Category Archives: Parish Life

Mercy, Wide and Late

Posted on 9 March 2014 by

The concluding hymn at the parish struck me today in a way it has never done before. Two things. First, wideness, wideness, and kindness: There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea. There’s a kindness in … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgical Music, Parish Life, spirituality | 3 Comments

Crown of Thorns Up

Posted on 3 March 2014 by

The Lenten crown of thorns got lofted up the west wall today. The view from the entrance and narthex: It seems massive compared to most church decorations, but it almost gets lost in the vast spaces of empty walls in … Continue reading →

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Sub Zero But Clear

Posted on 2 March 2014 by

Anticipating I wasn’t going to be happy about shoveling out in below-zero temps this morning, I cleared the home driveway and walks last night after church. Sure enough, my car thought twice before igniting. Minus-nine Fahrenheit. It was another f-word … Continue reading →

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Christmas Scheduling

Posted on 2 January 2014 by

My former parish in Kansas City had a grueling Christmas schedule. I inherited four Christmas Eve Masses (two simultaneously on our campus with a total of 1300-plus between them), a Midnight Mass, and three on Christmas morning. A few years … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Liturgy, Parish Life | 6 Comments

Observing All Souls

Posted on 2 November 2013 by

In other parishes I’ve served, November 2nd was a big deal. Somewhat in our university parish, but surprisingly, not connected with Mass. Our noon Mass isn’t conducive to a wide participation. I had pushed gently for an evening Mass. That … Continue reading →

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Book of the Deceased

Posted on 30 October 2013 by

We received our new book of the deceased today. We had been purchasing blank books from publishers. A bequest from a parishioner funded this initiative. The book came in a nice box from our bookbinder, Peggy Johnston: Unfold the box, … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life | Tagged | 4 Comments

War on Halloween

Posted on 23 October 2013 by

In the expression of military genius that we call the culturewar, the Christians strike back. Some of them, anyway. Commentary at First Things here, basically suggesting it’s time to chill, like a cold autumn night. Does the opposition to Halloween … Continue reading →

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The Count of Catholic October

Posted on 21 October 2013 by

Count every head, the memo said. We’ve been fortunate (I think) at my parish because Parents’ Weekend always and Homecoming usually falls in the month we’re directed to count the people who come to weekend Masses. My wife said the … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life | 4 Comments

Preaching on a Martyr’s Example

Posted on 29 September 2013 by

Deacon John Herman preached today’s Masses at the parish. He largely talked about his brother, our parish and diocese’s martyr, Ray Herman. I was reminded that a young man listened to Jesus and took it very, very seriously. He shifted … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life, Saints, Scripture | Leave a comment

Archbishop Visits

Posted on 21 September 2013 by

Our new archbishop visits the parish this weekend. Our Sunday 7pm Mass is often a stumbling block for visiting priests or homilists. I think Archbishop Jackels was given the option of when to leave, but to his credit, committed to … Continue reading →

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Thoughts

Posted on 12 September 2013 by

I see in the news that my former colleague is facing a half-century in federal prison. This is a very long fall from the adulation of people for a freshly-minted priest. Some disconnected thoughts on this: It’s hard to tell … Continue reading →

Posted in Parish Life, sex abuse | 2 Comments

On Peace With Gregory the Great

Posted on 5 September 2013 by

Two days late for the saint’s feast, and two days early for the worldwide day of prayer and fasting, but here is the prayer I pieced together for a group meeting yesterday: Music Da pacem, Domine (Grant peace, Lord.) (Jacques … Continue reading →

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Boom

Posted on 3 September 2013 by

Confessors in Britain report an uptick in the interest in the Sacrament of Penance. The Pope Francis effect? Pope Benedict’s visit three years ago? I’d prefer to attribute it to God’s grace. I’m sure the two most recent popes would … Continue reading →

Posted in Parish Life, Rite of Penance | Tagged , | 1 Comment

At Night

Posted on 28 August 2013 by

This is my view at night when I go home. First, walking past the altar with the light setting on “night.” Just eight small lamps shine on the platform. One post hits the far wall. The two saint shrines: Thomas … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Parish Life, Saints | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sunday Homily for 21st Ordinary C

Posted on 26 August 2013 by

My colleague Fr Richmond preached at our four Masses this past weekend. If you want the reference to the coconut tree, check his homily two weeks ago.

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