Pastor’s Column
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The Holiday Season
Read more: The Holiday SeasonRecently, 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 want Christian Christmas…
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The Sacrament of Reconciliation–God’s Unconditional Love for Us!
Read more: The Sacrament of Reconciliation–God’s Unconditional Love for Us!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;…
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Advent — Search for Light
Read more: Advent — Search for LightFirst Sunday of Advent The Church celebrates the feast of the Birth of John the Baptist in June, around the time of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. From John’s feast onward, days become shorter and light decreases. Now, during Advent, we approach the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year,…
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What Kind of King is He?
Read more: What Kind of King is He?Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 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.…
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Christian Stewardship — St. Thomas More: A Parish For All Seasons
Read more: Christian Stewardship — St. Thomas More: A Parish For All SeasonsWe continue our journey through the month of November as we reflect upon Christian Stewardship, and reflect upon our Faith Community as a Parish for all seasons. Christian Stewardship is a way of living, living as Disciples of the Lord Jesus, and as a people who care and tend for each other. Last weekend, at…
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Christian Stewardship — St. Thomas More is A Parish For All Seasons
Read more: Christian Stewardship — St. Thomas More is A Parish For All SeasonsWe continue our journey through the month of November as we reflect upon Christian Stewardship, and reflect upon our Faith Community as a Parish for all seasons. Christian Stewardship is a way of living, living as Disciples of the Lord Jesus. Thus Christian Stewardship is, simply put: Discipleship being faithful to Jesus and to one…
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All Hallows Eve — Halloween
Read more: All Hallows Eve — HalloweenThis Tuesday, October 31, we celebrate Halloween. On Wednesday, November 1, we celebrate All Saints Day. On Thursday, November 2, we celebrate All Souls Day. A little bit of history and background will help us to better understand and celebrate these days: “Halloween is celebrated annually. But just how and when did this peculiar custom…
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Perseverance
Read more: PerseveranceIf you are interested in the works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest and a paleontologist who died in the 1950s, I would encourage you to read his book, Letters from a Traveller. It is a compilation of his correspondence to a variety of people. The book is out of print, but copies…
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The Charism of Permanence
Read more: The Charism of PermanenceFrom time to time I have the privilege of presiding over 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations. Each one is always a special moment for me, and I know it is for the family who celebrates. These celebrations remind us that permanent commitments are possible. And not only are they possible, they are incredibly needed today. Maybe…
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Faith is… (Part 6)
Read more: Faith is… (Part 6)About eight months ago, I asked Parishioners to share with me what faith meant to them. I received many responses. For the next few weeks, I will share with you what they shared with me. — Fr. Mike “To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold…