Priest and victim

By keeping a daily Holy Hour, we best learn our priestly identity and how to be a ‘living sacrifice’ By Bishop Emeritus Richard F. Stika “Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?”  — Matthew 26:40 Keep watch.” As I reflect upon my time here in the diocese, …

The extraordinary in the ordinary

God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven begins in the heart as a little house of Nazareth By Bishop Richard F. Stika “There is one thing I ask of the Lord, only this do I seek: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of …

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A terrible beauty

In these times of growing evils and persecution, we need the protective mantle of Mary Our Mother By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Who is this that comes forth as beautiful as the Sun, resplendent as the moon, as awe-inspiring (and terrible) as bannered troops?” — Songs 6:10-11 A mother’s protective …

A demanding joy

One deadly sin is the most insidious and a destroyer of the joy of our life in Christ and with others By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and His strength; constantly seek His face.” — Psalm 105:3-4 The heart’s …

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‘Watch and pray’

Satan despises the practice of making a daily examination of conscience, for it serves to punish him By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:7-8 Knowing …

What color are your vestments?

In sacrifices we make in the Mass we must live each week, we must ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ’ By Richard F. Stika “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” — Galatians 3:27 Identity and clothing. Fashion designs often strike me as odd, …

‘In the joy of your house’

God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven begins in little house of Nazareth and in our hearts By Bishop Richard F. Stika “He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth.” — Matthew 2:23 A dwelling in Nazareth. Christmas, like Easter, is so special, so full of wonder …

Peace of heart

Archbishop Sheen: You were made for God; nothing short of the infinite satisfies you By Bishop Richard F. Stika Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will.” — Luke 2:14 A serious question. It may seem strange to ask, but have you ever …

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A living sacrifice

The Mass is the source for living and becoming the saints we are all called to be By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.”  — Romans 12:1 Striving for holiness. Each November when the Church celebrates all …

My peace I give you

The example of two military chaplain heroes reminds us what is most essential in the earthly and spiritual battles of life By Bishop Richard F. Stika Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not …

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In the words of the Church

The Church, since the mid-19th century, has warned of a great error to afflict human society By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Come, let us build ourselves a city and make a tower with its top in the sky, and so make a name for ourselves.” — Genesis 11:4 Social micromanagement. …

Mary, our help and refuge

Our consecration to Mary, praying her rosary daily are invaluable in the spiritual battles of life By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.”— Matthew 1:20 A life-changing consecration. The words spoken by the angel of the …