My Dear Parishioners, I recently met with a nice young couple interested in joining the Catholic faith.  They were enthusiastic and interested in learning more about our church.  What a great blessing and opportunity.  They were both baptized in another Christian faith and they both have some exposure to the Catholic Church.  I must say…

My Dear Parishioners, The weekend of August 19-20 has been set aside for a special collection for the Catholic University of America.  Archbishop Chaput has asked that we communicate this message this week, in advance of that second collection.  Here is his letter: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I appeal to you today to…

My Dear Parishioners, Three weeks ago I told you what a great success our Manna Food Drive was.  Our July donations totaled 2,355 pounds.  While the volunteers at The Coordinating Council of Health and Welfare were very appreciative of all your generosity, I think it is important that you know that many others are appreciative…

My Dear Parishioners, You may have noticed a change to the “Financial Report” in the bulletin.  It was suggested that we try reporting expenditures on a monthly basis rather than week to week to give a clearer picture of the total costs.  There was some confusion about the various insurances that we are required to…

My Dear Parishioners, Almost two weeks ago, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nelson Perez as the new bishop for the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio.  They have been waiting for a bishop for about seven months.  I am asking you to pray for Bishop Perez for two reasons.  First because he is a Philadelphian and a classmate…

My Dear Parishioners, Just a reminder that the second collection this week is for the Vicariate of Nekemte, Ethiopia.  Fr. Dawit Moroda spoke to us last week about the situation and the extreme poverty in the region.  He was very impressed with the faith in our region and I assured him a continued remembrance in…

My Dear Parishioners, We offer a special welcome to Fr. Dawit Tarfa, a priest of the Apostolic Vicariate of Nekemte, Ethiopia.  He will be telling us about the missions in his native land.  As requested by the Pontifical Mission Society, the second collection next weekend July 15/16 will be for Fr. Tarfa’s home diocese. I…

My Dear Parishioners, As our nation celebrates its birthday, we are called to think about the many rich blessings we enjoy as citizens of this great country.  I think of the many ways that God has blessed us and I believe our first response must be one of thanksgiving to Him.  He is the source…

My Dear Parishioners, We are presently in the midst of our Fortnight for Freedom.  These are two weeks that we set aside specifically to pray for protection of our religious liberty in this country.  We are being asked by the US Bishops to say prayers, offer sacrifice such as fasting and perform additional acts of…

My Dear Parishioners, Happy Father’s Day!  Today we honor and thank our dads.  Too often we take them for granted.  Your Father’s Day envelopes with your intentions written on them will stay on the reredos (back altar) for the rest of the month of June.  It is appropriate that they are there at the base…