Monthly Archives: December 2011

Homily Text of the Funeral Mass for Cardinal John Foley

  Archbishop Charles Chaput delivered the homily at the funeral Mass for Cardinal John Foley recently. I thought the text is worth our time to read and consider. Here it is:   “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt … Continue reading

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Not to be Forgotten: Saint Mother Marianne of Molokai

  In the news along with Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is also Blessed Mother Marianne of Molokai. In the same decree attesting to the miracle that will lead to Tekakwitha’s canonization, Benedict XVI declared that another miracle was attributed to Mother … Continue reading

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Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Soon to be Saint Kateri

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, “the Lily of the Mohawks,” has been give the green light to canonization. Pope Benedict XVI signed a decree on yesterday recognizing a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Kateri. Two miracles are necessary for … Continue reading

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Not Doing Enough, Deacons? Or Too Much?

I have been ordained now for over two years. Occasionally, I will hear a deacon say, “I don’t think I am doing enough!” (making reference to what he perceives his ministry to be in the parish or diocese). Perhaps more … Continue reading

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Winona Now Has a Minor Basilica

The diocese of Winona is announcing that St. Stanislaus Kostka church in Winona has been elevated the to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. The decree from the Pope was  made on November 10, 2011 and … Continue reading

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Terra Santa News

I was happy to find today a splendid You Tube site created by the Franciscan fathers in the Holy Land. It is called Terra Santa News in English.  There are a series of wonderful videos on various aspects of our … Continue reading

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The Holy Father Visits the Prisoners of Rebibbia

There is a prison in Rome named Rebibbia. This morning, the Holy Father visited there, speaking to the prisoners. If you read Italian, you can review his comments at: http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/28571.php?index=28571&lang=en I want to highlight one short segment. He said: Giustizia e … Continue reading

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A Fourth Sunday of Advent Meditation

The Office of Readings today offer for our reflection a section of the Letter to Diogenitus. It is a beautiful brief meditation on God’s intervention into human history. Here is one translation: No man has ever seen God or known … Continue reading

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The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment

The Catholic Church’s social doctrine teaches us: The family has its foundation in the free choice of the spouses to unite themselves in marriage, in respect for the meaning and values of this institution that does not depend on man … Continue reading

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Church of the Week

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church Bodega Bay, California

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Holy Father’s New Year’s Message: Youth and Social Doctrine of the Church

The Holy Father has released his 2012 message to the world. It is entitled, in English, Educating Young People in Justice and Peace. He begins by asking the question, “With what attitude should we look to the New Year?” His … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“When Christ walked this earth, His presence was not limited to the comfortable — the call to comfortable life was His temptation in the desert, as it is ours today. His way took Him to the uncomfortable places.” — William … Continue reading

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John Henry Newman’s Prayer for Discernment

I ran across this beautiful prayer one can pray if you are discerning the call of God in your life: God, you have created me to do you some definite service. You have committed some work to me which you … Continue reading

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More Information on the Diaconate in the United States

Here are some more interesting facts about the permanent diaconate in the United States, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate(CARA) in their 2009/2010 report: 92% of permanent deacons in active ministry are married, 4% are widowed … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Christian solidarity is not base on political optimism, but it is based on religious hope.” — Bishop Jamie Soto, Sacramento, California

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