Social Justice

This past weekend was the first weekend since I came to St. Michael’s that I haven’t preached.  Instead, we welcomed Deacon Peter Dohr who serves as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities Wayne County.  He spoke to us about the important…

I just read an article (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/05/20803178-painless-death-or-precipitous-cliff-transsexual-chooses-euthanasia-after-failed-operation?lite) on the NBC News website about a “man” who choose to be euthanized because of “unbearable psychological suffering.”  “He” was born a woman and choose to have a sex change operation but the operation…

Life is a precious gift. I pray everyday that “all who public office respect the dignity of all life from womb to tomb.”  An individual’s life begins at conception.  In earthly terms, a unique individual is created with a particular…

As they question the surviving suspect in the Boston bombings from last week, there is talk in the media about giving him the death penalty if convicted.  What do you think? For me the answer is simple, no! If you…

Around Christmas Time I had a person ask me if I supported social justice.  I said yes to which she responded that the previous pastor did too but she doesn’t.  I don’t remember exactly what her next comment was and…

If you watch the news at all, you are well aware that it is a presidential election year.  There will also be various other elections depending on where you live.  The issues remain the same ranging from abortion and euthanasia…

In Western New York where I live we have been having one of the mildest winters ever.  The temperatures have been warmer than normal and the snowfall is much less than normal.  Many people have been talking how wonderful it…

Each year our Diocesan Public Policy Committee selects three issues to promote awareness of.  This year’s issues are Sex Trafficking – Even in our own country, people are exploited and treated as objects of pleasure.  Our faith is clear that…

October is Respect Life Month for the Catholic Church in America.  Life is an awesome gift from God.  Pope John Paul II wrote the Gospel of Life recognizing the gift.  Life is indeed a gift.  Life is more than just…

I was just praying over the readings for Monday, October 3, 2011 (Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time).  The gospel is the familiar story of the Good Samaritan.  A man had been robbed and beaten and left along…

I recently finished reading Render Unto Caesar by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput (Doubleday: New York, 2008.)  The subtitle “Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life” really speaks to his point, ‘we must stand up for what…

“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied.”  These are words spoken by Jesus as he began his Sermon on the Mount.  They are words we heard this Sunday in church.  Righteousness is to…