The Gospel of John “Bread of Life” Discourses
If you were paying attention to the recent Sundays’ Gospel accounts, you might have noticed that they have been taken from the Gospel of John. If you noticed that, you might have thought it odd since this year, when we are in Year B of the three-year liturgical cycle, the Sunday Gospel is ordinarily taken from the Gospel of Mark. Since Mark’s Gospel is rather short, however, we have more Sundays than we have Marcan pericopes so periodically throughout the year, readings are […]
Monsignor Brouwers’ Homily – August 19, 2018
I’m sure you’ve heard about the Grand Jury’s report on six dioceses throughout Pennsylvania that was made public earlier this week. I haven’t read the entire 900-page report but, like you, I’m still reeling from reading the portions of the report that I have found in the newspapers. I’m still processing all of this material; some of the incidences recounted in the report were truly horrific. When I think of my fellow clergy who have done such terrible things, I think of what our Lord once said: “It would be […]
Catholic University of America Collection
We all know how important it is to grow in our knowledge of God; after all, we are all preparing to spend eternity with him! God has blessed us by revealing himself to us down through the ages, especially through the prophets and in person through his son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed here in America with many fine Catholic colleges and universities that help our children continue to learn about God as they prepare for their careers and adult lives. Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., is the […]
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Wednesday, we will join with the universal Church in celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, into heaven. It is a Holy Day of Obligation and the principal feast day of the Blessed Mother, so would like to offer you some reflections on it.
The commemoration of the death of Mary is known as the Assumption because of the […]
Humanae Vitae – The Church’s Response to the Pill
Last week, I wrote about the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s controversial but prophetic encyclical, Humanae Vitae. This week, I would like to reflect on how the Church has responded to the very valid concern that many families have as they strive to be faithful to the Church’s teachings in regard to conception. In the face of the many challenges that children bring to a family, how does the Church recommend married couples engage in responsible family planning? As you will see […]