I titled this article “Summer Slow Down” but there really hasn’t been one for me. The primary reason for that, of course, is my recent appointment as Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca. Being new to the parish I have a lot to learn about the parish. Fortunately, our parish staff have been very …
Today (July 4th) we celebrate our country’s independence. It is a good day to think about the principles our country was founded on. The Declaration of Independence, the founding document of our country, states We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with …
One of the things I have been reminded of during my transition to Immaculate Conception is how interconnected we can be. Here are some examples. When one parishioner introduced herself, I recognized the last name and discovered I know her brother-in-law in Odessa. Our Pastoral Associate was at my Confirmation 31 years ago because she …
Here is my homily that I offered this weekend as I began as pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. For those who haven’t seen me preach, I adjust from Mass to Mass so what follows isn’t always exactly what I said at any one particular Mass. 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24 …
I officially arrived at Immaculate Conception Church as the pastor on Tuesday (June 26th). As I was carrying boxes into the office, Sr. Edna asked to talk to me about a funeral. She apologized for having to ask so quickly. The funeral was going to be Friday and she needed to know if I was …
It is the time of year for graduations. Nowadays, we have graduations from Pre-K, Kindergarten, elementary school, high school, and college. Graduations mark the accomplishment of learning. They come at the end of the school year and are often thought of as an “end” themselves. In the sense of completing the requirements for graduation, it …
I left my job with the New York State Department of Transportation in 2000. I then spent two years in Rochester completing my pre-theology studies. Then I went to Washington, DC at Theological College for two years. Next, I was in Rochester for a pastoral year before completing my final two years in seminary in …
Knowing there are a number of new people reading my blog in the last couple of months I just want to take a moment to let people know that if you post a comment, it is important that you make a clear reference to the article you are posting. In the last six months, my …
I am not one to like change but I also believe change is a necessary part of life. There can be no growth without change. Change has been a regular part of my life since I left my job with the New York State Department of Transportation to begin studies to become a priest. That …
I attended a presentation presented by our diocesan tribunal entitled “Where Do Laws Come From?” by Emmett G. Wells, Lay Director of the Tribunal. As the title indicates, the presentation examined the origin of “law” in general. Today, many might see “law” as something put into effect by the proper authority. Many may believe the …
