They don’t have to worry, “are we okay here”?. They’re free from fear because you are there. You are like the house beams!  always there, quiet, holding things in place. The world is dependable . . . because you are dependable. You beat back the chaos.

Last on my list of things to thank you for is the fact that you didn’t give into me when you knew I was headed in the wrong direction. I could bully mom into going along with some silly scheme I thought was really cool. “Well honey, if it will make you happy.” You wouldn’t budge.

“Rethink that”, you would say. “That’s not what we taught you.” You had several other sayings that went right to the heart of the matter. Things like . . . don’t give up. . . you disappoint me (ouch!) . . . do it the right way, not the easy way . . . I’m proud of you . . . don’t worry, I’ll be there. . . and (yes, dad you actually said this) . . . “I’m not your friend, I’m your father.” Dad, you saved us from our worst impulses.

Lastly, you show us something of God the Father. Strong, present, watching, protecting, our rock. You gave us a “place” of safety to discover who we are; you were strong enough to listen when mom knew us better. You gave up your crazy ways to be our dad. We are really glad you did.

Happy Fathers Day, dad.

We love you.

Fr. Tim

In the quiet moments of his days, Fr. Tim wants us to know that he is thinking of us and would like to share some of his thoughts.

(Please enjoy this previous article by Fr. Tim, first published here May 23, 2015)

One of my favorite lines from sacred scripture comes to us in the Acts of the Apostles (17:28). “For in Him, we live and move and have our being.” St. Paul is quoting from one of the ancient Greek poets about the God from whom we come but cannot see. He uses the words, “grope for”, in describing man’s efforts to know the “Unknown God”.

What Paul is struggling to describe is the subtle way God reveals Himself to us. The image is almost like a fish in water. Like that water, God is all around us. He holds us up. Wherever we go, he is there. We breathe him in. We live in him and he lives in us.

But, how do we see God or feel him if he is all around us like water or air? This is where we need help. We need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes of faith. We need the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the quickening of love (“Everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7)

St. John in his first letter tells us, “No one has ever seen God.” So, then how will we come to know him by the Holy Spirit? Lacking physical evidence we turn to “Signs of the presence of God”. Scripture again points us in the right direction by giving us signs to look for. They are called the Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit.

The Gifts are generally intellectual and spiritual abilities helping us apply the teachings of Christ to everyday life. The Fruits are generally observable states of goodness that have as their source the presence of God.

They are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faith, gentleness and chastity.

To each of these I’ll highlight some human moment that gives us a sign of the Holy Spirit.

Love. Any act that places the wellbeing of the loved one before oneself. “Love does not seek its own”. 1 Cor. 13.

Joy. That deep happiness that comes, when in spite of hardships, you’ve “done the right thing”.

Peace. When someone has devoted themselves to reconciling with someone who is estranged. Conversely, to be won over by the loving concern of a “Peacemaker”.

Patience. Your child/spouse/friend disappoints you for the hundredth time. You smile and assure them things will be right someday.

Kindness. So simple; pure goodness for its own sake. Speaks for itself.

Generosity. Giving more than is necessary . . . because you want their happiness.

Faith. Knowing God loves all of us, and as a result, “All will be well.”

Gentleness. A largeness of spirit that can afford a kind word in the face of harshness. Large like God is large.

Chastity. Honoring another person in their body. Requiring sexual desire to serve its Godly purpose (the gift of children and the bond of love) because that is what true love demands.

Here’s hoping you’ve caught a glimpse of the Holy Spirit in your life!! A blessed Pentecost!

Fr. Tim

(Please enjoy this previous article by Fr. Tim, first published here February 7, 2016)

I want to try to share with you a bit of unfailing advice that was given to me some years ago by a holy and beloved priest friend. Like any truly helpful bit of wisdom it’s very simple . . . God’s will is straight ahead.

Let me explain.

