Posts by Fr. Rich (Page 7)

Isaiah describes a beautiful analogy about how the rain and snow descends from heaven, nourishing the earth and enabling it to bear fruit. This imagery reminds us that God’s Word holds a profound purpose and effect in our lives. His Word has the great ability to breathe life into our existence, bring about a transformation in ways we could not even imagine. When we read and open ourselves to God’s Word, we allow it to permeate the depths of our…

At a Sunday Mass a little while back, a little girl about seven years old got out of her seat and sat in the middle aisle, where she remained for the entire Mass. Afterwards, I asked her why she sat there. She said because I wanted to see what the priest was doing at the altar, but in the seat, I couldn’t see above the people in front of me. Today’s Gospel says “…although you have hidden these things from…

This week we celebrate Independence Day. In our Declaration of Independence, we read: “…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Our lives are important from conception to natural death; our liberty to do what we want without infringement on another’s right; and our pursuit of happiness without discrimination. I thank God and experience these rights every time I go to Mass. Look around and see…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says:” Fear no one.” Then He says, fear only the one who can destroy the soul with the body. In all that is happening around us, it seems like the spirit of America is being wiped out. Fear has gripped our nation on so many fronts. With every news report we are told to fear. It could be another mass shooting. It could be our different ethnic backgrounds. It could be the religion we practice. It…

Just want to express a Happy Fathers Day to all our Dads. May you experience the peace of Christ through your families. For our deceased Dads, may they share in Christ’s peace in their heavenly home.

Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi – Body & Blood of Christ. It is also the day we begin the parish phase of the national Eucharistic Revival. Come help us start it off and recognize the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place today at Noon and the Church will be open all afternoon for you to stop in and spend some prayer time with the Lord. Come alone, or better yet,…

To all our Moms, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. As you look at your families, think of the richness of your life: young children with great potential and a bright future, and growing and loving every day as you taught them. Your older children ready to step in and carrying out your legacy, caring for their families as you taught them.

Today we celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations. With that in mind, take a moment and encourage someone you feel would make a good priest, or a religious brother or sister. Compliment them on what you see in them that would make you think they would make a good priest or sister. At the very least, offer this prayer for vocation, that young men and women will open their hearts to the call of Jesus to priesthood or religious…

In today’s Gospel, Jesus came upon two disciples on the road to Emmaus and began to speak with them. They were grieving over the death of Jesus. And Jesus was helping them to see and understand all He taught them and lift their spirits. What would you talk about if Jesus came upon you during the day, whether at work, home, school and just out for a leisurely walk? Would you share what is bothering you? Would you complain to…

Thank You is a phrase that is thrown around a lot. But it is also two words that truly express one’s sentiment and appreciation for work well done. I would like to say THANK YOU to all those who have done so much in our parish to make our Lenten observances and Easter celebrations so beautiful and moving. From Fr. Tom, our Deacons and the ministries that serve at the altar and church, as well as the choirs and musicians,…

Let this Easter remind us of the need to be grateful. Christ’s sacrifice and his joyous resurrection should be enough to keep every worry off our hearts today. Have a fabulous Easter with love and happiness, joy and peace, bright feelings and may you experience the pleasure of God’s blessing. On behalf of Fr. Tom, Deacon Len, Deacon Steve, and myself, Happy Easter!

Today with the blessing of palms, we start Holy Week. It is the greatest week of the Church year where we are vividly reminded of all that Jesus did and endured for us. It is a week that we should all make special in our lives as we live out the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Savior. On Holy Thursday we bring the Last Supper to life where the Eucharist began as we have it today. We can spend…