Traditionally, the four candles on the Advent wreath, symbolizing the four weeks of our preparation for the coming of Christ, invite us to practice four virtues: hope, peace, joy, and love. Last week’s call to “HOPE” is enhanced this week by an invitation to live in “PEACE”. As we heard last Sunday, hope is much more than “optimism”. Hope is the conviction that even when the night seems dark and cold, the dawn is near. Hope means we are not alone: God will never abandon us. God hears and answers us.
At a recent diocesan catechetical conference, I was talking with two of the speakers, Mike and Louise. Mike was reading a book called “Multiple Intelligences”. Apparently, just as there is “intellectual” intelligence to help you understand concepts, there is also “emotional” intelligence, “spir
Although Fr John and I were priests of different generations – he was ordained in 1966, I in 1991 – one thing we had in common was an experience of profound joy, when in March 2013, we witnessed the election of the first Pope from the global South: Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, now universally known as Pope Francis. In his recent encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship, Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis proclaims:
Those of you who have participated in the Scouting movement are no doubt familiar with this motto. Along with “do a good deed each day” and “do your duty to God and the Queen”, it is one of the moral principles on which a good Scout’s life is founded.
Hallowe’en. All Saints Day. All Souls Day. Remembrance Day. November comes upon us, and we see the signs of death in nature: falling leaves; wet windy days; long chilly nights; the first snowfall. Inevitably – and even more so in this pandemic year – November invites us to ponder our mortality, finitude, and vulnerability. Our faith takes death seriously. But it also teaches us that death is not the final answer. “Death, where is your victory?
Back in the 1990s, the Canadian bishops issued a pastoral letter on the economy. After consulting with various experts, and seeing the suffering of their people, they crafted a statement reminding political and economic leaders of their responsibility towards the poor, the unemployed, and all wh
Render unto Caesar what is Caesar, and to God what is God's
Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.October 18, 2020
Back in the 1990s, the Canadian bishops issued a major statement on the economy. After consulting with various experts, they crafted a statement reminding political and economic leaders of their moral responsibility towards the poor, the unemployed and those who bore the brunt of social and economic inequality. Their statement was intelligent, well-researched, and rooted in Gospel values – and yes, critical of existing policies.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, our readings speak to us of banquets and feasts. In the first reading, we hear Isaiah’s promise of “a feast of rich food and well-aged wines” for all peoples and nations. The Psalmist describes God as a Good Shepherd: One who leads us to abundant pastu
Most of us can relate quite easily to BOTH sons in the parable Jesus tells in today’s Gospel. There’s a part of us that is spontaneously generous and wants to say “Yes” to everything – but when the chips are down, and we have to confront our very real limits, we don’t always deliver the goods.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus describes two kinds of people: those who initially say “no” but then follow through on what they were asked, and those who say “yes” immediately, but fail to follow through. Which of these descriptions fits you more accurately? With which of these people would you rather work? Or serve on a parish committee?
St. Monica's Parish