Posts by Fr. Rich (Page 16)

What is a leader? Is it someone who takes control of everyone and everything around them? Is it someone who wants and demands the respect and obedience of others? Is it someone who likes a title? In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the example of true leadership: The Good Shepherd. His leadership is rooted in peace, truth, goodness, compassion, righteousness, mercy, reconciliation, sacrifice and a never-ending love. He brings the scattered home. He shows the lost His way of love.…

What do you pack when you go on vacation? How about just a weekend trip? What do you take with you for a trip to the beach? After thinking about this, now go back and read today’s Gospel. Jesus is sending His disciples out into the world to proclaim the Good News to everyone. He told them, take nothing with you but a walking stick – no food, no sack, no money no second tunic. All they needed was Faith.…

A very sincere THANK YOU! We made our goal! Our Lady of Victory Parish always comes forward to help those in need. The Appeal money helps so many in so many ways. Again, THANK YOU for your generosity!

Today we celebrate Independence Day. As a nation we became an independent union. We have a Declaration of Independence that states that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. We will celebrate with cookouts, family gatherings, parties and just relaxing. But in the midst of however we celebrate, let us remember what Jesus has given us. He has given us the Life for which we seek…

What doesn’t cost anything, but is worth so very much? What can be given many times, and you never run out of? What can you give to others that makes you and the other person feel good. In all cases the answer is a compliment. Today’s Gospel talks about healing, the little girl back to life and the woman sick for many years now cured. I don’t think any of us can accomplish that kind of healing. But we can…

Happy Fathers Day to all our fathers. And we offer you this special prayer: We give our thanks, Heavenly Father, for the fathers in our lives. Fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail. We ask for Your blessings for them all and forgiveness where it is needed. This Father’s Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways–both big and small–they lift…

Did you ever think about planting a seed of faith? Where would you plant it? Maybe in your children or in your parents. Maybe in your friends. Maybe even a stranger. What does that seed look like? Maybe it’s the words, “I’ll say a prayer for you.” Maybe it’s complimentary words when someone is down. Maybe it’s words of encouragement when someone is struggling. Maybe it’s just a conversation when someone is all alone. The mustard seed is the smallest…

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Faith. It brings Jesus into our lives through the consecrated bread and wine, now the Body & Blood of our Savior. Last weekend, we published a letter from Bishop Bambera inviting and welcoming people back to Mass. There is a video of that message on our website and also our facebook page. Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi – the Body & Blood of Jesus. It is this gift of…

Veterans are among the many heroes who deserve our respect and remembrance, thanks to their service. One of the ways that we respect those who make sacrifices for our country is by remembering them each year on Memorial Day. Thank a Veteran. Visit the grave of a deceased Veteran. Or at least say a prayer for them: “All Powerful God,We honor today those men and women—Our sons and daughters,Husbands and wives,Fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers—Who have laid down their life for…

Happy Birthday! We think of Pentecost as the birthday of the Church. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and they went sharing the word of God and all understood them in their native language. It began the Church. You have received the Holy Spirit at Baptism and its fulness at Confirmation. Do people understand you when you speak of Jesus and faith – and I don’t mean different languages? Do others feel your faith expressed in your words and…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is praying for his apostles. It reminds us of our prayer. Do we pray? What do we do when we pray? To me, it’s simply talking to God. We speak as if talking to a friend. No fancy phrases required. We should be open and honest, saying what is on our minds and in our hearts. Whether we are happy or sad, hopeful or depressed, upset or at peace, we can share our feelings with God…

In today’s Gospel we read: “I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and your JOY might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” The perfect formula for JOY is “Jesus, Others, You.” When you put Jesus first in your life, you stay with him and have the joy he promised his followers. When you are concerned about others, you see their needs, and your heart goes out to…