I could hear the children squealing outside when they exited from their Catechesis of the Good Shepherd session into the snow. They may not have known what was coming, but there is always hopeful anticipation for the first snow and they certainly knew what to do when it arrived!

Christian Hope: A trusting expectation that nothing will separate us from God’s love.

As we start the next four Sundays of preparation, just like these children, we may not know or

Recently, our school community gathered for a joyful, though slightly belated, celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints at St. Mary Church—our first pilgrimage of the school year...Those few sacred minutes offered a beautiful glimpse of what it truly means to strive for holiness in community.

A pious and virtuous man died and instantly found himself in the presence of Jesus in heaven. Jesus looked at the man, and loved him, and said the words that we should all long to hear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.” Then Jesus paused and said, “But, before you enter, I have one question for you… Who did you bring with you?”

Through the incarnation, through God becoming flesh and walking among us, and through our baptism and the body, blood, soul and divinity we take into our lives in the Eucharist, God is with us, too. God is in us and with us, and like Jacob, most of the time we don’t even know it.

Buckle up - it's been a ride to remember.

October not only marks the beginning of the holiday season for popular culture, but it begins the ordinary time journey to the end of the Catholic liturgical year. October is a particularly unique time for Catholics because it is the month of the Holy Rosary. We have many incredible Marian feasts throughout the year, but none that call us more intimately into the life of Jesus.

In what ways are we “would be disciples”? Where have we determined that we are not good enough, worthy enough, strong enough? Have we used rules or paradigms to keep us from following Jesus? Have we placed conditions on Jesus or our “yes” to God’s call?

I would like to begin by thanking both parishes for their welcome and then take a moment to reflect on hospitality.

Whether you’re sitting at the edge of a dock with a simple bobber or chatting up the local fishing expert on the Whopper Plopper 5000 lure, fishing lends itself well to easy conversation and time for reflection.  At its heart, fishing is a practice of trust and patience.

This weekend we hear again in the Gospel about how to pray, how to listen, and how to respond. Read on for one way Amberly has learned to listen…

Sometimes bringing our faith out of our heads and our quiet, personal relationship with Jesus in order to share with others can seem intimidating. It has been said by others in ministry that sharing our faith is as simple as “Be a friend of Jesus, make a new friend, introduce your friend to Jesus.” I’d like to illustrate with a story that happened this past week.

Welcome Fr. Jason!

A flash from the past!  This photo was taken on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  On that day, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Bishop David Ricken ordained me and eight other men to the Order of Deacon. 

Let the Lord draw your eyes up to Him!

Seminarian John Sparks reports from Rome!

Did you know that Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day? This holiday originated in 1868, several years after the Civil War, to honor those who died. Today, we remember and honor those who have died in service in the U.S. military.

May is just December wearing a tank top. Am I right?

This past weekend I was mindful of all the work of the mothers (and fathers!) of our First Communicants – the preparation, the banners, the clothing, the family, the photos, and the celebrations. That and the occasion of Mother’s Day seems a good opportunity to reflect on my own 86-year-old mother and her quiet, but always faithful role in my vocation.