Category: From our Pastor:

Four years ago, after the elections of 2016, there was both cheering and crying in parts of our local and national communities. While some voters were elated by the election of Donald Trump, others were concerned about things he had said during his campaign, including about the character of our Hispanic sisters and brothers who…

The parish staff, Parish Council, Finance Council, and various parishioners are thinking creatively about how best to serve our parish community. This year’s holy days will require behavior changes in all of us. We are considering some new ways to celebrate our faith. We will need to limit how many people can be in the…

If Jesus is our model, then why is there so much division and even hatred among those who call themselves Christian? Perhaps, Jesus is not the primary model for those of us who are thinking and feeling so harshly towards our “neighbor” or “sister/brother.” When we were kids we used to put on costumes or…

Autumn brings so many memories and images of past events, places, and people. The colors of the trees and plants, the smells and fragrances of this unique season, and the play of light and darkness are stimulants for remembering. I know that when you see me today, you may not realize that I was quite…

Because 900 year anniversaries do not come around often, I would like to say some more about the Norbertine Order. After Norbert and his early companions established the first community of canons regular (priests who follow a rule of life) at Premontre, France, Norbert continued his preaching. He travelled around current-day Europe inviting clergy to…

This year marks the 900th anniversary since the founding of the Premonstratensian Order, otherwise known as “Norbertines.” St. Norbert inspired a new movement which resulted in the reform of clergy. His way of life included living as a community of priests and brothers, praying and celebrating the Eucharist together, sharing all things in common, and…

Why do we resist that which is right and good? We do not resist or reject the good all of the time, but why do we resist it at all? Bad habits and unhelpful messages that we learned when we were young are difficult to overcome. Some of us were told and learned that the…

Next Sunday is Catechetical Sunday. We will offer a special blessing for all catechists and for all those who are involved in our various faith formation programs: Children and Adolescents – Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday including Sacramental Preparation for First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation; and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Sunday mornings). Please keep…

St. Paul says to “…pray without ceasing…” (See 1Thess 5:16-18). Ceaseless prayer seems like a demanding request, but it is one which the faith community as a whole can do. We are one of only a few parishes in the diocese which offers the Eucharist two times a day, and three times on all Thursdays,…

If you ever wondered how we determine which priest will preside at Mass on a weekend, I can tell you there are many factors. First, as Pastor, I try to celebrate all Masses over a two-week period. On one weekend I will preside at four of the Masses we offer. Then, the next weekend I…