There’s something in the way we live our lives that makes us feel like we’re in charge. That’s one of the pleasures of a Saturday morning; free from our jobs, we can pick and choose what our day will be. “I’m in charge. This is my life.”

There’s nothing wrong with living like this. God gave us a “brain”, we are free to choose our actions. Unlike the animals driven by instinct, we humans “decide” how we will live our lives.

However . . . . There’s a problem. When our choices are formed by nothing other than “what I want” we can start to think that our choices have TOTAL freedom in directing our lives. And guess what happens? We get lost. There has to be a guiding point outside ourselves that organizes and focuses our actions.

Think of the ancient sailors out on the ocean. How does a wooden boat get from Spain to the New World when all you can see is water? They had to find a point outside the boat that would tell them where they were . . . the North Star.

So freedom is best exercised when it is done in “partnership” with the One who gave us the gift in the first place . . . God of course. What does this partnership look and feel like?

Surprisingly it’s called THE PRESENT MOMENT. God’s will is in the right here, right now of our life. God’s will is right in front of you, not where you’ll be 6 months from now. And oh, don’t we try to go under or skip over what is staring us right in the face?

We wait till “I’m ready” or “things are just right” or “it goes away.” I’ll do God’s will “when I get ‘over there’”. If something is good, and true, helpful, and prudent . . . why wait?

A good practice to get into is to look at what lies straight ahead. A few examples might help.

Common Sense gives God’s will:

 It’s late at night. You have a busy day tomorrow. God’s will? Go to bed.
 You’ve had two beers at the party. You’re driving. God’s will? No more beer.

 Feel a painful lump? God’s will? See a doctor.  Big test tomorrow. God’s will? Study!
 Mom’s birthday. God’s will? Call her!
 Feel like running away? God’s will? Face it.

Goodness shows God’s will:

Thinking of changing something important in your life? Unless it’s an instance of some kind of abuse, God’s will is more often to stay where you are. To persevere in one’s duty. To embrace the daily grind. Persevere in doing good.

 Sometimes God’s will is to change. But change to what? What school? Should I marry? Have a child? Change jobs? Here is where God has given us right rea- son. Is the choice good in most every way? What would you advise a friend to do with that same decision? What have trusted friends said to you? (God often uses other people to reveal His will.) Choosing Life is always God’s will.

And what are the signs that happen in us when we’ve done God’s will? St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Gala- tians. “But the Spirit (God’s will for us), produces, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, humility, and selfcontrol.” Gal. 5:22

Let’s be ready for God’s will here and now. How? Go straight ahead!

Dear friends in Christ,
Several of you have mentioned to me that I have been looking unwell lately: thin and weary. It turns out that you were right: late last month I was diagnosed with a serious liver cancer that has left me extremely tired and weak. It’s a rare cancer that is impervious to the familiar treatments of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Thank God there is an immunotherapy treatment to address my diagnosis, and I started those treatments earlier this month. I want you all to know how much you mean to me and that I hold you in my heart during this difficult period in my life. Please understand that I am not healthy enough for visits at this time, but if you wish… send me a card, and more importantly, remember me in your prayers. You know I remember you in mine!

Peace of Christ to you all!

Fr. Tim.

“My friend Fr. Peter Clifford, Pastor of St. John of Rochester (Fairport, NY), has written a clear and comprehensive article as to where the Diocese of Rochester and its parishes currently stand in the three year effort to end the bankruptcy process. He’s given me permission to send this along to you. I hope it answers some of your questions about where the legal maneuverings stand.

“September 12, 2021, I wrote a bulletin column with information on the Bankruptcy process. In August of 2019, New York State opened a two year window for victims to make claims which would otherwise have been blocked by the Statute of Limitations being expired. That resulted in some 470 or so claims being presented in those two years. In response to a growing list of claims against the diocese, its parishes and institutions (e.g. Catholic Charities) the diocese declared Bankruptcy. Three plus years of negotiations brought little progress. The Bankruptcy process which is part of Federal Law is intended to protect businesses from collapsing as a result of financial crisis. It is founded on the value that society benefits from such businesses or institutions and is well served by their continued operations. In filing Bankruptcy, our diocese has not and does not contend the tragic reality of sexual abuse which scarred the lives of so many over time.

