The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown …

Evangelize the Unaware

Evangelize the Unaware We often hear the phrase “let’s not talk about religion or politics” when we are in social settings. Many of us probably even have examples where conversations can get heated on both topics because some people are passionate about them. I recently had a work situation were a co-worker was taking an opportunity to vent about his Catholic upbringing, …

Year of Mercy – Sheltering the Homeless

The Challenge of Sheltering the Homeless One of the corporal works of mercy that is highlighted in our parish calendar for the month of March is to give shelter to the homeless.  Our parish St. Vincent de Paul conference understands that once a person or a family is truly homeless then the challenge of actually placing them in housing is …

Year of Mercy – Feb. 28

“Mercy is the heart of God. It must also be the heart of the members of the one great family of his children: a heart which beats all the more strongly wherever human dignity – as a reflection of the face of God in his creatures – is in play. Jesus tells us that love for others – foreigners, the …

Providing Food for the Hungry and Drink for the Thirsty

Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “It is in giving that we receive.” I believe that this is the whole idea behind the works of mercy. When we give food to the hungry, clothe the naked, or visit the imprisoned, we can truly receive just as much as the individuals we are assisting. Thus I believe that when we begin …

Lent and the Year of Mercy

“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” (Mt. 9:13) In his message for Lent 2016, Pope Francis asked that “the season of Lent in this Jubilee Year be lived more intensely as a privileged moment to celebrate and experience in God’s mercy.” As we celebrate the Year of Mercy and the season of Lent, let us focus on mercy and not …

Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy Prayer

Pope Francis’ Prayer for Jubilee Year of Mercy Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness …

Year of Mercy – Jan. 8

Visit and Pray for the Sick, Home-bound, and Elderly What Can I do? “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” – Matthew 14:14 Pope Francis quotes this scripture in his document that declared the Year of Mercy.  “Jesus felt deep compassion for the crowd and on …

Year of Mercy Begins

Today is the beginning of a Holy Year of Mercy.  As Pope Francis explained, the Holy Year is dedicated to living out in our daily lives the mercy which God constantly extends to all of us. To begin this special year, think about what this means to you and how you can increase your spirituality.  What are you seeking for …