Third Sunday of Lent--Fasting and Abstinence

Posted by St. Joseph

This week, as Lent progresses, I want to write about fasting and abstinence as part of our Catholic tradition.  You already know that abstinence is required of all Catholics from the age of 14 until you die.  Fasting is also expected on only 2 days of the Lenten season:  ... Read More »

Second Sunday of Lent--Penance

Posted by St. Joseph

The idea of penance as part of our spiritual practice has been with us from the first days upon Christ’s Ascension.  The Church has always proposed acts of penance as a means of uniting ourselves to the suffering of Christ on the Cross and His walk on the Way ... Read More »

First Sunday of Lent--Temptation

Posted by St. Joseph

The 1st Sunday of Lent always deals with the temptations of Jesus.  It is a teachable moment for us as to handling a temptation or vice that either comes upon us regularly, is part of a habit, or is difficult to resist.

First, it is important to realize that ... Read More »

Lent Is Upon Us

Posted by St. Joseph

Lent is here at the latest it can.  So, Easter isn’t until late April.  But, whenever Lent comes upon us, we want to be in the mood to ready our hearts through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  The great thing about Lent is that everyone of every age can “do” ... Read More »

World Day of Prayer for the Sick

Posted by St. Joseph

This Monday, in addition to it being my 59th birthday, and more importantly the celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes, is the World Day of Prayer for the Sick.  It never ceases to amaze me, even with 25 years of priesthood behind me, the depth and generosity of God.  ... Read More »

Presentation of the Lord

Posted by St. Joseph

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple by Mary and Joseph was the way all Jewish children were given to the Lord.  Similar to our Sacrament of Baptism, (but not at all the same), the idea of “presenting” to God our children so that they can live lives dedicated ... Read More »

Confirmation

Posted by St. Joseph

This week, Wednesday to be exact, at 5:30, our 8th grade young men and women will be Confirmed by the bishop here at St. Joseph’s.  We are combining and hosting Confirmation with the young people from Christ the King Parish in Wonder Lake.  We welcome Bishop Malloy and pray ... Read More »

Always Pro-life

Posted by St. Joseph

For over 45 years we have taken notice of the moral problem of abortion and abortion on demand.  There are those Christians who have been hood-winked by the illogical clamor that abortion is a political issue, therefore, the priest shouldn’t preach about it from the pulpit as this is ... Read More »

The Power of Baptism

Posted by St. Joseph

On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we recognize the need for the Sacrament of Baptism for the salvation of our souls.  Baptism is required, as the ordinary way one can get to Heaven.  Therefore, it behooves each and every Christian parent to secure this beautiful Sacrament ... Read More »

Epiphany

Posted by St. Joseph

This celebration of the Three Wise Men punctuates the close of the Christmas Holy Days.  The Three Kings are called “wise”, because they sought wisdom from God as to the signs of the times.  What did God have in store for us?  How would God manifest Himself to us?  ... Read More »