I know today is a tough day for some of us, but not all of us.  In fact, some of you just coming to Mass and thinking it’s just another Sunday might not even know what I’m talking about. But for those of us still grieving the loss of someone (especially if it’s been a recent death) you were probably already aware that today is the feast of All Souls. It’s one of those days that only falls on a Sunday once every seven years or so, and so usually when celebrated during the wee

On behalf of myself and Fr. Garry Richmeier, who I know would really, really like to be here and the leadership of this parish: Fr. Don Farnan, who also could not be here – and Pat Marrin and the parishioners of St. James on behalf of Bishop Johnston, and the Deacon community of our diocese I wish to extend to you, most of all Nata, Our deepest and sincerest sympathies on the loss of your husband, Ross.  For 58 years as a couple, you enjoyed your good times and bad times and

There was an old monsignor who got moved from a parish in small town to a large parish in the city.  He retained his old habit of unlocking the Church at 6 in the morning, in spite of the daily Mass not being until 8:00 o’clock. It only took a few days before there was a man who was waiting for him ever morning bright and early at 6 who then stayed for the Mass. Curiosity got the best of him, and after a few more days, he asked the man who he found out was named John, “John,

There is the old saying:  the devil is in the details, but let’s adapt that a bit to say that grace, too, is in the details, because there are a few details we might miss in today’s Gospel if we aren’t paying attention  that brings added meaning to this encounter Jesus has. Like: “As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.” Most of us should remember that Jews who want to remain ritually pure had nothing to do with Samaritans in Jesu

Perhaps it is because the Apostles drew similar conclusions as us after hearing Jesus tell his parable about the rich man and Lazarus:...

One of my all time favorite movies is Shawshank Redemption. I hope you are familiar with this story of life inside a fictitious Maine...

There was a word that occurred in the Gospel nine times today. I don’t know if you noticed the repetition, but the word is steward: one...

There were many things that 8 year old Noah liked to do. He liked to shoot hoops with his friends during recess at school. He likes to...

During the early years of the 20th century, Bill Borden, of Borden Dairy fame, turned his back on his family’s great fortune to become a...

Two weeks ago, the reading from St. Luke’s Gospel began in this way: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is...

A Calvin and Hobbes cartoon pictures Calvin, who is probably 4 or 5 years old, sitting under a sign out by the street which says, “a good...

I found Jesus’ words in the Gospel today very comforting; did you catch them right at the beginning of the reading? “Do not be afraid any...

The Vicious Cycle by Subham Garg Once upon a time there was a beggar.  A dirt-poor beggar with no money for food, shelter, or decent...

Most of us think of prayers, as asking God for what we want or need. While prayer is much more than this, let’s stick with that for a...

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. . .   Jesus doesn’t use any religious or social labels to describe the man, and he...

Ordinarily, after Lent, after Easter, and after the two post, Easter solemnities of the Holy Trinity and the Body and Blood of Christ, we...

On this feast of the Holy Trinity – which teaches us that God comes in three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: let me share three stories...

I think the seeds, as well as the need for today’s feast of Pentecost were planted last week in our hearts and minds in two of our...

And Jesus said: “my children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment love one another.” Did I read...

Most of you, especially the students in our school, have heard a lot of this – but I don’t think anyone has heard the full story. So on...