Immediately I recognized that cry. One of the kindergarteners was having a difficult time, and was wailing as I walked near the room. I stopped in and chatted for a moment with the teacher, who was busy soothing another child. I went to my little friend and greeted her, and she instantly poured out her troubles. "I didn't get to go to computer class, and the fing fell off my head!" The thing that had fallen off her forehead were the ashes from that morning's Mass. I condoled

Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever. We are already halfway through lent! Before you know it, here comes Holy Week. What we often do not realize is that Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil are seen as one event called the Sacred Triduum. Sadly, the church will be full on Easter Sunday, but for these other events on Holy Thursday and Good Friday the church will be lacking in attendance. It is what I have been saying: "we want the Resurrection, but let's forget

Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever. I want to thank all those who sent condolences, cards, prayers and Masses for my sister, Sr. Jane Mary Firestone, on the occasion of her death. She was a very accomplished person who never stopped practicing medicine until the very last days of her life. I believe that is the way to go in life and in death; serving the people that the Lord sends our way. Retirement is not an option when it comes to faith. I will miss her because she wa

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope this finds you all well, as we’re into the first week of this holy season of Lent. Hopefully spring isn’t too far away either! I’ve claimed the bulletin article this week to break some news officially to you, which many of you likely already know or have at least heard in parts: I will return to Rome in the fall to finish my final year of theological studies. Additionally, prior to that, I will spend July and August serving as chaplain at the

Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever. I want to thank all those who sent cards, and prayers and presents my way because of my birthday. I am slightly amazed that we make such a big deal out of birthdays, since we really had nothing to do with it. I hit the big 65. I was thinking about becoming an Uber driver. But that company seems to be in trouble now and it is probably just as well that I stick to being your pastor. Besides, I mentioned to the Bishop that I could retire.