Category: Pastor’s Column

From the bulletin of June 14, 2020      Perhaps by now, you’ve come to see that the Church was in some pretty dark times in the 16th and 17th centuries. Between the Protestant Reformation, the re-introduction of slavery to Europe (and the New World), the violent wars that these divisions sparked, and the brewing conflict between the Church and Galileo (and other scientists after him) things must have seemed pretty rough. It is in the worst of times, however, that God raises up the greatest saints. Before I delve into the infamous Galileo controversy, I want to briefly sum up...Read More

From the Bulletin of Pentecost Sunday May 31, 2020      I want to back up about 100 years on our historical journey. The Council of Trent was a major event in the history of our faith, clarifying much of what we have always believed and continue to believe as Catholics. But there were other historical currents running alongside this one whose source was just a little before the 1500s.      There are some who argue criticize Christianity by saying that it permitted or even encouraged slavery . They point to passages in Scripture which tell slaves to be obedient and...Read More

From the bulletin of the 6th Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020      I’m sorry it has been such a long time since I’ve put anything in this column! I am glad, however, that we are beginning a gradual return to something like “normal.” As part of that, I want to pick up where we left off. You may remember that the last few columns talked about Martin Luther, The Reformation, Faith and Works, and being Instruments of God. So, our historical journey has taken us up to the point of the 1500s when the “Reformation” took place and raised...Read More

     Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Seven Precepts of the Church.” Maybe it was the “Five Precepts” when you learned about it. These are the basic things a Catholic should do to stay in  ‘Good Standing” with the Church. The reason for different numbers and lists is that the Catechism lists them in different places. In paragraph 2041, it lists five, but in other places it does include two more from the older, more traditional list. But that’s besides the point. The basic precepts are: - To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile...Read More

     If the Mass is so great, how do we get people to come? Why do so many people not enjoy it? Worthwhile questions. As I touched on in the homily, simply inviting people to come to Mass with you usually isn’t enough. If a liturgy is done well, a visitor might see that it’s important to us. They can see that it is full of meaning and symbolism and they might get something out of the prayers and preaching. Still, the heart of the Mass — the Eucharist — is a profound mystery that takes mature faith. It’s not...Read More