Special Holy Days of Eucharist by Bishop Vann

This letter on the solemn holidays of Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi and the Sacred Heart of Jesus from Bishop Kevin W. Vann of the Diocese of Orange, California, remind and teach us once again that the Risen Lord is truly present in Eucharist! May they be emblazoned on our hearts as we process through the Liturgical Calendar of Ordinary Time of blessing and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles (C): God’s Call To Be His Disciple Requires Our Commitment To Never Look Back!

Scripture can seem confusing at times.  In our readings and the Gospel today we are told not to look back.  And, yet, throughout the New Testament we receive references to the Hebrew Scriptures to help us better understand what we are called to do.  That is why the Church is blessed with bible scholars who are able to interpret what was written in various foreign languages to clarify our journey to everlasting life.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (C): The Body And Blood Of Christ Feast Calls Us As A Community To Commit Ourselves Fully As Jesus Did For Us

In my earliest stage of life I used to watch people as they approached the sanctuary to receive communion or seek a blessing during Mass.  Most were devout in their approach, receipt and returning to their pews.  Once in a while someone seemed to do it because everyone else was because it was part of the crowd flow.  What was more interesting to witness was how people left the church; especially those who received Eucharist.  It was as if the significance of what just happened a few minutes prior got lost in translation.

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (C): THE MOST HOLY TRINITY! A PERFECT MYSTERY AT THE CENTER OF CHRISTIAN FAITH AND LIFE!

As a baptized believer in the Catholic faith my parents and godparents made a promise on my behalf as a child that I will love God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength and all that God has created as Jesus loves us.  My Confirmation followed up with that by my personal attestation that I will, with the help of the Holy Spirit, continue in that belief and work to bring those in need into the Church. 

The Office of Peter and My Journey into the Catholic Church by Father Glenn Baaten

 As an Ordinariate priest, I find it both meaningful and providential that our North American jurisdiction is named the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. For those of us who are former Anglicans and Episcopalians, our journey into the fullness of the Catholic Church has come through a profound acknowledgment of the visible unity of the Church, found in the office of the Pope.

Pentecost Sunday (C): As The Holy Spirit Communicates The Teachings Of Jesus It Allows Us To Keep Our Promise Of Sharing His Gospel Message

 About a decade ago, my wife and I along with six members of our family were vacationing in northern Italy to be followed by a week of visiting Croatia, Greece and Turkey.  Most of our overseas trips are usually to one area in which the same language is spoken when visiting different countries.  Though our tour guides would all speak English for our side trips, we would be exposed to several languages we did not know.

The Ascension of the Lord (C): Christ’s Ascension Provides A New Beginning For Us To Continue His Work On Earth

All things, good or bad, come to an end in some way, shape or form.  When it happens, we usually have mixed emotions depending on our part in it and our expectations.  That is how the Apostles felt at the end of Christ’s ministry on earth.  All of them started out doing something unrelated to becoming future Church leaders who will expand a faith belief for the world.  We know from Scripture that in their three years with Jesus prior to His demise as a human they wanted to follow in Jesus footsteps.  Following His death, resurrection and visit with them, many initially returned to their former life because they were confused in their future.  After spending an additional 40 days with Jesus ending with His Ascension, they reverted back to the desire of spiritual involvement.

Sixth Sunday of Easter (C): God Sends the Holy Spirit So We Can Understand and Practice Jesus’ Message of Love Clearly

God created us as unique beings with a free-will to decide how we should live our lives; according to the ways of the Lord or in ways that satisfy our wants and needs as we believe is necessary.  In sorting this out, we come into numerous conflicts with different interpretations that cause disagreements as we try to articulate our faith in a changing world.  Our Gospel today offers a road of calm and peace in which despite differences, we can find a common ground toward understanding in which to receive the indwelling of Christ’s love in our hearts by keeping His Word through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Fifth Sunday of Easter (C): Love One Another As Jesus Loves Us!

 For those who have access to social media, television or the written media, you know that many societies throughout the world are self-centered in their approach to life.  Wealth, Power and Fame are the main catalyst on one side and being downtrodden by multiple circumstances is another.  It almost seems hopeless that we will ever live in a society that not only offers equality, but practices it in all we think, say and do.  That being the case, how can we ever love one another as Jesus loves us?

Fourth Sunday of Easter (C): “The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep By Name…”

 Have you been called by God?  Have you responded?  If so, what are you doing about it?  If not, why not?