Monthly Archives: September 2009

“The needs of the time are the will of God.”  — Mother Alexia Hoell, SSF

More than once I have been asked, “Why do you remain a Catholic?” This is usually asked after someone has read something about the scandals in the Church, or has experienced some injustice.  It is a fair question. Here is … Continue reading →

St. Hilary’s comments on the Psalms, an excerpt of which we read this morning in the Office, said: “Then this river of God is filled with water. We are in fact inundated by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and … Continue reading →

For the past many days, St. Augustine has been the author of the second reading from the Office of Readings.  He wrote of the pastors of the Church who tend only their own interests and not those of the flock … Continue reading →

“As an ordained deacon I’m called never to forget that the person in front of me is the most important person at the time and I’m called to lead them to Jesus Christ.” — Deacon Sean Curtan, SFO

“Let us exhort one another on every occasion to be grateful to God for the uncountable graces by which we are surrounded.” — Venerable Solanus Casey, OFM Cap.

Last Saturday, September 19, the diocese of Ogdensburg, New York, ordained a new class of twelve deacons. One is Mark Bennett, from the parish of St. Peter in Plattsburgh.  I met Mark last year as I visited Plattsburgh and had … Continue reading →

Today is the feast of St. Matthew. St. Bede the Venerable wrote a beautiful piece on the calling of St. Matthew, which we read this morning in the Office of Readings. Here it is, in part. (My translation into English.) … Continue reading →

I’d like to draw your attention to my “Admirable Links” widget to the lower right of this page. In particular, take a look at the Catholics Come Home and the Fathers for Good links. Great websites.   To any reader … Continue reading →

“I am challenged to let go of all the voices of doom and damnation that drag me into depression and allow the ‘small’ joys to reveal the truth about the world I live in…. God’s joy can be ours in … Continue reading →

Henri Nouwen in his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son, wondered which was more damaging, lust or resentment.   You recall the parable of the Prodigal Son:  The younger son asks his father for his share of the inheritance … Continue reading →

“Jesus has made it clear to me that the same voice that he heard at the River Jordan and on Mount Tabor can also be heard by me. He has made it clear to me that just as he has … Continue reading →

The Holy Father ordained five new bishops today at St. Peter’s.  His homily was noteworthy for he speaks of the centrality of service in the life of the ordained, and cautions against serving one’s own needs or the pursuit of … Continue reading →

I have to post something also today written by Mr. Joseph Michalak, the director of diaconate formation for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.  The excerpt below is taken from an article he wrote for “The Catholic Spirit”, the … Continue reading →

I was reading a great letter Bishop  Howard J. Hubbard of the Diocese of Albany wrote to his deacons and published in “The Servant’s Clarion”, the diocesan newsletter for deacons. It was published last July. Worth your time to read.  … Continue reading →