He dwells among us: The cathedral of our heart

Holiness is a beauty that exceeds even the most beautiful cathedral in the world Bishop Richard F. Stika “You are God’s field, God’s building. …Each one must be careful how he builds upon it” (1 Corinthians 9:9, 10). As I watch the many construction workers laboring daily to give greater …

He dwells among us: Reverence and silence

In the presence of Our Lord at church, quiet is a sacred blessing that we must all respect and practice By Bishop Richard F. Stika My house shall be called a house of prayer…” (Matthew 21:13). I chose these words of Jesus to be inscribed on the cornerstone of our new …

He dwells among us: Keeping death before us

Do not neglect the beauty and comfort of a Catholic funeral Mass By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Go to Joseph!” (Gn 41:55) These words of urgent counsel were spoken by Pharaoh to those seeking relief in ancient Egypt from the great drought and famine that afflicted the land. In this …

1

He dwells among us: The sharpest sword

Blessed Mother recommends the rosary most to instill the peace of Christ in our hearts, homes, world By Bishop Richard F. Stika World crises in 1917 may not be all that different from ours today—wars, genocide, revolutions, divisions. But yet the best means for obtaining the peace so desperately needed …

He dwells among us: A dwelling pleasing to God

We are all called to be mothers of Christ and to be bearers of Christ to others By Bishop Richard F. Stika “In you, all find their home.” It is hard to call any one psalm my favorite, as I have so many, but I always like to pause over …

He dwells among us: Our days are numbered

How will we use the time we have left? Three important top for making the most of our moments By Bishop Richard F. Stika It doesn’t happen that often, but this year it does. We will be in Ordinary Time for the whole month of February. That’s right – Lent …

He dwells among us: Awakening love

Christ provides the only answer that truly satisfies the ‘why’ of suffering By Bishop Richard F. Stika It is said that “sadness is looking at oneself,” whereas “joy is looking at God.” I must admit, though, in looking back upon this past year, with its many tragedies, from the deadly and …

He dwells among us: The mercy of God invites us!

Christ wants us to open the door to the ‘inn’ of our hearts to God’s mercy that we might sow peace By Bishop Richard F. Stika The dust has far from settled from a political election that reveals how truly divided we have become as a nation. While we all …

He dwells among us: Never alone

We are all called to be the consoling presence of the Merciful Father to others By Bishop Richard F. Stika “THE HOUR IS COMING,” Jesus said to His disciples, when “each of you will be scattered … and you will leave me alone; yet I am not alone for the …

He dwells among us: Deliver us from evil

The Church, as guardian of the truth, help us discern between good and evil By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Begone, Satan!” These were the last words spoken by the French priest Father Jacques Hamel as two ISIS terrorists attacked him while he celebrated Mass in his parish church in July. …

He dwells among us: Saints and prophets

The Church does not offer political solutions but must always be the voice of God’s truth By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Cor 9:16) The words of St. Paul challenge all of us, particularly clergy, to always speak the truth …

He dwells among us: Jesus, where are you?

In life’s storms when we feel overwhelmed, Christ is present in surprising ways By Bishop Richard F. Stika I occasionally come across an inspirational quote or story on Facebook that I like to share. Once such story, written in poetic form, speaks of how God sometimes allows us to experience more …