Our priests need our prayers and to know that we support them By Bishop Richard F. Stika “You made them a kingdom and priests for our God.” –Revelation 5:10 St. John Vianney, patron saint of priests, knew well that, “When people want to destroy religion they begin by attacking the …
He dwells among us: Intoxicating joy
What a different world it would be if Catholics lived with the joy of the new wine By Bishop Richard F. Stika They have had too much new wine. — Acts 2:13 The mocking reaction of some toward the Apostles following the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost speaks …
He dwells among us: A life-changing consecration
Jesus knocks on the door of our heart and longs to enter our house, where Mary needs to be By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” –Matthew 1:20 The words spoken by the angel of the …
He dwells among us: The place of our identity
Christ must have his proper place in the sanctuary of our temple — in our heart’s center by Bishop Richard F. Stika Today, I must stay at your house. — Luke 19:5 These beautiful words of Jesus to Zacchaeus the tax collector are words that He repeats to us every …
He dwells among us: Triple Crown of Dignity
By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Christian, recognize your dignity…. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness.” –St. Leo the Great Do you know that, by virtue of your baptism, you participate in a special way in the threefold mission of Christ as Priest, Prophet, and …
He dwells among us: Dignity of the journey
The Church offers beautiful teachings to assist us in making difficult medical decisions By Bishop Richard F. Stika How precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful. –Psalm 116:15 “The person in affliction is sacred.” This ancient proverb speaks to a beautiful truth that the …
He dwells among us: Four Herods
The culture of death assaults life, the conscience, the Church, and common good By Bishop Richard F. Stika Within the seasons the Church celebrates in its calendar that mark the mystery of our redemption—from the birth of Christ to His Passion and resurrection, to the beginnings of the infant Church …
He dwells among us: Holy exchange of gifts
As God gathers us to Himself in holy sacrifice, what do we bring to Mass? By Bishop Richard F. Stika “That my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” –Luke 2:19 Trying to find the ideal gift to give a loved one or a friend can …
He dwells among us: What are you afraid of?
Open wide the doors of your heart to Christ as you pray and discern His plans for you By Bishop Richard F. Stika In St. Peter’s inspired words of faith in response to the question of Jesus — “Who do you say that I am?” — we discover the source …
He dwells among us: Defend us in battle
Pray to St. Michael and our guardian angels to protect us from Satan’s evil desires By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15) It is said the devil‘s greatest accomplishment is convincing people, and especially clergy, that he does not exist. Satan is never more …
He dwells among us: Justice in 10 words
The relationship that binds all others in love is the key to justice and peace in our world By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Do justice for the weak and the orphan; give justice to the poor and afflicted.” (Psalm 82:3) There are so many cries today for justice and so …
He dwells among us: A fruitful love
God wants to be your love and your life—not just a part of it By Bishop Richard F. Stika “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples” (John 15:8). In every Mass we hear those familiar and most sacred words of Our Heavenly …
