Helping the poor starts with you and me
Jesus’ Gospel calls Christians to work to make our world a better place for everyone because each person is created in God’s image, thus enjoying dignity. Our dignity is not given us by society’s standards, but is bestowed upon us by God Himself. In justice Christians...Read full story »
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Authentic Christianity always looks outward
“It is no longer possible to claim that religion should be restricted to the private sphere and that it exists only to prepare souls for heaven…. No one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without influence on societal and national l...Read full story »
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Our inseparable bond
An inseparable bond exists between our accepting God’s message of salvation and the charity we show toward others. The former Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation praises God “who has joined himself through Christ to the human family by a bond that can never be broken.R...Read full story »
Monday, June 01, 2015
Let's define 'New Evangelization'
Popes John Paul II, Benedict XV and Francis have all written about the need for a “new evangelization.” What do they mean by “new evangelization?” Evangelization is the main mission of the Church, given by Jesus as recorded at the end of Matthew’s G...Read full story »
Thursday, May 21, 2015
'The evangelizing power of popular piety'
Pope Francis discusses (in his apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” or “Evangelii Gaudium”) the importance of “the evangelizing power of popular piety” – calling it a “precious treasure in the Catholic Church” (E.G.123). Po...Read full story »
Monday, April 27, 2015
Called to witness Christ to others
Our Holy Saturday Easter Vigils were filled with excitement as we experienced the baptisms and confirmations of new Church members. What a gift they are to the Church! New members remind us that Jesus’ resurrection is not only a past historical event. We see the risen...Read full story »
Monday, April 13, 2015
RCIA enables growth of the family of Christ
Pope Francis exemplifies in his own life what he says the Church must be “a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium 114). This is the goal of the RCIA, which is not...Read full story »
Monday, March 30, 2015
We all must proclaim the Gospel
For the next few weeks we are going to reflect upon Pope Francis’ teachings in Chapter 3 of “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”). He reminds us that proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus is the work of every Christian and the entire Church. Years...Read full story »
Monday, March 16, 2015
'The Joy of the Gospel' includes a call to become more welcoming
Pope Francis turns his attention to the Church, stating that the Church may create situations that do not lend themselves to people wanting to hear the Gospel or be part of a parish community. He writes, “We must recognize that if part of our baptized people lack a sense of belon...Read full story »
Monday, March 02, 2015
'The Joy of the Gospel' does not include the modern joy of money
Pope Francis continues on with his reflections on modern day society, in which the Good News of Jesus Christ must be preached, by saying, “No to the new idolatry of money.” He makes the bold statement that, “The worship of the ancient gold calf (Exodus 32:1-35) has re...Read full story »
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
