MISSION SUNDAY and STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
MISSION SUNDAY and STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
“But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8). This Sunday’s gospel reading ends with a very disturbing question. We hear our Lord ask it 2,000 years ago and it is still one that we need to answer today. Sadly, so many people – including some of our family members and friends – have abandoned their faith for a wide variety of reasons. We, however, relish our faith and find great strength, encouragement and direction in it. Jesus Christ, the […]
TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
At this time of the year, we usually have a rash of kids catching cold. What’s the first thing parents are told when their kids get sick? Keep them home so they don’t spread their disease. Our readings today speak about another, much more serious disease – leprosy – that had devastating effects on those who were afflicted with it. And, unlike today when we have medication to treat it, there was no cure in the day of our Lord. It is a disease that causes serious deformity and even […]
ANNUAL VISIT TO ST. MARTIN DE PORRES PARISH
Next Sunday, you are invited to join in the celebration of the Sunday Mass at our sister parish, St. Martin de Porres. It is always a pleasure to join in their lively celebration and I invite you to join us there! I’ve asked Msgr. Beach to celebrate the Mass since he has not yet been there; he’s looking forward to meeting members of our sister parish! For those of you who not familiar with St. Martin de Porres parish, it is faith-filled, predominantly African American community in North Philadelphia that […]
ANNUAL EUCHARISTIC DEVOTION
As you know, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) initiated a three-year Eucharistic Revival this past 19 June, Corpus Christi Sunday to provide us all with a renewed encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. During this, the first year of this revival, all parishes are encouraged to host events with a Eucharistic focus. After the celebration of the Eucharist itself, what better Eucharistic event is there than our annual Forty Hours Eucharistic Devotion? Msgr. Beach has graciously accepted my invitation to lead us in our 40 Hours […]
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
As we enjoyed the first taste of fall this past week with those brisk, clear mornings, here’s a wake-up call: today, the 25th of September, is only three months away from Christmas. Can you imagine!?! Soon, we’ll be getting involved in our annual Adopt-a-Family and Christmas Food Baskets. One of the many aspects of our parish that I have found so inspirational and edifying over the 11 years that I have been here is your tremendously generous response to all of the charitable appeals we have throughout the year, especially […]
RESPECT LIFE MONTH
It may be hard to believe, but October begins this week! Every October, we are called to consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death. While we are grateful for the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, we know that abortion still remains legal in most areas of the country. Yet, this is an historic step forward. As we continue to promote the protection of the infant in the womb, […]