The desert is a vast, dry and arid place of mystery and encountering God. It is not a place one wants to be withoutfood or water. Yet, this is where the devil brought Jesus to tempt and challenge him. But, true to himself and hisFather, Jesus maintained his dignity and resisted the tempter’s invitations.And so,…
We begin the Holy Season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. This season is a time the church gives us to look atour relationships with God and each other and to see what we need to strip away to make them better. The asheswe wear on Wednesday are not a social statement but a reminder that…
We are moving closer to Lent, which occurs in 10 days. In the meantime, it is always good for us to consider whether we have taken seriously the message of the Gospels in their call for conversion. We sometimes forget that the Lord’s call to conversion is an ongoing experience, and not just during Lent,…
Every so often, on a seemingly regular basis, the Pew Research Center does a survey of Americans on religion and its place in our lives. In a recent survey, the center conducted a survey of Americans who claim to be Christian. This survey doesn’t differentiate if one is Catholic, Presbyterian and so forth. It was…
Today begins CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK! The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds usthis week of the importance of Catholic Schools in the mission of the parish and the church. This year’s theme is:CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: LEARN, SERVE, LEAD, SUCCEED. Saint James the Apostle School, under theleadership of CAROLINE PONTERIO, PRINCIPAL, along with the faculty and…
“O GOD, WHO BY THE LEADING OF A STAR DIDST MANIFEST THY ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON TO THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH: LEAD US, WHO KNOW THEY NOW BY FAITH, TO THY PRESENCE, WHERE WE MAY BEHOLD THY GLORY FACE TO FACE.” A Christmas Sourcebook, p. 109 Today is the FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY! This day celebrates…
Today is HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY! This is the day we recognize the gift of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Theywere three unique persons and they formed a unique relationship, based on mutual love and respect.But, today is also about each of our families, and the parish family. Our families were also formed out of love andrespect…
As we begin this Third Week of Advent, it’s a good idea to look back and see what we have accomplished, orwhat we attempted to accomplish this Advent. While this is a season of hope, we are still involved in thepreparations for Christmas. There is no way we can get away from that. But, hopefully,…
”CONVERTERE DOMINE ALIQUANTUM, ET NE TARDES VENIRE AD SERVOS TUOS. TURN TOWARD US, LORD, IF ONLY FOR A MOMENT. HURRY TO YOUR SERVANTS.” An Advent Sourcebook, p. 50 John the Baptist always makes an appearance on the Second Sunday of Advent. He is the one calling for repentance before the presence of the Messiah. He…
John the Baptist always makes an appearance on the Second Sunday of Advent. He is the one calling forrepentance before the presence of the Messiah. He also reminds us that his ministry is limited, and will disappearafter Jesus arrives. In the meantime, he is the sign that God has sent to his people. Tomorrow, we…