The news has been covering the continuing controversy over the issue of religious liberty as it pertains to the new rules issued by the Federal Department of Health & Human Services requiring insurance to cover contraceptives. Our bishops have been attempting to dialogue with our government on this issue. It should be made clear that …
Easter Sunday was four days ago. For many, life has already gone back to exactly whatever it was before. Life goes on without change. First, let me say that Easter is not over. For Catholics, Easter is not a single day. I began by saying “Easter Sunday was four days ago.” I emphasis the Sunday …
It is mid-afternoon on Easter Sunday. Over the last three days, we have celebrated Holy Thursday where Jesus celebrated the First Eucharist and calls us to do the same. On Good Friday, we celebrated the Crucifixion but we can only celebrate the Crucifixion in light of the Resurrection. Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we …
I attended our Chrism Mass last night at the Cathedral. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the Chrism Mass, it is a diocesan celebration that always occurs during Holy Week. It is a Mass so there is the celebration of the Eucharist which is the “Source and Summit of the Catholic Church.” Two other principal …
Well, if you have been reading my blog for a while, you may know that I was ordained a priest in June 2007. My first assignment was St. Mary’s on the south side of Elmira. I served there for three years but after two years the pastor’s term was up and a new pastor came. …
Here is the article I wrote for the cover of today’s (Passion Sunday) Bulletin The Most Important Time of the Year Today is Passion Sunday, aka Palm Sunday. These two names identify what we do today. We begin Mass with the Blessing of the Palms. We read the gospel story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem …
One of the common devotions of the Catholic Church, especially in Lent, is the Stations of the Cross. In praying the Stations of the Cross, we remember what Jesus went through during his final hours for us. Some of the Stations have specific scriptural origins (click here for a table) and some come from tradition. Generally, …
There seems to be an attitude today among some people that the government should fix all the problems. Does the government serve a key role in solutions to many problems? Yes, but that doesn’t mean it is the government’s job to fix everything. I am reminded of a quote from President John F. Kennedy inaugural …
Here is my homily for this Sunday. Peace, Fr. Jeff 4th Sunday in Lent, Year B 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3:14-21 March 18, 2012 The Book of Chronicles speaks of the infidelities, the abominations of the Israelites, and how they are polluting the Lord’s Temple. These verses can be discouraging but it is …
In Western New York where I live we have been having one of the mildest winters ever. The temperatures have been warmer than normal and the snowfall is much less than normal. Many people have been talking how wonderful it is. It is much more pleasant than many winters but, looking at the bigger picture, …
