One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

Last Saturday I read a news story (Sarah Maddox, “Why thousands of U.S. congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church.” September 9, 2023. CBSnews.com.). You may remember that in 2019, the United Methodist Church held a conference that discussed same-sex relationships. Since then there have been whole congregations that have left the United Methodist Church …

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Video – Third Presentation in series “Being Church in Today’s World”

Last night I offered the third (and final) presentation in my series, Being Church in Today’s World. The video and slides for Part III are now available on my website at http://www.renewaloffaith.org/beingchurch2022part3. If you watch the video in the next few days, you can complete an online evaluation at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYM9DYs8ti-tafwjprw09N_b1FFXR8e64_PW7HYcnPGmf07g/viewform?usp=sf_link . My next series will …

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Second Video Presentation in series “Being Church in Today’s World”

Last night I presented Part II in my new series of presentations, Being Church in Today’s World. The video recording and slides are available at http://www.renewaloffaith.org/beingchurch2022part2 . If you watch the video in the next couple of days, you can complete an online evaluation at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQn3P-thZmI7I-t4pOxecYx2dMLIB49AlxBtaGlxxQErri1g/viewform?usp=sf_link You can register for Part III at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A7xZL2eeRVqXl74ig-qbOw . Please feel free to share this information …

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Sacred Scripture and Tradition

I recently read Mark Shea’s By What Authority? An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition Revised and Expanded Edition (San Francisco: Ignatius Press. 2013). Shea began his Christian life in the Evangelical Church. This book tells his story of moving from sola scriptura (from the Bible only) to his embracing of Sacred Tradition in the Catholic Church. …

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First Video Presentation in New Series – Being Church in Today’s World

Last night I began my new series of presentations, Being Church in Today’s World. The video recording and slides are available at http://www.renewaloffaith.org/beingchurch2022part1 . Here is a description of the series – “For centuries western civilization was rooted in Christianity. This is being lost today. Fewer people practice their faith and many do not believe …

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6th Sunday of Easter, Year C – Homily

6th Sunday of Easter, Year CActs 15:1-2, 22-29 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (4) Revelation 21:10-14a, 22-23John 14:23-29 May 22, 2022 Some of the people had been upset by teachings they heard. It has disturbed their peace of mind.  This is not what Jesus desires for his people. Rather, Jesus says, “Do not let your …

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The Ministry of Priests

I recently read a new book, Priests in Love with God and Eager to Witness to the Gospel by Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes (San Francisco: Ignatius Press. 2021). He wrote the book with seminarians in mind but also for reflection by priests and bishops. It is important for priests like myself to occasionally reflect on …

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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – Homily

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year BNumbers 11:25-29Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14 (9a)James 5:1-6Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Jesus’ words today may seem shocking.  “If you hand causes you to sin, cut it off…And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off…And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.” Really, does …

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What is a Missionary Disciple?

Recently, I have been using Fr. James Mallon’s new book, Divine Renovation Beyond the Parish (Frederick, MD: The Word Among Us Press. 2020) for reflection both on change and leadership. Today, I offer my final article using this book. In this book, Fr. Mallon focuses on what the church needs to be doing both on …

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