On Palm Sunday weekend, March 24-25, when hundreds of thousands of young people marched and demonstrated throughout the United States and around the world for safe schools, Pope Francis addressed young people. Just a coincidence? I do not think so…Here are the words of Pope Francis: Jesus enters Jerusalem. The liturgy invites us to share…
Today we begin the celebration of the “Great 50 Days” of the Feast of the Resurrection. As we do so, we are mindful that we, who believe in the Resurrection of Jesus, must witness to this belief in and through the way we go about our daily lives. The priorities we set, the ways in…
In this celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, we hear words like “triumphant,” “King,” and “Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord.” Does this celebration of Palm Sunday have a triumphal edge to it? Are we honoring a king, as the world understands a king with all the trappings of…
What is on the horizon in terms of construction as we now are collecting funds from our “St. Thomas More: A Parish For All Seasons” Capital Campaign? Solar Panels in our parking lot and on the roof of the Parish Center. We have entered into a contract in which there is no cost to us.…
The Cross is the major symbol of Christians. It is on the foundation of the cross that our faith is built. The Cross and Jesus’ approach to it shows us the way in which we are to approach our crosses, whatever they may be. Jesus had a choice. He could either embrace his cross or…
In recent years, a name change has taken place with the “Sacrament of Confession.” We no longer call the act “Confession,” but rather “Reconciliation” and/or “Penance.” This name change better reflects what happens in this celebration. We do not go to the priest just to list our sins, have them forgiven, and receive a penance;…
Last week, in Florida, the 12th school shooting since January 1, 2018, took place in the United States! Seventeen lives were taken, a number were injured, and many will be scarred for life by this terrible incident. I share with you a Pastor’s Column that I wrote after the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2013:…
This week we will begin this year’s Diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA). “Love letters” from me will be in the mail in a few days. Please take time to read and reflect on this information. I pray that it will move you to support this Appeal. This year’s goal is $3.5 million. As we, the…
In the December 25, 2017, issue of America Magazine, the editor, Matt Malone, S.J., addressed the issue of the “great divide” that presently exists in our politics and in our faith life. He created ten principles and practices that are a necessity for all people, especially Catholics, in order to have a civil and fruitful…
A starving and pregnant tigress comes upon a flock of goats and pounces on them with such fervor that she brings about the birth of her little one, as well as her own death. The goats scatter, but soon come back to find the newborn tiger by the side of the dead mother. The goats…