Another school year is upon us, and so many of our teachers are filled with great joy and excitement at the idea of once again seeing all of the children, students, and families who we haven’t seen since St. Patrick’s Day last March.
Category: Columns
The Mass is ended. So now what?
“The Mass is ended. Go in peace.” I have to admit that when I was a child, I used to find our response to the dismissal, “Thanks be to God!” a little funny.
A campaign to send a hug
Summer is usually a lot of fun in our homes. The elderly enjoy getting outdoors for picnics, gardening, and community outings, especially when they include a stop for ice cream.
Living in the moment: recognize God’s gift of today
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God gave me a gift today.
It was subtle, yet unmistaken, and came in the sound of my daughter’s laughter as we played chess on our back patio in the shade of the silver maple tree.
God’s wake-up call to what’s most important
Although it is Ordinary Time in the Church year, I think it often feels like Good Friday these days. Don’t you?
The quiet blessing of ministry to retired priests
This year, five of us priests were honored for serving 50 years in the priesthood. Barring a cancellation because of the coronavirus, we will be honored again at the Priests Assembly.
‘Ridiculous’ to remove St. Junípero Serra
I have just received word that, after voting to remove a large statue of St. Junípero Serra that stands in front of their City Hall, the government of Ventura, Calif, (which is in my pastoral region) is now considering removing the image of Padre Serra from the city seal and from the badges of the Ventura police officers.
Smiling behind your mask
There is great irony in the twists and turns of our journey through COVID-19.
In fall, students will return to Catholic schools
Looking back at my life, other than some great teachers, my time in elementary school wasn’t that memorable. Like anything, it had its moments but as a whole, it was pretty ordinary.
Living ideals in Declaration of Independence
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, also known as the Fourth of July.