Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Monday, August 27, 2018

Papal Intentions for September 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for: Young People in Africa

That young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 
and make him blessed upon the earth, 
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

John 6: Decisions, decisions. - Homily for August 26


Readings for Sunday, August 26 / 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time: Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18  |  Psalm 34  | Ephesians 5:21-32  |  John 6:60-69

This weekends' readings bring us to the conclusion of the Bread of Life discourse by Our Lord. The invitation is for us to make a decision, and the readings show us how.

Monday, July 30, 2018

John 6: The Starting Point - Homily for July 29


Readings for Sunday, July 29 / 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time: 2 Kings 4:42-44  |  Psalm 145  |  Ephesians 4:1-6  |  John 6:1-15

The longing of the human heart can be filled only by Christ. When we stop trying to fill it with other things, then we can finally begin the journey to the fulness of life we desire.

Papal Intention for August 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for: The Treasure of Families

That any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life,
and make him blessed upon the earth,
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Dealing with the Thorns - Homily for July 8


Readings for Sunday, July 8 / 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Ezekiel 2:2-5  |  Psalm 123  |  2 Corinthians 12:7-10  |  Mark 6:1-6

When 'Thy Will be done' and my own personal will are not the same, how do I respond? Today's readings help us to see the 'how not to respond' and a beautiful of example of 'how to respond' in the person of St. Paul. 

Monday, July 2, 2018

To Touch Him With Faith - Homily for July 1


Readings for Sunday, July 1 / 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24  |  Psalm 30  |    2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15  |  Mark 5:21-43

Faith in God can accomplish marvelous things. The Sacraments and sacramentals of the Church are invitations to us to express faith today and to experience those same miracles in our own life. Jesus, increase our faith!

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Papal Intention for July 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for Evangelization – Priests and their Pastoral Ministry:

That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life,
and make him blessed upon the earth,
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, June 25, 2018

Stirring Up Faith - Homily for June 24


Readings for Sunday, June 24 / Nativity of St. John the Baptist: Isaiah 49:1-6  |  Psalm 139  |  Acts 13:22-26  |  Luke 1:57-66, 80

The birth of John the Baptist brings his father Zechariah from doubt to faith. In his public ministry, John called the Israelites to repentance and deeper faith. He continues to do the same for us today. 

Monday, May 28, 2018

Papal Intentions for June 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for Social Networks:

That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 
and make him blessed upon the earth, 
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Easter: Really Listen (Homily for May 6)



Readings for Sunday, May 6 / 6th Sunday of Easter: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48  |  Psalm 98  |  1 John 4:7-10  |  John 15:9-17

Today we hear much about the of God and loving one another. These messages from the Scriptures can become so familiar to us that they lose their power. Today the Lord invites us to really listen to them, as if for the first time.

Monday, April 30, 2018

Easter: Pruning Needed (Homily for April 29)



Readings for Sunday, April 29 / 5th Sunday of Easter: Acts 9:26-31  |  Psalm 22  |  1 John 3:18-24  |  John 15:1-8

The Lord calls us to be people of integrity - to walk the walk and talk the talk, as they say. When we fail to do that is shows that there is some pruning that needs to happen in our heart. What joy it is to know that the Father is the vinedresser who knows exactly how to help us become fruitful.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Papal Intention for May 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for the mission of the laity:

That the lay faithful may fulfil their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 
and make him blessed upon the earth, 
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Papal Intentions for April 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for those who have responsibility in economic matters:


That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths. 

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 
and make him blessed upon the earth, 
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, March 19, 2018

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Lent: Exposure - Homily for March 11



Today we recall the 40 holy martyrs of Sebaste who were stripped naked and exposed to bitter cold until their death. Today the Lord invites us to expose our hearts and souls, no longer hiding behind our fear, guilt, shame, or pride, but conquering all for love of Jesus Christ.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Lent: God is Fierce and Merciful - Homily for March 4


Readings for Sunday, March 4 / 3rd Sunday of Lent (Year B):  Exodus 20:1-17  |  Psalm 19  |  1 Corinthians 1:22-25  |  John 2:13-25

Today the Lord shows us in the Scripture that He is not 'fierce or merciful' but both fierce AND merciful. Let us draw close to this fierce Heart of Christ and allow His passion for us to increase our passion for Him.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Papal Intentions for March 2018

This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for formation in spiritual discernment:

That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 
and make him blessed upon the earth, 
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Papal Intentions for February 2018


This month Pope Francis invites us to pray for protection from corruption:

That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption. 

While we're at it....

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, give him life, 
and make him blessed upon the earth, 
and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father... Hail Mary...

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Do We Respect Life? - Homily for January 21



Readings for Sunday, January 21 / 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time: Jonah 3:1-5, 10  |  Psalm 25  |  1 Corinthians 7:29-31  |  Mark 1:14-20

When Jonah received the call to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, he refused because 'they' weren't worthy of it. How easy it can be to draw lines between ourselves and others, or even subtly to rank a person or group of people as better or worse than others. In those places where we fail to value the life of every person before, the Lord calls to us: repent!

Sunday, January 14, 2018

What are you looking for? - Homily for January 14



Ottavio Vannini's painting of John the Baptist
telling Andrew 'Behold, the Lamb of God'

As we begin again the quiet journey with Jesus in the 'green' time of the liturgical year, we are called to learn the voice of the Lord and follow the Lord that we might be able to understand the cry of our hearts when Jesus speaks to us: 'What are you looking for?'