Gratitude

Posted by St. Joseph

The Christmas season is officially behind us and Lent will be upon us in about four weeks. My, how the time does fly!

The fleeting nature of time reminds us of the need to focus on the essentials in our life. Some consider food and shelter as the only ... Read More »

The Litany of St. Joseph

Posted by St. Joseph

At our New Year’s Masses in honor of our Lady, I spoke about Pope Francis dedicating 2021 as the Year of Saint Joseph and the Holiness of Families. We all know that Saint Joseph was the protector of the Holy Family. That truth extends to all of our families. ... Read More »

Auld Lang Syne

Posted by St. Joseph

I didn’t think the year 2020 could end soon enough. It seems almost impossible to wake up every morning and believe things will truly be better simply because the calendar turned a page. Although the start of 2021 presents glimpses of hope for a much, much better year, it’s ... Read More »

About those vaccines for COVID-19....

Posted by St. Joseph

Several people have asked me whether it is permissible to take the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available. The Church bottom line is this. Yes, in good conscience, it is permissible to receive the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Future vaccines may be more compromised regarding use ... Read More »

The Holy Family

Posted by St. Joseph

On this Feast of the Holy Family, we have an opportunity to reflect on the lives of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. This reflection might initially lead us to the conclusion that our own families can't compare to theirs. Yet, the Holy Family is simply a mirror of what our ... Read More »

4th Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

My childhood memories of Christmas still influence my hopes and faith today. Using those memories, it is very easy for all of us to romanticize the holidays. The common experiences of a lightly falling snow, fog gathering on the window as dinner is prepared, colorful cookies of various traditions ... Read More »

3rd Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

Even as we await a possible end to a global pandemic, our stress over the upcoming holiday is beginning to build. The pressures of making shopping lists, decorating the home and yard, finding the perfect cards, fighting through crowded shopping arenas, baking everyone’s favorite family recipes, and hoping you ... Read More »

2nd Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

Advent is upon us and much work remains to be done as we prepare for Christmas. Today I want to discuss why going to confession is necessary and  beneficial. As we get closer to Christmas, this column should be a timely reminder that the season is about more than ... Read More »

November 29, 2020 1st Sunday of Advent

Posted by St. Joseph

As we approach this Advent Season, we long with eager hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. In the cold, dark nights of winter the ever-brighter lights and festive spirit promise hope to a fallen world.

Through the Incarnation (God becoming Man) we discover the love of God ... Read More »

November 22, 2020 Christ the King

Posted by St. Joseph

A few years back, a former Vicar for Clergy in our Diocese, sent me a strongly worded letter to the effect that "we don't talk about Jesus as Victor! Such language is of the past!" I informed him thatthe advanced degree in theology he attained was an obvious waste ... Read More »