INTRODUCTING THE UPCOMING SYNOD OF BISHOPS
You may have heard or read that Pope Francis has called a Synod of Bishops; it opens in the Vatican on 9 October and in all of the (arch)dioceses around the world on 17 October. Archbishop Pérez will celebrate an Opening Mass for the Diocesan Phase of the Synod that evening at 6:30pm at our Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. The Synod of Bishops is a permanent council that acts as an advisory body for the pope. A pope convokes a synod to assist him in his ministry [...]
TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Year B)
Genesis 2:18 - 24 This Sunday, we hear the story of the creation of woman from the Book of Genesis. It has been quite a while since we have heard from this, the first book of the Bible, so let’s review the who, what, when, where, why and to whom of this most important book. It derives its name from the Greek translation γενεσης of the first word of that book in Hebrew בראשית – both words mean “beginning. The opening words of this book are: “In the beginning, God [...]
DEVELOPING A NEW PARISH PASTORAL PLAN
With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer three short weeks ago, our parish has exploded into action! Our school opened on 7 September, our Parish Pastoral Council met on 8 September, a training was held for the new members of school’s Board of Limited Jurisdiction on 9 September, a study of the Book of Genesis started on 11 September, our Youth Group held its first fall gatherings on 12 September, our Finance Council met on 13 September, we had our first Walking with Purpose meeting and Men’s Evening [...]
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Year B)
Numbers 11:25 - 29 This Sunday, we will hear from the Book of Numbers. As usual, it is a passage that prepares us for the Gospel. And, as has been the case over the past few weeks, it is taken from a book that we have not heard from in a while, so let’s review the who, what, when, where, why and to whom. It is the fourth book in the Torah and derives its name from the Vulgate title, “Numeri” which is taken from the Greek αριθμοι. What word [...]
TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Last Saturday, I had the great joy of joining with my family in celebrating my youngest great nephew’s fourth birthday – it was lots of fun! There were 40 people at the party and more than a dozen of them were under the age of ten. My nephew and his wife had rented a portable miniature golf and the kids, filled with laughter, took turns playing each hole as well as in the play house in the corner of their back yard and the jungle gym nearby - and just [...]
TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Year B)
Wisdom 2: 12, 17 - 20 Welcome back, everyone, as we return to Bible Study/Faith Sharing in person and virtually. I hope you all had a great summer and that you and your families have continued to successfully navigate this pandemic. Our God has continued to remain with us and his plan for us continues to unfold, just as it has throughout the ages. We just need the wisdom, humility and courage to understand and accept it. This upcoming Sunday’s readings help us to do just that so let’s begin [...]