tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17988584275985652242024-03-05T03:28:36.205-06:00Veritas in caritateFr. Michael Lampe shares the truth in love through his homilies and other recordings. May all who come to this blog be drawn more closely to Jesus Christ!Fr. Michael Lampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759170592003206620noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-10092913274018664082021-07-01T20:57:00.005-05:002021-07-11T15:22:18.470-05:00Last Posting for this Blog!<p>Hello Everyone,</p><p>I was blessed to be at Ascension for 4 years and all my Sunday homilies, most Holy Days of Obligation homilies, some Vocations Event homilies, and most talks I gave at Ascension were shared on this blog. Since I am no longer an associate pastor at Ascension, I will no longer post things on this blog. </p><p>However, I will continue to record my homilies as I preach them at my new parish assignment of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Dardenne Prairie and post them on my podcast. The media player below has the most recent posted audio recordings and the link below will give you access to all my recordings.</p><iframe allowfullscreen="" allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=r88cm-1e649f-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=all&ss=a713390a017602015775e868a2cf26b0&btn-skin=6&size=315" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="frlampe's Podcast" width="100%"></iframe><p><a href="https://frlampe.podbean.com/">https://frlampe.podbean.com/</a></p><p>Thank you to everyone who visited and continue to visit this blog! My past blogs will remain available for everyone who is interested in it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UTsgrm3GQAZCrRgDCzqs9A9muCgmb6XqQOOB-_OhzKu-_v5MEfyFdCL1eT203QHyf4MwAsdT0MbhP_0hL33kB9vUPtigeInL27jEswhFNwlYPksuVS87qXbOnZpGOkP5Rs98FEIbp2Q/s2048/Fr+Lampe+June+2021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UTsgrm3GQAZCrRgDCzqs9A9muCgmb6XqQOOB-_OhzKu-_v5MEfyFdCL1eT203QHyf4MwAsdT0MbhP_0hL33kB9vUPtigeInL27jEswhFNwlYPksuVS87qXbOnZpGOkP5Rs98FEIbp2Q/s320/Fr+Lampe+June+2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Fr. Michael Lampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759170592003206620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-44302215564232768742021-06-30T19:57:00.001-05:002021-07-01T20:05:33.481-05:00Last Homily - Healing Power of God - 13th Sunday in OT - June 27th, 2021<p>My last Sunday homily at Ascension. We see a theme of healing in our Gospel passage. God wants to heal us, especially in ways that help us get to Heaven! I hope that I was a good instrument of God's healing grace to you. Listen to my homily to learn more and hear my final farewell to the first parish I was a part of as a priest. The audio recording is from the 5:30 pm Mass and it includes a story of St. John Vianney that was not in the video recording from the 9:15 am Mass.</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wpfcs-107b768-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=6" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Healing Power of God - 13th Sunday in OT - June 27th, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24 / Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13 [2a] / 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15 / Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43</p><p style="text-align: left;">Key Words: Healing, Heaven, Miracles, Love</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7rBOQ5CRcE4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-61732171113793275312021-06-26T19:45:00.007-05:002021-07-01T19:56:55.185-05:00Faith in the Face of the Storm - 12th Sunday in OT - June 20th, 2021<p>We can face many kinds of storms in our lives and wonder where God is in all of it? Does He care? Why is He letting this happen? Listen to my homily and get some answers!</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6ikug-107b75d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=6" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Faith in the Face of the Storm - 12th Sunday in OT - June 20th, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Jb 38:1, 8-11; Ps 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31 [1b]; 2 Cor 5:14-17; Mk 4:35-41</p><p>Key Words: Storms, Heaven, Growth, Prayer, Suffering</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCXtOH-q9ok/YN5kEQYZOeI/AAAAAAAABts/VRljkOCpfvgmWqVxFOPkyCMGC3v2FIyzgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/johannes-plenio-E-Zuyev2XWo-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCXtOH-q9ok/YN5kEQYZOeI/AAAAAAAABts/VRljkOCpfvgmWqVxFOPkyCMGC3v2FIyzgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/johannes-plenio-E-Zuyev2XWo-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFrB64JZdJo/YN5kEtqUhVI/AAAAAAAABtw/2W9GOV3lo-MExx5uT1HXGVjGbs3ccdTDACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/noaa-5YryiYcFvtA-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFrB64JZdJo/YN5kEtqUhVI/AAAAAAAABtw/2W9GOV3lo-MExx5uT1HXGVjGbs3ccdTDACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/noaa-5YryiYcFvtA-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDQNtwKCn3A/YN5kEhNrsVI/AAAAAAAABt0/0GvT5_L0P6grdbe96xWseEVDa2s7tJPJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/noaa-UJsUJr3cgEM-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDQNtwKCn3A/YN5kEhNrsVI/AAAAAAAABt0/0GvT5_L0P6grdbe96xWseEVDa2s7tJPJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/noaa-UJsUJr3cgEM-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-40720088049518087732021-06-09T08:05:00.001-05:002021-06-09T08:05:00.241-05:00The Real Presence of Jesus Christ - Corpus Christi - June 6th, 2021<p>What makes Mass, Mass? What is the most important part of Mass? Some may say Holy Communion, but actually that isn't the most important part. We can go to Mass without receiving Holy Communion and it still is Mass... Listen to my homily to find out more and learn about the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wmw4d-105c2ea-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The Real Presence of Jesus Christ - Corpus Christi - June 6th, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/24?3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #363936; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Ex 24:3-8</a>; <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/116?12" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #363936; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Ps 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18</a>; <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/9?11" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #363936; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Heb 9:11-15</a>; <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/14?12" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #363936; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Mk 14:12-16, 22-26</a></p><p>Key Themes: Real Presence of Jesus Christ, Eucharist, Reasons to Believe</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tj3Ylm4DgDA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-23118940553781173152021-05-31T09:57:00.002-05:002021-07-01T19:45:15.155-05:00Ponder the Mystery - Trinity Sunday - May 30th, 2021<p>The Mystery of the Trinity can be hard to accept. It is something that should be pondered and the more we ponder it the easier it will be to accept it. Listen to my homily to help you enter more deeply into this mystery.