Purgatory

Posted by St. Joseph

Too often, people have a very lax and casual approach to the articles of Faith.  One such confusion or doubt regards the doctrine of Purgatory.  In the Catechism of the Catholic Church it states, “From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers ... Read More »

The Epiphany of the Lord

Posted by St. Joseph

It was my privilege to visit the Cathedral in Bonn, Germany a few years back.  I was in Germany visiting friends who were studying in country and I remembered that the remains of the Three Wise Men (The Three Kings) were buried behind the High Altar of the Cathedral.  ... Read More »

Happy New Year

Posted by St. Joseph

Another New Year is upon us with promises to diet, exercise, quit smoking and a multitude of other hopes that most likely will result in either never having been tried or failing within a few weeks or a month at most.  Although these physical and mental challenges are noble ... Read More »

Merry Christmas

Posted by St. Joseph

The greatest gift of Love, Christmas, the Incarnation, God become Man is here.  After 4 weeks of Advent preparation and joyous anticipation of the Spiritual coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Day has arrived.  So, what does it mean to you?  Is your Faith strengthened, deepened or edified?  ... Read More »

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

When we were much younger, we used to crowd on the big couch in our living room—all 8 of us—and have a contest looking at the lights of the Christmas tree and crossing our eyes.  By blurring our vision in such an unusual way,  it would feel as if ... Read More »

Third Sunday of Advent--Holy Things for Holy Days

Posted by St. Joseph

Well, Christmas is just around the corner.  How has this Advent been different from other years?  Still the same old hustle and bustle—the baking and buying, the parties and fatigue?  There is a cure!  There is a solution to the same old, tired and haggard Christmas rush:  Reflection and Reconciliation.

Have you taken time to reflect on why the rush and push?  Is it all being done for Christ or for others without a thought of Him?  Are you feeling tired and worn out?  If you are, stop and reflect on the meaning of this Advent Season.  Invite Christ in and allow peace and joy to rule your activities and events.  Jesus is the reason for the Season.  Through solid, prayerful reflection we are able to center ourselves on what is most important.  By doing this the baking and parties and presents make more sense and become rooted on our Christmas ... Read More »

Second Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

As Advent moves forward to its beautiful and holy conclusion of the Incarnation, you are reminded to do your Christmas duty and go to Confession before Christmas Day.  This is a great way to prepare for the Birth of Christ and increase your sense of hope by receiving the ... Read More »

First Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

Another Advent is upon us.  This weekend we begin the journey of inviting Baby Jesus to take root in our heart in a fresh and new way.  Advent reminds us of the great privilege of faith we enjoy—God loving the world so much that even in its fallen nature ... Read More »

Thanksgiving

Posted by St. Joseph

Thanksgiving number 56—I know, I’m an old man to some and a young pup to others.  Can’t win on this one.  However, whether one is just starting the climb of life or sliding towards its end (and everywhere in between), there is always much for which to be grateful.  ... Read More »

A Gift from Religion

Posted by St. Joseph

I was reading an editorial in the National Catholic Register about the amount of charity that comes from America’s churches.  The Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion found that religious groups and churches contribute $1.2 trillion each year to the American economy.  This includes all kinds of giving and ... Read More »