Catholic Relief Service Annual Collection
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Next weekend, we will join with all parishes throughout the country in taking up the annual collection for Catholic Relief Services. Founded 76 years ago, it now serves 136 million people in 110 countries on five continents. As so many impoverished people around the world struggle in the face of the coronavirus that just adds another layer of dire need to their already difficult lives, CRS is helping in [...]
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Year A
Welcome to my annotated commentary on Sunday’s readings. The purpose of my commentary is to give you the background for each reading, a little better understanding of its message and the message that all of the Sunday readings together provide us. I hope you find it helpful! Isaiah 42:1 – 4, 6 – 7 We hear again from the prophet Isaiah this Sunday, from one of the sections that most scripture scholars identify as part of Deutero-Isaiah. Specifically, it is the first of four of the Isaian Servant Songs [...]
NEW YEARS THANKS
I hope you all had a good New Year. As we prepared for our first Parish Finance Council meeting of the New Year, my staff and I discovered some very telling and encouraging data that I want to share with all of you. Despite the challenges that all of you have faced as we continue to navigate this coronavirus pandemic, your financial support of your parish has been unflagging. Even though only about half of those who ordinarily attend Sunday Mass are coming – and I certainly appreciate and understand [...]
Solemnity of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
“And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. …And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:15ff). As we continue our celebration of the Christmas Octave with the celebration of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, my heart is filled with thanks and joy as I once again celebrate Christmas with you here at St. Katharine of Siena Parish! This is my tenth year to celebrate [...]
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Year B)
Welcome to my annotated commentary on Sunday’s readings. The purpose of my commentary is to give you the background for each reading, a little better understanding of its message and the message that all of the Sunday readings together provide us. I hope you find it helpful! 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 This Sunday, we will hear from the Second Book of Samuel. You will recall that this is one of the Historical Books of the Bible. Along with 1 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings, it records the [...]
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Year B)
Welcome to my annotated commentary on Sunday’s readings. The purpose of my commentary is to give you the background for each reading, a little better understanding of its message and the message that all of the Sunday readings together provide us. I hope you find it helpful! Isaiah 61:1 - 2a, 10 - 11 The Third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday because, in both the first and second readings, we are called to rejoice; the Lord is near! As we quickly approach Christmas, we wait in [...]