Religious Education - Children
Catechist BlogBoth And
The first readings for this week are taken from the Letter to the Hebrews. The psalms are ones that speak of the covenant of God with his people. The gospels are taken from the earliest days of Jesus’ public ministry when he confronts the chaos, disorder and evil in...
Our Pioneer of Salvation
This week we begin reading from the “Letter to the Hebrews.” This work is not exactly a letter but is more a homily or theological treatise. It reflects on the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus. From these reflections the author draws out the meaning for our...
Being a Covenant People
Today marks the end of the Liturgical season of Christmas as we celebrate the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout the Christmas season we have heard the titles and honorifics: Messiah, Wonder Counselor, Prince of Peace; but today, we hear...
Faith and Hope in Mission
Today we celebrate the feast of St. John Henry Newman. When I was studying biology in college, the Catholic communities on secular universities were called the Newman Clubs after John Henry Newman. The Catholic chaplain at my college had a dog whose name was John...
Creative Service
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, first person born in the USA to be recognized as a saint. She was a wife, mother, widow, convert, founder of a religious order, and founder of the parochial school system in the USA. With faith she lived...
The Lamb of God
In today’s Gospel John the Baptist continues bearing witness to Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” These words are familiar since they are the words the priests says right before we receive communion as he holds up the host and...
Who Is the Liar?
“Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ.” These words from today’s 1st reading show us that lying was a problem in this 1st Century Christian Community. It also seems to be a problem today in our world, in our nation, and even in our Christian...
Principles for Parish Life and Ministry
Principles for the community and our parish in ministry, but also great principles for life in the world. THY WILL BE DONE - Are we completely giving ourselves over to God’s will? And embracing the high adventure of His plan, over our plan, wherever that may lead?...
The Holy Family
Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Today’s Gospel tells the story of the visit of the “outsiders,” the Magi, to the holy family. While the holy family was not your typical family, they were a real family that experienced all the joys...
It’s About the Choices We Make
The Letter of John in today’s first reading is a challenging exhortation as to how we should treat “our brother”. His way of describing how we should treat other people. He doesn’t mince words! First, he says that relationships should be framed in black and white....