“From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, ind
Homilies and messages from the Pastor
The month of November is traditionally a time when we as Catholics remember and pray for the faithful departed. It therefore provides a good opportunity for us to reflect on the mystery of death and how and why we pray for those who have died.
Halloween fast approaches, the holiday loved by children who have a sweet tooth and despised by adults who consider it a celebration of paganism, but is that really the case? Is Halloween an exercise in pagan idolatry, or is there something more to it? A
“What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anythi
“Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready
THE YEAR OF PRAYER CONCLUSION
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age” (Matth
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 29: SULPICIAN MEDITATION
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 28: TRADITIONAL LECTIO DIVINA
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 27: SPIRITUAL READING
“Then children were brought to Jesus that he might lay hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’” (Matthew 1314).
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 25: PARISH ALIVE
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 24: RETREATS
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 23: THE LORD’S PRAYER (conclusion)
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 22: THE LORD’S PRAYER (cont.)
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 21: THE LORD’S PRAYER (cont.)
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 20: THE LORD’S PRAYER (CONT.) “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9).
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 19: THE LORD’S PRAYER “Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples’” (Luke 11:1).
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 18: HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 17: THE HOLY HOUR
The purpose of all prayer is ultimately greater communion with God. God has given us no greater way to do this than through the gift of the Body and Blood of his Son in the Eucharist.
“When the disciples had gathered together, they asked Jesus, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He answered them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authorit
“I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life. For every man, moreover, to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of all his labor is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:12 13)
“Then the angel said to Mary, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord wil
“Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 19:2627).
“Encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given you...Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death...Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he we
“At daybreak on the first day of the week the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling ove
“With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones” (Ephesians 6:18). The term “chaplet” refers to a string of beads used to keep track
“All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:14).
“Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her” (Isaiah 66:10).
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 10
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 9: ST. PATRICK
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 8: THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
“On the twenty-fourth day of this month, the Israelites gathered together fasting and in sackcloth, their heads covered with dust. Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all who were of foreign extraction, then stood forward and confessed
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 7: THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 6: THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS (cont.)
“So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified him” (John 19:1618).
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 4: THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
YEAR OF PRAYER PART 3: INTERCESSION
“I came that you may have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
“Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savi
“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’
“For I, the Lord, am your God; and you shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44).
“Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea...
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 2: DEVOTIONAL VS. LITURGICAL PRAYER
3rd Sunday of Advent
2nd Sunday of Advent
THE YEAR OF PRAYER PART 1: WHAT IS PRAYER?
1st Sunday of Advent
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him...Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my father.
The kingship of Christ is one of servant leadership in which he does not compel us to obey him by wielding power over us but inspires us to follow him by giving his life in our service.
Our prayers of thanksgiving also help us to develop a thankful attitude.
November 11, the anniversary of the ending of World War I
THE BEATITUDES: PORTRAIT OF THE MASTER PART 7: BLESSED ARE THE CLEAN OF HEART
THE BEATITUDES: PORTRAIT OF THE MASTER PART 6: BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY WILL BE SHOWN MERCY
When we live in a saving relationship with Christ, we live in righteousness with God.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted
Meekness in the Bible does not mean weakness or mouseyness. It refers to the spirit of those who, when facing a sit uation over which they have no control, do not grumble or complain or lash out in frustration but patiently and faithfully carry on, plac
Adopting a spirit of poverty requires us to examine our hearts to see where our hopes for happiness are found.
All people, not just the best - known saints and martyrs, are called to holiness , and the Holy Father offers advice on how to answer that call, whatever our state in life.
Just as the new rabbits emerge from their burrows, so Christ emerged from the tomb, and just as the rabbits symbolize life, Christ rose from the dead that we “might have life and have it more abundantly.
Like the emergence of baby chicks from the egg, Christ‟s emergence from the tomb and the emergence of the baptized from the baptismal font bring new life.
The Passover, or Paschal, lamb became a symbol of God‟s saving power, bringing freedom and life out of death.
Our Pastoral Plan’s first anniversary, provides a good opportunity to take a step back and examine our efforts to see the progress that we have made toward our priorities in the service of our parish mission.
When we forgive one who has harmed us, we pass over the offense and reach out to the offender in order to renew the relationship that has been harmed.
The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation has its roots in Christ’s entrusting the power to forgive sins, and thus also the power to determine how best to do so, to the Church through the ministry of the apostles.
Jesus entrusted his own power to forgive sins to the Church through the ministry of the Apostles.
Our understanding of sin includes several different but related concepts: sin as a power, sin as a choice, and sin as a state of being.
In order to appreciate how liberating going to confession can b e, we first need to understand that from which it liberates us. We need to understand sin.
Our adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass flows from and leads to more fruitful celebration of the Eucharist within Mass, deepening our participation in the paschal mystery of his saving death and resurre ction .
