Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.
We will offer Mass for Pope Francis in the church on Monday, April 21 - Friday, April 25 at 9:00 AM
"Peace be with you," Jesus tells his disciples. Why is this so important for him to stress not just once but multiple times in this passage? It seems clear that Jesus' peace is meant to be a hallmark of Christian life - a peace bestowed by the breath of the Holy Spirit that bears witness to the presence of the…
Although the crowd's shouts of exuberant praise of Jesus on Palm Sunday will devolve into shouts of "Crucify him!" by Good Friday, we join them in praising the Lord on this day. In fact, we take up the crowd's chorus every time we go to Mass and sing, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosana…
March 29, 2025 Dear Friend, The world as they knew it had changed. Nothing was a certainty anymore. Fear and anxiety were the prevailing emotions shared by many. But for the first disciples of Jesus, there was still hope. They had remembered the words of their teacher and friend who had told them that he would rise in three days’…
Imagine the array of emotions the woman must have felt when others accused her of being a sinner. Guilt, shame, embarrassment, fear, confusion. Then think of what she must have thought when she saw Jesus. What was this man doing writing on the ground with his finger. Would he even lift that finger to help her out? When he does…
What is your experience of mercy? When have you received it? Do you allow yourself to receive it? In a very famous painting of the Prodigal Son painted by Rembrandt, the son is clearly at the end of a long, hard journey; he's missing a shoe, and he's dirty and haggard. Some of our spiritual journeys may feel similar, especially…
When was the last time you felt you were in the presence of God? On a retreat? In the presence of nature? Holding a newborn baby? (Or maybe you're not sure you've ever felt this way?) Today, we hear about the Transfiguration, when Peter, James, and John have an encounter with Jesus in all his glory. After hearing the voice…
In a world that runs on convenience, fasting is out of step for many, even for us Catholics. If I have a need I fill it. If something is hard, I find and easier way. And is that bad in itself? Of course not! The point of Lent isn't to cause suffering or seek discomfort. What we're pursuing during Lent…
With a lifelong struggle against pride and judgementalism, today's Gospel touches us deeply. It is so easy to find the problems that other people have, even in those whom we love very much. Jesus doesn't deny that other people also make mistakes, but invites to first focus on our own mistakes. The important thing is that we are honest and…
When each day comes with bickering and fighting between other people, even if you like them or they are part of your family, Jesus' words about turning the other cheek, giving generously, and loving our enemies might seem like a pipe dream. They're challenging for everyone! It is easy to speak tenderly in the middle of a sweet moment, but…
In their paradoxical promises, the Beatitudes reveal a central truth about the human condition: sorrow and joy are inextricably linked. Sadly, many lives seem heavily weighted with the first. In the Beatitudes Jesus speaks blessings to those who suffer, yet without promising to alleviate their suffering in this life. Sounds like a tough sell, doesn't it? So why have these…