Posts by Fr. Rich (Page 4)

Last weekend I gave my homily about what is needed and what we want in our lives. After those Masses and finishing up the bazaar, I started to reflect on what I have. Last week and weekend, I saw so many people gathering to help at our annual bazaar. Could we have used more, always. But those who were here worked, enjoyed themselves, and did a great service for the Church. That made me realize what I (we) have here…

Our Gospel message today invites us to share our blessings with others. The parable of the rich fool gives us a warning as well as an invitation. It reminds us that our possessions are merely lent to us by God, and that we are accountable for their use. We must be generous in sharing our time, our treasure, and our talents, the three elements of Christian stewardship. Every one of us is rich in one thing or another. The parable…

This coming weekend is our annual Homecoming Bazaar. It is called Homecoming because so many people, who have moved away, come back to the parish for the bazaar. It could be for the homemade foods and delicacies. But more so, it is for meeting old friends and acquaintances. The Bazaar is more than a parish fund- raiser. It is an event where our parishioners come together make new friends, welcome visitors and guests, have a good time, and truly come…

A true story is told by an advertising executive at Reader’s Digest, who found her emptiness filled in by prayer, listening to God, as Mary did in today’s Gospel. In spite of her successful career, she had felt emptiness in her life. One morning, during a breakfast meeting with her marketing consultant, she mentioned that emptiness. “Do you want to fill it?” her colleague asked. “Of course, I do,” she said. He looked at her and replied, “Then start each…

Today we heard the story of the Good Samaritan. It’s a familiar story to us. But do we walk away learning something. Think about the individuals who came across the man left for dead. What were their first thoughts? First the priest said he can’t help. He would be made unclean and unable to do his duties. The Levite said, he’s not of my class. I can’t associate with him. Each thought of himself first. But the Samaritan, he didn’t…

Jesus sent out 72 disciples to preach the Gospel message. They went out into the known world and shared Christ’ messages to love God with everything we have, to love one another, to forgive each other, not to judge, but be willing to sacrifice for others. As faithful Christians, are we doing the same? We should attract others by leading exemplary lives, just as a rose attracts people by its beauty and its fragrance. We might say this is our…

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul. St. Peter, the chosen head of the Apostles and St. Paul, the great preacher of Christianity. In today’s Gospel, the Apostles were asked who do you say that I am? Peter responds: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” How would you answer that question. How would your children? I think back to Columbine High School attacked by a deranged shooter. He asked the one girl, as…

Today is the Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi. It is a special day in the life of the Church to remind us of the true and real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. When we receive Holy Communion, we don’t receive a symbol of Christ but the Body and Blood of Jesus. As part of the Corpus Christi celebration, we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10:30 A.M. Mass. The Church…

Wishing all of the dad’s — those with us and those who are not — a Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for all you do!

Where have all the children gone? It’s mid-June. School is over for the year. CCD Classes are finished. Children have received their First Holy Communion and Confirmation. And then, there are no children in Church, or at least, very few. What does that teach our children? During the school year, I hear: busy with sports, games and practices, recitals, plays and music practices, school extra-curricular programs. But now school is over for the summer and still we’ve lost the kids.…

We just celebrated the Ascension of the Lord where we heard Jesus say that he will not leave us alone, but he will send the paraclete, the Holy Spirit to guide us. Where is that Spirit in your life? You received him at baptism. But you were too young to understand. Then you were confirmed and received the fullness of that same Spirit through the gifts of wisdom, fortitude, piety and more. Where is that Spirit in your life? Have…

This is Memorial Day weekend. Many are off work on Memorial Day. Summer plans start in motion. We remember those veterans that sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It’s a big deal and everyone celebrates it. But what is a bigger deal is to remember who sacrificed His life for us that went beyond our freedom. That is Jesus Christ! He sacrificed His life on the cross to keep us free from eternal damnation. He brought us forgiveness of our…