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It is Thursday morning of Holy Week. At 7 p.m. this evening, we will celebrate the Mass of Lord’s Supper where Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples, washed their feet and gave us the gift of the Eucharist. I’ll…
Read MoreToday’s readings (3/27/13), contrast two “people”. In the reading from Isaiah we hear of the Suffering Servant. Ultimately this prophecy finds fulfillment in Jesus but we can all fulfill in some way as Christian disciples seeking to God’s Will. In…
Read MorePalm Sunday, Year C Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 March 24, 2013 Today we begin no ordinary week. This week celebrates Jesus’ final days on Earth and so today we begin with his journey into Jerusalem. He…
Read MoreShadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and King Nebuchadnezzar – I think I will remember these names forever. They appear in today’s first reading. I think back to 1999, shortly after I returned to church after many years of not going. I had the opportunity…
Read More5th Sunday in Lent, Year C Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11 March 17, 2013 As Jesus continues his ministry to teach the people, once again the scribes and the Pharisees come to test Jesus. They come bringing the woman…
Read MoreOver the past few weeks, I have spoken in homilies and during the announcements about the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) and opportunities for people to confess their sins. With some assistance from our parish Evangelization Team, I created two videos and…
Read MoreToday we have a new Pope, Francis I. It is Cardinal Bergoglio from Argentine. You can read more about him at http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1301150.htm. As he begins his papacy, I will be praying for him as our Pope and invite all of…
Read More4th Sunday in Lent, Year C Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 March 10, 2013 The first reading speaks of the entrance of the Israelites into the Promised Land. This marks a new beginning for them. Once,…
Read MoreRecently, the question of who can be a godparent has come to me. Many see it is as an honor to be chosen to be a godparent. It is an honor but it also comes with responsibility. To see it…
Read MoreHomily for Holy Hour Using Readings for 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Exodus 17:3-7 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 John 4:5-42 March 2, 2013 These readings that we are using for our Holy Hour tonight are taking from the Third…
Read More3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 Luke 13:1-9 March 3, 2013 “Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices”. We don’t know any…
Read MoreAs Catholics we should be familiar with the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Less known, there is also Spiritual Direction. The two can have a lot of overlap. The Sacrament of Reconciliation focuses on our sins but can include some conversation that…
Read MoreI write at 2:43 p.m. local time or 8:43 p.m. in Rome (on February 28th). That means Pope Benedict XVI resignation went into effect 43 minutes ago. It was not a simple decision for him to retire, especially since there…
Read More2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C Genesis 15:5-12, 17-19 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28b-38 February 24, 2013 The Lord leads Abraham (Abram) outside to look at the stars but it is not a simple night to gaze at the stars. It…
Read MoreHere is a link to some resources from the USCCB on the process as Pope Benedict XVI resigns and a new pope is elected. http://usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/pope-benedict-xvi/papal-transition-2013-graphics-downloads.cfm Peace, Fr. Jeff
Read MoreMany of you may have seen my presentation recorded in January on the story of my faith journey. One small part in that presentation was a mention of the first time I went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation after my…
Read More1st Sunday in Lent, Year C Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 February 17, 2013 On Wednesday, we marked the beginning of our Lenten journey for this year with the reception of ashes. Lent is a time that’s purpose is…
Read MoreToday I attended a workshop on Young Adult Ministry called “Building Bridges to Young Adults” by Joan Weber of the Center for Ministry Development. The goal of this workshop was to help the participants like myself find ways to serve our…
Read MoreThe headlines were glaring, “The Pope is Resigning.” I have to admit that when I say the headline yesterday morning I was shocked. I thought ‘what’s wrong?’ It turns out that nothing is wrong. Pope Benedict XVI is 85 years…
Read MoreIt’s almost here. Lent begins with our celebration of Ash Wednesday on February 13th this year and will go to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (March 28th). When you hear the word “Lent” what do you…
Read More4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Luke 4:21-30 February 3, 2013 Our reading today from Paul is probably the most often picked second reading for weddings. Sometimes, I think couples just pick it…
Read MoreIt has now been a little over seven months since I became the Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. It has been a busy seven months. As I have written before we have a lot going on, ranging from our church…
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