Dear Friends, welcome to my new blog! I figured after six and one half years, it was time for an upgrade. I also learned that around 80% of people who access the internet today do so with a hand-held device, and my previous blog was no longer user friendly. How Read more…
In the days of this week when this nation recalls the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade (1973) which legalized abortion, I would like to offer a few reflections. As we face the reality of abortion in this nation, the first thing we are faced with is a legal system (which Read more…
The first stage of the New Evangelization is for each person to have that ‘life-giving’ encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. Many of us have met Jesus, and many others long to know Him. Lent is a perfect time to renew our relationship with Jesus, and to gain greater Read more…
As we continue to focus our attention on the New Evangelization, I wish to draw your attention to the recent writing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. In November, Pope Francis published his first Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy Of The Gospel. The first thing I wish to do in this Read more…
As the Year of Faith has now drawn to a close, let’s reflect upon some of the encouragement and instruction we have received from the two popes who shared this grace-filled year. In his first encyclical, Pope Benedict XVI made a very practical teaching that continues to guide my own Read more…
Last night concluded a three night Parish Mission on the New Evangelization at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in New Albany, Indiana. I had the privilege and pleasure of serving as pastor at OLPH for nine years, from 1998 – 2007. We were blessed with good crowds all Read more…
Today’s reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to Timothy concludes with the heading of this blog entry. One critical way we compete well for the faith is by faithfully persevering in our unique vocation day-to-day. Here is a sketch of my own ‘competing for the faith’ this past Read more…
In recent weeks, I’ve been experiencing one of those graced moments that come along every so often in one’s spiritual journey. In short, the Good Lord has been calling me to a greater level of spiritual integrity. I was beginning to ‘pamper’ myself in ways that were slowly focusing on Read more…
Years ago I worked more closely with seminarians as a vocation director, and later as a vice rector of a college seminary. I learned then (and recalled from my own years as a seminarian) that seminarians have a unique capacity to exaggerate the elements of their priestly formation. For example, Read more…
When we left Jackson Sunday morning, the skys were clear, and the Tetons were visible once again in all their beauty. I believe the analogy here is that just as it is impossible to never tire of the beauty of these mountains, so we will neve tire of gazing Read more…