Category: From our Pastor:

I have placed three birdfeeders in the area near the grotto and the statue of Jesus, between the Rectory and the Parish Center. The feeders are just outside my office window and there are times when I turn my chair to just watch the birds and listen to the water flowing in the fountain. House…

Last week I wrote about the sin of racism and some other behaviors associated with racism and prejudice. Equally sinful and misguided is the sin of revenge. Not many people speak of vengeance or revenge as the motivation behind their violent, disrespectful and damaging words and behaviors toward others. In the confessional I hear: “I…

Racism, prejudice, racial profiling and associated violence are grave sins against God’s commandment of love. As followers of Christ, we have a great duty not only to reject these sinful behaviors, but also to promote dialogue, tolerance, acceptance, and peacemaking. The most recent violent events perpetrated by both police and residents of cities in Minnesota and…

I love to see and hear the congregation singing at Mass. I love to sing myself! When I am not the presider, you may see me join the choir to sing a hymn or two. At times you may see me using my hands in order to encourage more or louder participation. Often, I look…

This is a time of transition at our parish. Rita Bauldry and Maura Vazquez are leaving (we wish them the best!) and we will be hiring some new people to replace them. With new employees there is always a period of adjustment. For the staff members, too, the adjustments include teaching and orienting the new…

It was a terrible and senseless act of killing 49 people and injuring more than 50 in Orlando, Florida, recently! Of course, we know that the shooting happened in a well-known gay dance club. I would like to address the existence of a culture of hatred and condemnation which often leads to an acceptance of…

Music at our parish Masses is an important part of our prayer and influences the quality of their experience of the Eucharist. Warm hospitality, thoughtful preaching, and good music are regularly cited by parishioners around the world as the most important features of an effective liturgy. And music is not what the choir, cantor, or…

Are your children reading good books? Summer reading is not just a past-time, but an enrichment of the intellect and imagination. Invite your children to read good classic literature that is appropriate for their age. Of course, good biographies and autobiographies of important leaders, inventors, holy people, and athletes are useful as inspiration for young…

Last weekend was our annual parish picnic which we call “St. Willy’s Jam.” It is a “jam” because of the variety of music. Of course, beside the music and entertainment, the community Mass, the food, the children’s activities, the raffle, the pie-in-the-face, and the chance to meet new people were all important elements of a…

Every faith community needs many volunteers in order to complete the ministries and tasks required. St. Willebrord has always been blessed with many enthusiastic and capable volunteers. I hope that everyone recognizes that our parish only has a few employees and hundreds of volunteers. On behalf of the parish community I wish to thank all…