Scripture shows us how God makes himself visible to humans By Father Joseph Brando It’s hard to believe. With my Christmas tree still shining forth in my living room, I am writing a column that features the first three Sundays of Lent. One of the factors of getting old is …
He dwells among us: He must increase
May we always give both the gifts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and our hearts to others By Bishop Richard F. Stika Our Lenten pilgrimage begins early this year, before St. Valentine’s day, so if you’re giving up candy or chocolate, you might be challenged when the heart-shaped boxes …
Praying for perspective: Searching for that inner piece making us more Scrooge-like
By George Valadie Consider just for a minute — when did you first notice it had happened to you? I’m not sure it hit me at any one particular moment. It was more like a collection of moments. Each a sad one, now that I think about it. First, there …
Once upon a time: Seeking the passage to salvation
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Doors. We so often take them for granted. Cellar doors protected crops stored for the winter, or Christmas presents, or family stills during Prohibition days. Basements store furnaces, air-conditioning units, and family treasures. The doors to our houses offer safe passage to those who enter invited …
He dwells among us: The eyes of mercy
What we receive without cost, we must give without cost By Bishop Richard F. Stika The Religious Sisters of Mercy have a picture at their motherhouse in Alma, Mich., that depicts a sobbing St. Peter being comforted by the Blessed Mother. In her hands, Mary holds her son’s crown of …
Understanding the sacraments: Misal Romano, Tercera Edición
Latest edition of Roman Missal’s Spanish translation may speed up approval of U.S. version By Father Randy Stice In recent columns I have discussed the new Order of Matrimony and the new translation of the Order of Confirmation. In this column I want to introduce the Misal Romano, Tercera Edición, …
Marriage enrichment: Celebrating marriage
Strong, long-lasting partnerships serve as role models for us all By Marian Christiana Bishop Richard F. Stika and the Office of Marriage and Enrichment will be honoring long-lasting marriages in February. Before I get into the details of that, let me discuss the importance of long-lasting marriages. Long-lasting marriages are …
Once upon a time: ‘Tis the season for the Prince of Peace
Christmas evokes memories of people who decorated our lives during the sacred holiday By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Christmas time again. While it’s one thing to wish peace on earth o people of good will, those sentiments won’t fit in all cases (as much as you and I wish such sentiments …
Living the readings: Preparing for the end
We live in time and eternity as Christ offers us eternal life By Father Joseph Brando It may seem strange to many that the liturgical calendar begins with our preparation and celebration of the birth of the Messiah whereas our daily calendar (which is a Christian product) begins on the …
He dwells among us: Making our way home
The doors of mercy are open wide to receive us as we enter this Jubilee Year By Bishop Richard F. Stika Imagine what would have happened if the innkeeper in Bethlehem, instead of turning Mary and St. Joseph away, had welcomed them into his home and said, “Tell me about …
Praying for Perspective: Coming to terms
Writing too soon about the loss of a best friend By George Valadie I got the call on the 18th. Pat’s younger brother was on the other end of the line. “Hey George, just wanted to let you know that Pat’s in the hospital. He wasn’t feeling that well and …
Once upon a time: Re-examining the ‘lost’ sacrament
With all the discussion going on these days about the sacrament of confirmation, remarks are in order about the “lost” sacrament of initiation. By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Our bishop will soon promulgate the time for the sacrament, with instructions for its celebration. The pastor historically has been the key person …