Anatomy of Contrition
Several weeks back, we had a series of articles that touched on guilt, conscience, and shame, all in light of God’s overwhelming mercy. The whole Church is celebrating the gift of mercy this year at the direction of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Then, just last week, Fr. Steven mentioned [...]
Questions on Confession I
My dear friends, From time to time, I get questions about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During this year of Mercy, I’d like to answer some of these questions in the bulletins this summer. Question: Some of the prayers I learned as a child are now different, like the Act of [...]
Jesus in a Clear Tupperware Container
In addition to my assignment here at St. Peter’s, I am also responsible for the corrections ministry in Washington County. This includes Stillwater and Oak Park Heights Prisons and the Washington County Jail. From time to time, I would like to share with you a bit about what I do [...]
The Most Holy Trinity
Pope Francis says that Holy Trinity Sunday calls us to live “one with the other,” to “welcome the beauty of the Gospel message” and to learn to ask forgiveness. Speaking to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Holy Trinity Sunday 2015, the Pope also spoke of the need [...]
Reflection From our Deacon Tim
Today we celebrate Pentecost, the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. We celebrate what is really the birthday of the Church. God sent the Holy Spirit, the breath of God, to enliven and embolden the flock who would lead, guide and shape the Church on earth. While [...]
The Presence of Mercy
First off, I would be entirely remiss to fail in wishing a very restful and happy Mother’s Day to all who are called as mothers of any kind. Women offer the Church, and indeed the world, a grace and beauty, a strength with gentleness that is worthy of reflection in [...]
Learning To Love As Jesus Did
In this Sunday’s gospel from John, Jesus gives us a “new commandment,” to love one another as He loves us. But what does that look like? A few weeks ago, I had my first experience of offering a Word and Communion service at the Washington County Jail. I met my [...]
Jesus, The Good Shepherd
My dear friends, The Gospel today is one of many that show how Jesus was able to use the stuff of every day life to teach the people about God and the plan of salvation. This particular passage from St. John is often called the “Good Shepherd discourse,” for Jesus [...]
Mercy in Grace
This has been a week of tremendous grace here at St. Peter’s. I will always be the first to acknowledge how very blessed I am to be a part of so many wondrous and sacred moments in the life of the church and in the lives of our parishioners. There [...]
The Gift of Divine Mercy
My dear friends, Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. This special feast was inaugurated by St. John Paul II in October of 2000, who, on the same day, canonized Sr. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun through whom the Lord had chosen to spread His message of mercy. In her prayer, Jesus [...]
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