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, [...]
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Year C)
Exodus 17:8 - 13 This Sunday, we will hear from the Book of Exodus. As you will recall, the Book of Exodus is the second book of the Pentateuch, picking up where Genesis left off. Its title derives from the LXX name given it. You will recall that the LXX refers to the oldest Greek version of the Old Testament, traditionally said to have been translated by 70 or 72 Jewish scholars at the request of Ptolemy II: most scholars believe that only the Pentateuch was completed in the early [...]
TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Year C)
2 Kings 5:14 - 17 This Sunday, we will hear from the Second Book of Kings. 1 and 2 Kings are among the Historical Books of the Bible. Along with 1 and 2 Samuel, they record the activities of Samuel, Saul, David and Solomon, as well as many of the kings of the divided kingdom after Solomon. Originally, 1 and 2 Samuel formed a single book. The LXX (the oldest Greek version of the Old Testament, traditionally said to have been translated by 70 or 72 Jewish scholars at the [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]