Pastoral Message

On Wednesday, February 14, a large number of people will come to church throughout our country and throughout the world. Some will be regular churchgoers and others will not. All will be coming because it is Ash Wednesday. They will receive blessed ashes on their forehead and hear the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Mk. 1:15) Although the ashes will be the most prominent feature of the service, the words are by far the most important thing. They

We are quickly coming up on Groundhog Day, February 2nd. Folklore has it that we can predict how much longer winter will last according to whether or not a groundhog sees its shadow when it comes out of its burrow. But you are not reading this message in order to learn folklore about weather prognostication. The reason I mention it at all is that, according to Wikipedia (source of all wisdom and knowledge!) the placement of Groundhog Day on February 2nd

“Does anybody really know what time it is”? While this rhetorical question is the title of an old song by Chicago, it becomes a real question today, considering today’s readings. Looking at a calendar, it’s the third Sunday in Ordinary time. But the readings given today for our consideration are some of the same that we’ll hear in Lent. “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” is straight out of Ash Wednesday. And that reading from 1st Corinthians is Advent-like urging

With the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany behind us, it’s time for us to dip into “Ordinary Time” until Lent begins on February 14. (I know—that’s also Valentine’s Day! I’ve been thinking how fun it would be to administer ashes in the form of a heart on Ash Wednesday this year.) In any case, this Sunday (January 14) we have a great Gospel passage in which Jesus gains some new followers. He sees a couple of them following him

Hey Y’all, It’s Epiphany! So let me pose a question and set up a scenario for your consideration. This question will separate the adventurous from the more risk-adverse amongst us. How much would you enjoy a road trip that has an unknown destination? Now take into consideration that you would be roughing it. You’ll either be camping out in the fullness of nature, or relying on the hospitality of the people you encounter to take you in. Thus, you’ll be meeting people

Dear Parishioners and Visitors, I have always been a believer in new beginnings. The beginning of Advent, the beginning of Lent, my birthday, the beginning of each season: all of these days call me to make resolutions about improving my relationship with the Lord, my relationships with others, and other facets of my personal life. Do I always keep these resolutions? Of course not. But to set a good goal and strive for that goal is still a good thing, for

Happy Fourth Sunday of Advent y’all! As the year of our Lord 2023 winds down, maybe you’ve already gotten a calendar for 2024. (I just got one as a gift. It has pictures of goats in trees on it. That’s why I’m thinking about calendars and trying to forget about goats in trees. Google it. I guess goats in trees is a thing?!?) Anyway, calendars represent time; in years, seasons, months, weeks and days. The same is true in our Roman Catholic

The Third Sunday of Advent has a Latin nickname: “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for this day in Latin, and it means “Rejoice!” The full text of the antiphon is “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:4-5) Joy is a special theme for this day. This is why we light the rose-colored candle of the Advent wreath on the Third Sunday of Advent; it’s a

Hey Y'all, I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to keep up with all the new series on Netflix, Hulu, Prime, and various channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz and assorted podcasts.  So when I have the time for some entertainment, I revert back to my happy places.  I end up watching, listening to, and rereading classics, TV reruns, and radio programs that originally aired before I was born.  I'm amazed just how fresh and new some old programs

This weekend we begin the season of Advent. It is a season rich in meaning, and filled with wonderful reminders of why we are here and what we celebrate at this festive time of the year. The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” Specifically, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into the world. There are three important ways that Jesus comes to us, and Advent calls us to celebrate all three. Clearly, we are preparing to commemorate