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU WORSHIP OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST, PART 2
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU WORSHIP OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST, PART 1
The story of St. Boniface and the Christmas tree
“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
How did the magi know that the star signified the Jewish king’s birth, and how did they even notice the star in the first place?
Theological virtues are gifts from God, seeds of his divine life planted in our hearts and minds to elevate our moral attitudes and enable us to live as God’s children.
Each Advent season, we respond to the call to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord in anticipation of his glorious coming at the end of time and the final judgment of this world and in grateful celebration of his humble coming 2000 years ago as an i
We often experience God’s love and mercy most powerfully through the loving prayers and support of our brothers and sisters in the faith,
Our soul appears before God, who reveals to us the person we have become by the choices we have made in life
Because Christ has conquered death, we “who are joined to him in a death like his will also share in his resurrection” (Romans 6:5).
we as Christians understand death as the separation of our mortal bodies and immortal souls at the moment that the vital biological functions of our bodies cease, a breakdown resulting from original sin in contradiction to God’s plan for creation.
The Catholic practice of praying for the dead has a long history that predates Christianity, as seen in the passage from 2 Maccabees above. Christ’s saving life, death, and resurrection transforms our understanding of death, and so also the practice of
One of the great beauties of the Christian community is that everyone is invited. Young or old, rich or poor, black or white, Christ invites everyone to become members of his Body, the Church.
The Church faithfully carries out Christ’s mission to the seriously ill today by celebrating the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, but this is not the only way that we do that.
Annointing of the sick part 2.
The sacrament of the anointing of the sick has a long history that predates Christianity itself. Ancient peoples believed that oils from plants, especially olive oil, had medicinal power, and so sick persons would be anointed with oil or even consume it.
Each year, the Church designates October as Respect Life Month.
“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:1-2).
We should participate in the RCIA because of the grace that we receive from doing so. Certainly those who are joined to Christ through the process receive the saving grace of faith and the sacraments, but the grace of the process overflows too to the enti
RCIA calls all of us to do our part to carry out our parish’s mission by actively participating in different ways in the RCIA.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA - the discernment of God’s Spirit, calling people to the saving water of baptism.
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” (Tertullian).
The root of any Christian community’s purpose is living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
RCIA is a “Rite,” or ritual. To be more exact, it is in fact a series of rituals, some of which are repeated many times, others which are celebrated only once, all culminating in the celebration of the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation,
This past week, the Church celebrated the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, and it reminded me of tuning a piano.
Burying the dead has long been a noble act and serious obligation in our faith tradition.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Like any living organism, we instinctively desire to continue living, and like the survival shows remind us, we will go to almost any length to ensure that.
Jesus had a special concern for the sick, so much so that he cured the sick more often than any other action in his ministry except preaching.
The key to renewing reverence for the sacred, then, lies in renewing faith in God, in his transcendence, and in his accessibility - in other words, evangelization.
We respect, or honor through special words and gestures, those things that we consider worthy of such attention.
We call the special kind of respect that we show to sacred people, like God, and sacred things, like sacraments, “reverence.”
Progress in Christian discipleship, as discussed by Paul in his letter to the Philippians, always has as its goal what he calls “perfect maturity,” fully growing into the image of Christ and conforming our lives completely to his so that we can share
Sacraments are outward signs of God’s grace. As such, they need to be seen and sensed in order to have their effect.
In the Mass, we raise our hearts and minds to God, but we are more than our hearts and minds.
We conclude our reflection on the language of the Mass this week and finally answer the question that started it all, “How many people know when St. Boniface had our first Mass in English from the Latin Mass?”
Continuing our series on the Mass.
The Mass, like all prayer, is a conversation, an exchange of words and ultimately persons between ourselves and God in which he communicates himself to us and we respond by communicating ourselves to him.
From the earliest days of the Church, Christians celebrated the Eucharist together, though they called it the “breaking of the bread,” as we see in this passage from the Acts of the Apostles.
The Sunday Masses of the Easter season have long held a special place in the Church’s calendar. They focus on the risen Christ and his appearances to his disciples, preparing them for their mission by deepening their understanding of the mystery of his
This Easter weekend, we celebrate again the hope of Christ’s Resurrection.
On Passion Sunday, or more commonly “Palm Sunday,” we commemorate the Lord’s triumphant entrance into his own city, Jerusalem, and the beginning of the climax of his saving work, his suffering (or “passion”), death, and resurrection, which we ce
One of the great beauties of the Christian community is that everyone is invited. Young or old, rich or poor, black or white, Christ invites everyone to become members of his Body, the Church.
Reflect on what steps you can take to make the last three weeks of Lent better than the first three, and may God bless all our efforts this Lent and beyond to become more faithful disciples of our Lord.
The word “alms” ultimately derives, by way of Old English, from the ancient Greek word eleos, meaning “pity, mercy, compassion.”
