As Catholics we should be familiar with the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Less known, there is also Spiritual Direction. The two can have a lot of overlap. The Sacrament of Reconciliation focuses on our sins but can include some conversation that helps us to think about our sins and what we need to do to change …
Soon we will celebrate Easter. At the Easter Vigil many people across the world will be baptized and/or received into the Catholic Church. As that draws closer we are seeing more rites for these people at Sunday Mass. Lent begins for these people with the Rites of Sending and Election (Call to Continuing Worship). For those …
I write at 2:43 p.m. local time or 8:43 p.m. in Rome (on February 28th). That means Pope Benedict XVI resignation went into effect 43 minutes ago. It was not a simple decision for him to retire, especially since there is no retirement provision for popes. That’s why all the headlines say he resigned. Our …
2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C Genesis 15:5-12, 17-19 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28b-38 February 24, 2013 The Lord leads Abraham (Abram) outside to look at the stars but it is not a simple night to gaze at the stars. It is a profound event. Picture the stars. Think about counting them. How many are there? …
Here is a link to some resources from the USCCB on the process as Pope Benedict XVI resigns and a new pope is elected. http://usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/pope-benedict-xvi/papal-transition-2013-graphics-downloads.cfm Peace, Fr. Jeff
Many of you may have seen my presentation recorded in January on the story of my faith journey. One small part in that presentation was a mention of the first time I went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation after my return to church. From that there were a couple of questions about how we confess …
Continue reading ‘The Gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation’ »
1st Sunday in Lent, Year C Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 February 17, 2013 On Wednesday, we marked the beginning of our Lenten journey for this year with the reception of ashes. Lent is a time that’s purpose is to lead us to the joy of the Easter Triduum. Central in the Triduum is …
Today I attended a workshop on Young Adult Ministry called “Building Bridges to Young Adults” by Joan Weber of the Center for Ministry Development. The goal of this workshop was to help the participants like myself find ways to serve our young adult Catholics by becoming better aware of their perspective in life, and help them …
Continue reading ‘Young Adults: Our Present and Our Future’ »
The headlines were glaring, “The Pope is Resigning.” I have to admit that when I say the headline yesterday morning I was shocked. I thought ‘what’s wrong?’ It turns out that nothing is wrong. Pope Benedict XVI is 85 years old. His health is declining and has decided in the best interest of the Church …
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1–11 February 10, 2013 It isn’t easy to be a disciple of Jesus. When Peter realized it was Jesus standing with them, he felt so unworthy to be with Jesus, that he asked Jesus to leave them. Jesus tells him do …
