Bulletin Q&A Article; Published 1-14-24: What does “the communion of the saints” in the Apostles’ Creed really mean? We often recite our prayers without actually thinking about the words we are saying. But if we recite the Apostles’ Creed from memory, it is still important to understand what it is we say we believe. And… Continue reading Communion of the Saints
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Baptism of the Lord
Homily, 1-8-24; Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Merry Christmas! This is the last time I will be able to say this for awhile. Many have already taken down their Christmas trees and decorations. Some held off putting away their nativity sets until a few days ago, on January 6th, the traditional day for… Continue reading Baptism of the Lord
Six Altar Candles
Bulletin Q&A Article; Published 1-7-24: Why are there 6 candles at a TLM high Mass? Is there something significant about that number? Fr. Hurley loaned me a booklet, Candles in the Roman Rite, that gives a little history of the use of candles in the Church. In the early years, candles were used purely for… Continue reading Six Altar Candles
Perfect Humanity
Homily, 1-1-24; Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God: Our gospel just concluded with these words: “When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” When I was a boy, we celebrated the Feast of the… Continue reading Perfect Humanity
Different Genealogies
Bulletin Q&A Article; Published 12-31-23: The gospel passage for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary (September 8) was the reading of Jesus’ heritage. Noah’s family, as the story goes, was the only survivor on earth after the flood. Yet Noah was not in the lineage read. Do I have this wrong?… Continue reading Different Genealogies
What Child is This?
Bulletin Q&A Article; Published 12-24-23: What child is this? He is no ordinary child. This, this is Christ the King! One of our grandchildren asked us to name our favorite Christmas carol. It was a tough question, but ultimately I decided upon What Child is This?. I like the melody, the traditional English tune, Greensleeves.… Continue reading What Child is This?
Justice Shall Flourish in His Time
Homily, 12-18-23: Monday of the 3rd Week in Advent: Our psalm response today was: “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.” But what is His time? We heard in the psalm itself: “For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one… Continue reading Justice Shall Flourish in His Time
Congo Update
Bulletin Q&A Article; Published 12-17-23: How are things going with Fr. Jean and the clinic in the Congo? This question didn’t actually show up in the question box, but many people have stopped me and asked for an update on the work of the Friends of the Congo, Inc.. For those who do not know… Continue reading Congo Update
Faith or Convenience
Homily, 12-11-23; Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent Every so often, someone will approach me after Mass and inform me that they were unable to attend Mass recently. They always want to know if it was a sin and if they needed to go to confession. For some reason they seem more comfortable coming… Continue reading Faith or Convenience
Are the Labor Pains Beginning?
Homily, 12-10-23; Sunday of the 2nd Week in Advent, Cycle B: St. Peter, our first pope, tells us in our second reading today that we are to conduct ourselves in holiness and devotion, to be eager to be found without spot or blemish before God, at peace. Holy, devote, obedient, at peace. This is really… Continue reading Are the Labor Pains Beginning?