Feast of St. Bridget; “A Woman to Be Reckoned with”

St. Bridget is one of the patron saints of all Europe along with Catherine of Sienna and Edith Stein. We might have heard of the other two women, but many of us have not heard of St. Bridget (1303-1373).

She founded an order of sisters called the Brigittines. The only time I have ever met any of these sisters was at a house of hospitality…

Feast of St. Mary Magdalene (John 20:1ff.) “An Intimate Friend of Jesus”

Mary Magdalene got a lot of press a few years ago when the movie called “The Da Vinci Code” was in the theaters. If you don’t remember, this movie speculated that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, and they had children. The movie revolved around trying to find historical proof that this was true.

The book…

Sixteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Exodus 16:1 ff) “The Bread of Life”

“Like manna from heaven". When we hear that expression, it alludes to the idea that the person using it has received unexpected help in a dire situation. We could use an example of receiving a surprise monetary gift in the mail when the rent is due and there is no money to pay it. Usually the person who receives the…

Sixteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Exodus 14:21-15:1) “How Did They Do That?”

When I read the first lesson for today’s Mass, I remember the movie the Ten Commandments that was directed by Cecil B. DeMille in 1956. One of the most complicated movie scenes ever shot was the parting of the Red Sea. There were really four layers to the scene that were blended to create the illusion that the…

Dear Parishioners,

    We are at the midway point of  summer, so we need to think about the fall.  One of the programs that begin in the fall is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.  Do you know someone who does not have a church who would like to be a Catholic?  Is there someone you know who is an adult Catholic who has not been confirmed? If you know of someone who falls into these…

Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

            Most of us consider summer a wonderful time of the year. Many of us plan our summers around vacation. A vacation means travel. Or it might involve sitting in a cabin in the woods somewhere. Many would say that vacation is an essential part of life.

            Much has been made of the fact that Pope Francis doesn’t seem to take much…

Fifteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12) “Get Fired Up”

“Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes – The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”   Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I heard this poem quoted years ago by a priest in a homily. He was speaking to a group of priests trying to exhort them to…

Fifteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Ex. 2:1-15) “God Called a Murderer”

Moses is said to be the first prophet of ancient Israel. This also makes him the first to be considered a minister to the people of God. As his story unfolds, we come to see that he has the same struggles ministers have had throughout the centuries.

One problem that a minister must face is a sense of unworthiness.…

Dear Parishioners,

    I would like to announce that we have added a new receptionist to our staff.  We have hired Melissa Hoffman.  She will be starting in our office this week.  Melissa and her family are members of our parish.  She will be working about 20 hours a week and will be answering the door and phone calls.  She will also be helping with pastoral care and the welcome committee.…

Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Ephesians 1: 3-14)

          No one gets anything for nothing. We have all heard that at some point in our life. Usually, we hear it from an authority figure who wants to motivate us to be the best we can be. We can get a sense that this is the way it is with our salvation. In other words, our moral lives determine whether we will be with…