Neither the diocese, its institutions or parishes could possibly have survived litigating those claims in separate court cases thus the necessity of Bankruptcy.

Recently, the diocese was able to make a significant step forward in announcing a proposed settlement with a committee representing the victims. This has been very long coming and at times seemed out of reach. The diocese, related institutions (Catholic Charities and others), and the parishes negotiated a proposed settlement amount ($55m) and the Victims Committee agreed! The diocese has presented a petition to the Federal Bankruptcy Court asking that this be accepted. The monies to be used to make this payment will come from unrestricted assets. The Diocese, our parish, all parishes, Catholic Charities and other diocesan institutions have over the 150+ years of the diocese accumulated funds from wills and normal operations.

In the case of the diocese its unrestricted assets were not sufficient to respond to the claims presented. Further specific claims were also made against individual parishes where it was claimed abuse happened. Bishop Matano early in this process hoped that the final settlement could be arrived at without the use of parish resources. As the number of claims grew and the atmosphere and circumstances within the negotiations between the diocese and the claimants developed that became more and more impossible.

A committee of Pastor’s representing the interests of the parishes has been meeting with legal representation since early in this process. They determined and the other pastors accepted that parishes would contribute to the settlement amount in order to provide one that is both acceptable to the victims and just in view of the grave damage caused over time.

An essential dimension of this settlement is a guarantee that the diocese, all parishes, and institutions will be protected from any future court litigation of these past claims. This is called a “Channeling Injunction”, that is all the claims against parishes and institutions are channeled into those against the diocese and all are protected from any litigation in the future. This could be thought of as purchasing an insurance policy to protect us from damages. The amount any single parish or institution will contribute would be far exceeded by the cost of going to court over a claim.

While these details are important; most important is our responsibility for justice. Harm was done. Harm was done to many individuals and its effects have rippled through many lives and families over time. As a church we have faced and admitted (far too late), but admitted our guilt and our responsibility. This proposed Settlement process is part of taking responsibility and offering tangible restitution for the damage done. We did not cause this damage and its effects through so many lives. Yet it is our responsibility to do all we can to prevent and protect those entrusted to our care. This proposed Settlement, if it succeeds, there are many steps before this is finalized, is an important and necessary step toward justice.”

I will be communicating Holy Trinity’s financial contribution to the settlement when the numbers are finally determined. Stay tuned. Don’t worry. We got this.

Fr. Tim

Risen from the dead? What does this mean? First of all it’s a fact. Facts create an environment in which we live. One plus one is two. That means two plus two is four and suddenly we have a world so predictable that we can send someone to the moon and back.

Now the Resurrection is not the kind of fact that you can prove with mathematical counting. It’s a fact that can only be known by believing in the testimony brought forward to witness to it. (We do this all the time . . . believe what someone tells us. E.g., the picture on your digital TV comes to you because of a series of 0’s and 1’s. Uh . . . okay. Or, Fr. John has a Grizzly bear paw print in his room . . . these are facts. Really!)

Now the testimony we have about the Resurrection comes to us from the Apostles. “We have seen the Lord! He is truly risen!!” I believe that what they say is true. It becomes for me a fact and I can base my life on it. I live now in a particular way.

But you might ask yourself, “How can I believe this miraculous happening to Jesus?” After all there are no guarantees. We can’t prove he is risen. We can’t see him walking around Webster! And besides . . . there’s so much trouble in the world, “if Jesus were alive wouldn’t he take all that away?” In other words, it’s hard to believe in a Christ who doesn’t live up to my expectations!

I think we all have moments when our faith feels weak and Christ is silent or far away. Like the apostles returning to their fishing boats, we slink back to our former lives where “Jesus Risen” seems like a fairy tale, bigger even than the Santa story.

