“Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.”  (Mt 21:9).  On Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, we are called to join with our Lord, Jesus Christ, as he makes a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and then suffers derision and mockery, scourging and finally crucifixion because he comes to offer a new way of life and claims to be who he truly is – the Son of God.  This week is, indeed, what we Christians call it: […]

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS (PART III)

On Thursday, the Parish Pastoral Council will meet with the candidates who were nominated to fill the four Council positions that will become vacant in May.  Almost 30 parishioners were nominated and I want to take this opportunity to thank those who submitted nominations and to encourage those who were nominated for the Council to prayerfully consider this call to serve our parish in this unique ministry.  It is, indeed, an important one as the Pastoral Council offers me invaluable insight and counsel in the […]

Ever since missionary priests accompanied the Spanish conquistadors in the 15^th century, the Catholic faith has spread throughout Latin America.  Many of the people are faith-filled but the needs in this region of the world are great and can often seem insurmountable.  For more than 50 years, the annual Collection for the Church in Latin America has been a way for Catholics in the United States to unite more closely with our brothers and sisters in faith throughout Latin America and the Caribbean through supporting diocesan pastoral catechetical and family […]

Nominations for Our Parish Pastoral Council – part II

 As I noted in last week’s Parish Bulletin, it’s time to elect four new members for our Parish Pastoral Council.  As you consider who to nominate, allow me to provide a little more information on the purpose and role of a Parish Pastoral Council.  The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Rationale, Principles and Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils, the document that I mentioned last week, offers a good summary:

The general function of the Parish Pastoral Council is to advise the Pastor in those pastoral […]