Ecclesiology
Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe2 Samuel 5:1-3Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 (see 1)Colossians 1:12-20Luke 23:35-43November 23, 2025 God has always led his people. The Israelites wanted a king like every other nation had (1 Samuel 8:1-9). God warned…
Read MoreFeast of the Dedication of the Lateran BasilicaEzekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 (5)1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17John 2:13-22November 9, 2025 On each day of the secular calendar there are memorials and feasts that are celebrated. Generally, when they fall…
Read MoreThe parishes I serve remain without a faith formation coordinator (we are seeking a part-time person if you know of someone who might be interested). So, I am spending a lot of my time now working to put together our…
Read More15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year CDeuteronomy 30:10-14Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 (9a)Colossians 1:15-20Luke 10:25-37July 13, 2025 Each Sunday we pray the Nicene Creed (at times some parishes exercise the option to use the Apostles’ Creed). We say the words…
Read MoreSaints Peter and Paul, ApostlesActs 12:1-11Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (5b)2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18Matthew 16:13-19June 29, 2025 Today begins the thirteenth week in Ordinary Time. Yet, it is not the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time that we celebrate today. Our…
Read More6th Sunday of Easter, Year CActs 15:1-2, 22-29Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (4)Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23John 14:23-29May 25, 2025 Jesus does many miracles. He teaches many things but Jesus does not act on his own. The word He speaks is not…
Read MoreThird Sunday of Easter, Year CActs of the Apostles 5:27-32, 40b-41Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13 (2a)Revelation 5:11-14John 21:1-19May 4, 2025 Jesus had been crucified and laid in the tomb. Jesus did not remain in the tomb. God has power…
Read MoreLast Saturday, November 9th, we celebrated the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Those who do not wholly understand our veneration of the saints might see this feast as the Catholic Church worshipping a building. Our…
Read MoreIn May, the Diocese of Buffalo announced plans to merge 1/3 of its parishes. As of this morning (6/18/24) a banner on its website says “Rightsizing and Reshaping.” In the business world “rightsizing” is a good thing. It is seen…
Read MoreHere is an article in PDF format that I recently composed (with proofreading and editorial assistance from some friends.). The topic is what is the purpose of a parish.
Read MoreWhy am I Catholic? Traditionally, the answer to the question why are you Catholic was, “Because my parents and grandparents are Catholic.” Being Catholic was part of our identity. One went to church for Christmas and Easter because that’s what…
Read MoreLast Saturday I read a news story (Sarah Maddox, “Why thousands of U.S. congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church.” September 9, 2023. CBSnews.com.). You may remember that in 2019, the United Methodist Church held a conference that discussed same-sex…
Read MoreLast night I offered the third (and final) presentation in my series, Being Church in Today’s World. The video and slides for Part III are now available on my website at https://renewaloffaith.org/beingchurch2022part3. If you watch the video in the next…
Read MoreLast night I presented Part II in my new series of presentations, Being Church in Today’s World. The video recording and slides are available at https://renewaloffaith.org/beingchurch2022part2 . If you watch the video in the next couple of days, you can complete an online evaluation…
Read MoreI recently read Mark Shea’s By What Authority? An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition Revised and Expanded Edition (San Francisco: Ignatius Press. 2013). Shea began his Christian life in the Evangelical Church. This book tells his story of moving from sola…
Read MoreLast night I began my new series of presentations, Being Church in Today’s World. The video recording and slides are available at https://renewaloffaith.org/beingchurch2022part1 . Here is a description of the series – “For centuries western civilization was rooted in Christianity.…
Read More6th Sunday of Easter, Year CActs 15:1-2, 22-29 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (4) Revelation 21:10-14a, 22-23John 14:23-29 May 22, 2022 Some of the people had been upset by teachings they heard. It has disturbed their peace of mind. This…
Read MoreI recently read a new book, Priests in Love with God and Eager to Witness to the Gospel by Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes (San Francisco: Ignatius Press. 2021). He wrote the book with seminarians in mind but also for reflection…
Read More26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year BNumbers 11:25-29Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14 (9a)James 5:1-6Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Jesus’ words today may seem shocking. “If you hand causes you to sin, cut it off…And if your foot causes you to sin,…
Read MoreRecently, I have been using Fr. James Mallon’s new book, Divine Renovation Beyond the Parish (Frederick, MD: The Word Among Us Press. 2020) for reflection both on change and leadership. Today, I offer my final article using this book. In…
Read MoreSince it was announced that I will be moving to a new assignment, I have written several articles related to change. The first one, “The Next Change”, started with the saying “change is inevitable.” For me, change almost seems a…
Read MoreFour weeks from today I will be moving to my new assignment at St. Mary’s of the Lake and St. Benedict’s. As I prepare to lead them, I continue to reflect on what it is that God calls us to.…
Read MoreIn my last article, “Hopes and Dreams”, I spoke of helping people and leading people to Jesus. In my past article, “What Sort of Church Should We Be?”, I spoke of serving the people. Today I would like to write…
Read MoreAs preparations continue for me to transition to St. Mary’s of the Lake and St. Benedict’s at the end of June, a couple of people from there have asked me about my “hopes and dreams” for the parish. It is…
Read MoreI would like to pose a question for reflection – “Do you belong to your parish or does your parish belong to you?” For the latter, what do you expect from your parish? Do you only go to your parish…
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