Sooner or later you have to decide to trust the news about Jesus. Surrender your “expectations”. There comes a point when you gotta jump! Life is a matter of trusting the person you love. Remember the time you “jumped” . …. ?

• A young wedding couple can’t foresee all that life will bring to them but they trust that their love and respect for each other will see them through.
• Having a baby is a huge moment of trust for a husband and wife.
• Putting yourself in the hands of a doctor requires you to surrender to their medical skill.
• Flying to Boston puts you at the mercy of your pilot.
  Facing the end of life requires I surrender myself into the hands of God.

Sooner or later . . . you gotta trust somebody. Here’s some good reasons to trust in the Resurrection.

• The teachings of Christ the man are compellingly true. Who can argue with, ”It’s in giving that we receive”, etc.?
• Jesus proved his love by not turning back. He died as a final witness to how serious he was about “drinking his cup of suffering to the last drop.” You’ve got to take someone’s word pretty seriously when they willingly die for it.
• The Apostles were not men of great courage or brilliance by nature, yet each became masters at teaching Christ’s good news and like their master, they paid the last price for their faith (martyrdom).
• Tens of thousands (children included) have followed to this day to pay the ultimate price for their faith.
• The flowers of Christianity are all around . . . hospitals, universities, scientific method, sublime music, modern art, orphanages and outreach to the poor all got their start within a Christian culture.
• What else is there to entrust your life to? Kodak? Social Security? Your 401k? The Buffalo Bills?

Dear Friends

You have been given Faith (“A certain knowledge of what has yet to be revealed.” Heb. 11:1). Thank God for such a gift and let’s get to work bringing Him to the world that will not know Him without your kindness. Take heart. He is with you.

Easter blessings,

Fr. Tim

Typical Americans, we try to cram every possible self indulgence into one day’s time frame. We do this at Christmas, St. Paddy’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. Egging us on for these days of celebration are the greeting card, chocolate and beer companies.

The Church has a much better idea as to how to celebrate important events . . .

Take your time. Savor it. So Lent lasts for 40 days and in that time we fast and sacrifice. Okay. So now Easter is 10 days longer and we are encouraged to do wonderful things to remind us of the goodness of life as it comes in light of the Resurrection. Joyful things done in His honor. Actions done to show our appreciation of life as God has given it to us.

In that spirit may I suggest a few Easter Events you might consider for you and/or your family? (Remember, I am very corny so these may not be your cup of tea. My purpose is to get you to take seriously your own celebration of the Easter Season.)

This Easter Season why not say “thank you” to God by doing some fun, joyful activities like:

•  See that good movie you’ve been wanting to catch.
•  Take a long walk in the springtime.
•  Visit some special place on a day trip.
• Listen to a piece of beautiful music (listen like you were in church).
• Food. Make a special meal for you and loved ones.
•  Find a way to tell your co-workers what a wonderful Easter you had and how blessed you feel by God to be alive.
• Visit the graves of the one’s you’ve loved and lost. Ask them to pray for you. You pray for them.
•  Buy a goldfish. God made that.
•  Really sing out at Mass.
• Read a book where good triumphs over evil.
•  Do something with and for a child. Something fun, something silly.
•  Dedicate a day to speaking only positive words about others.
•  Spend 5 minutes looking out a window at a tree or a bush or people . . . thank God for making you with eyes that can see.
•  Dedicate a day to listening, really listening to people. Hear their joy, sadness, hope, frustration, excitement, disappointment. Take them into your heart.
•  Start your day with God. Throw the covers off in the morning but before your feet touch the floor tell God, “Lord I give this day to you. All that I say and all that I do, let it be for you.” Then put your foot on the floor to start the day.

Finally, we do all these things in joy and thanksgiving . . . because we are going to live with God forever in the Mystical Body of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Easter Joy,

Fr. Tim