The spiritual practice of fasting predates Christianity, with many examples found in the Old Testament and in other ancient religions.
Rooted in the teachings of Christ, three spiritual practices, or “marks,” have traditionally marked the season of Lent: prayer, fasting, and alms giving. I would like to discuss each of these in turn over the next few weeks as we begin our Lenten jour
Fasting and penance have been a vital part of our faith from the very beginning, as seen in Jesus’ own forty day fast.
We are all members of the Body of Christ, the Church, sharing the same baptism, the same Spirit, and the same Lord.
With the laying on of hands, an ancient gesture of imparting the Holy Spirit that is still central to the rite of confirmation today, a Christian’s initiation into the Church, and into the life of grace that brings, was complete.
Our dependence on God frees us from the futility of relying on our own efforts to achieve our own ends.
As sources of light, candles have long symbolized the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ great prayer for unity at the Last Supper draws out for us the connection between salvation and unity.
God has a special place in his heart for migrants, especially considering that Jesus himself was once an alien, a refugee who fled to Egypt to escape the murderous wrath of King Herod.
The story of the magi and their visit to the infant Jesus forms an essential part of our celebration of Christmas.
The story of the magi and their visit to the infant Jesus forms an essential part of our celebration of Christmas.
Father Time, wizened by the experiences of the past year - some good, some bad – hands off the human race to Baby New Year, whose future is full of uncertainty but also hope. In this classic changing of the guard, we are given another opportunity to ref
While we cannot speed up the arrival of our annual celebration of Christ’s coming into the world – December 25th is still a week away, regardless of what we do - if we want Christ to come and make his dwelling with us today, we need to prepare the way
“Lord God, your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Savior who enlightens our hearts and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin. Pour forth your blessings upon us as we light the candles of this wreath; may their light reflect the splendor of Ch
Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.
“I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the Gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you w
A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before Holy Communion from any food and drink, except for only water and medicine…The elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them can receive the Most Holy Eucha
Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Make the choice that Jesus makes. Choose to love.
A society that values life and the unique dignity of every human person will produce a culture that supports life in its fullness.
Let us pray for our divided country during this heated election season that a shared respect for one another, and for the sanctity of church property, may prevail over our many differences.
“They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction” (Hosea 8:4).
If you want to know what we believe as Catholics about God, Jesus, the Church, and our own life, then get to know Catholic prayer.
If you wish, you can be taught; if you apply yourself, you will be shrewd. If you are willing to listen, you will learn; if you give heed, you will be wise . . . Reflect on the precepts of the Lord, let his commandments be your constant meditation; then h
This Labor Day, as we reflect on the meaning and dignity of human labor, may we recommit our work, whatever it might be, to the service of God’s Kingdom by dedicating our work, and ourselves, to the loving service of God and our neighbor.
God’s love and mercy for us is unfathomable; no matter how far we stray from God, he leaves the ninety-nine obedient sheep in the wasteland and comes running after us, wanting nothing more than to bring us home.
The summer Olympics conclude this weekend, and, in spite of some problems, including long lines, misdirected traffic, and green swimming pools, the games have offered all of the top-notch competition and thrilling finishes that fans of this quadrennial ev
The service of our emergency responders does more than just protect our person and property. For those of faith, we can see in their example an image of the ultimate watchman, whose voice cries out to save us from the darkness of sin and whose self-sacrif
When we take part in healthy recreational activities, we reshape and recharge our tired minds and bodies, worn out from work and study and the hectic busy-ness of our daily lives.
May we as Christ’s disciples get out there and familiarize the world with a different story, one they have forgotten or maybe never really heard, the story of Jesus, the story of peace.
“To the kindly and beloved master in Christ, Bishop Lull, Milret, a servant of those who serve God."
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
How can i best use my gifts of talent, time, and treasure to serve the mission of our parish?
The work of both St. Paul and St. Boniface show us the importance of adapting our own approach to the work of the Gospel. Change is a fundamental and ongoing reality of evangelization; the only question is, how do we direct this change?
To Boniface, honoured and beloved leader, Daniel, servant of the people of God.
A parish is the presence of Christ and the church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God’s Word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration.
To his brother and fellow-bishop, Cuthbert, raised to the dignity of the arch-episcopate, and united to him by the bond of spiritual kinship, Boniface, Legate for Germany and the Catholic and Apostolic Church of Rome, sends greetings of intimate love in C
Christians have the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excluding anyone
Bishop Gregory, servant of the servants of God, to all the very reverend and holy brethren, fellow bishops, religious priests and deacons, dukes, provosts, counts and all Christian men who fear God.
Christ’s command to “make disciples of all nations” is the mission of the Church.
Moved by the witness of missionaries who visited his family, Boniface burned with religious zeal from an early age. Forsaking his family’s wealth and position, he entered the monastery.