Come Home for Christmas! We hear much about “coming home” for the holidays. My Christmas greetings and prayers for you and yours are contained in these words from Fr. Henri Nouwen: Coming Home There are two realities to which you must cling. First, God has promised that you will receive the love you have been…
A Prayer to Combat the Coronavirus Pandemic Most merciful and Triune God, We come to you in our weakness. We come to you in our fear. We come to you with trust. For you alone are our hope. We place before you the disease present in our world. We turn to you in…
The Holiday Season Recently, a friend of mine went to the Post Office to buy stamps. He said, “I would like some religious Christmas stamps.” The clerk queried, “Oh, do you want Hanukkah or Kwanzaa stamps?” A bit dumb-founded, my friend asked again, “I want religious Christmas stamps!” The clerk then responded, “Oh, so you…
Advent Awakening Advent is a time for rousing. Human beings are shaken to the very depths, so that they may wake up to the truth of themselves. The primary condition for a fruitful and rewarding Advent is a renunciation, a surrender… a shattering awakening; that is the necessary preliminary. Life only begins when the whole…
What Kind of King Is He? We gather together this weekend to celebrate the Eucharist on the Feast of Christ the King. Jesus is our King. We are his servants. But what kind of King is he? The answer to that question will determine what kind of servants we are called to be. As we…
Perseverance in a Time of a Pandemic I wrote this Pastor’s Column several years ago. It is worth reflecting upon again, especially in these days of the pandemic. One of the strengths we need more than ever is perseverance. We are still walking through these days with no end yet really in sight. We walk…
My Dear Friends, Due to the updated County COVID-19 Directives issued in the last day or two, STM is on the move again! Beginning this weekend, all Masses (Weekend, Daily, Funerals, Weddings, and Baptisms) with more than 10 people will be outside on the plaza. Masks will be needed; spatial distancing will be required; temperatures…
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I share with you St. Padre Pio’s Prayer after Holy Communion. Here is one more Prayer/Reflection that will help us move through these difficult days. Hang on to Jesus! Hang on to STM, your Faith Family! Stay with Me Lord! Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to…
Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us in Death Tomorrow, Monday, November 2, we celebrate the Feast of All Souls. During the month of November, we remember, in a special way, all who have gone before us in death. The experience of the death of a loved one is always a “reality check” for us.…
Come Follow Me! As Jesus began his ministry, he soon discovered that there were people attracted to him and to his message: “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is in your midst!” These men and women who became his Disciples and some his Apostles began asking many questions of Jesus. They were eager to learn more…