</p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rx2tu-105b45e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Ponder the Mystery - Trinity Sunday - May 30th, 2021" width="100%"></iframe></p><p>Readings: DT 4:32-34, 39-40; PS 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22; ROM 8:14-17; MT 28:16-20</p><p>Key Themes: Ponder the Mystery, Trinity</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7HlbGWd6bo/YMAIS56hGOI/AAAAAAAABss/x59mStFRxo8MUoFU6aDOD3pg8NGCDfp8wCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="646" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7HlbGWd6bo/YMAIS56hGOI/AAAAAAAABss/x59mStFRxo8MUoFU6aDOD3pg8NGCDfp8wCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="179" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Athanasian Creed Excerpt Describing the Trinity<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We worship One God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Spirit. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is One, the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit; the Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated; the father infinite, the Son infinite, and the Holy Spirit infinite; the Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet not three eternals but one eternal, as also not three infinites, nor three uncreated, but one uncreated, and one infinite…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God; and yet not three Gods but one God… For like as we are compelled by Christian truth to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be both God; so are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say, there be three Gods.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone, not made nor created but begotten. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and the Son, not made nor created nor begotten but proceeding. So, there is one Father not three Fathers, one Son not three Sons, and Holy Spirit not three Holy Spirits. And in this Trinity, there is nothing before or after, nothing greater or less, but the whole three Persons are coeternal together and coequal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the trinity in Unity and the Unity in Trinity is to be worshipped.</span></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-51679924763076927882021-05-27T21:33:00.002-05:002021-05-27T21:33:13.479-05:00Sharing Our Gifts with Others - New Parish Assignment - Pentecost - May 22, 2021<p>At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was given to the Church in a powerful way. It was the first Confirmation. God gives us the grace to spiritually mature, but He also gives us additional graces or gifts to be shared with others in the Church and the whole world. Listen to my homily and find out where I am being called to share my gifts.</p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fbzr8-104ba77-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=9" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Sharing Our Gifts with Others - Pentecost - May 22, 2021 - New Parish Assignment" width="100%"></iframe></p><p>Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15</p><p>Key Themes: Pentecost, Different Gifts, Sharing our Gifts with Others, New Parish Assignment</p><p>In addition to my homily, I gave a brief announcement about being reassigned to another parish. Below is the announcement that I made.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q4iVLq52Rg4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-78284547570404757662021-05-22T21:21:00.002-05:002021-05-27T21:25:13.727-05:00Following God - Praying for Vocations - May 21st, 2021<p>Holiness is our first vocation. As we pursue it, God will reveal to us His plan and any particular vocations such as priesthood, religious life, or holy matrimony. Listen to my homily to find out more!</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bhz6j-104ba68-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=4" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Following God - Praying for Vocations - May 21st, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhnKGINDMrI/W3nCVfBYUoI/AAAAAAAAASo/rrHSIIg_I1gvrwY_47LrE4mAR-nLalnFACPcBGAYYCw/s1068/Preaching%2B-%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="909" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhnKGINDMrI/W3nCVfBYUoI/AAAAAAAAASo/rrHSIIg_I1gvrwY_47LrE4mAR-nLalnFACPcBGAYYCw/s320/Preaching%2B-%2B1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-22286233483940623712021-05-02T09:17:00.002-05:002021-05-27T21:46:09.640-05:00Remain in Me - 5th Sunday of Easter - May 2nd, 2021<p>"Remain in me, as I remain in you. ... I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit." What does it mean to remain in Jesus and how do we do it? Listen to my Homily and find out!</p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pyubg-10252bb-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Remain in Me - 5th Sunday of Easter - May 2nd, 2021" width="100%"></iframe></p><p>Readings: Acts 9:26-31; Ps 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32; 1 Jn 3:18-24; Jn 15:1-8</p><p>Key Themes: Remaining in Jesus, Prayer, Sacraments, Virtues, Accepting Pruning</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1nXc0pyM7o/YI60JQTKd7I/AAAAAAAABqY/m4Kt22nU7B889xtTIFhIfhSxmx3AohZXACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/peter-keller-UdUEcCoDRsI-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1nXc0pyM7o/YI60JQTKd7I/AAAAAAAABqY/m4Kt22nU7B889xtTIFhIfhSxmx3AohZXACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/peter-keller-UdUEcCoDRsI-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@peterkeller66?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Peter Keller</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/vine-and-branches?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Unsplash</a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-21227630475987079142021-04-28T20:55:00.002-05:002021-04-28T21:08:05.535-05:00Discerning God's Will - 4th Sunday of Easter - April 25th, 2021<p>Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Church and He is the Good Shepherd. Our place in the Church depends on our relationship with the Cornerstone. The Good Shepherd knows what is best for us and wants to guide us to our greatest joys. God wills only what's best for us, so we should discern His will and follow Him. Listen to the audio from the 5:30 pm Mass or watch the video from the 9:15 am Mass!</p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=szksw-1020aa4-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Discerning God's Will - 4th Sunday of Easter - April 28th, 2021" width="100%"></iframe></p><p>Readings: Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18</p><p>Key Themes: The Stone Rejected by the Builders, Vocations</p><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6X6BDHYsfrs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Ascensions Prayer for Vocations</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of life and the gift of faith; born of Your infinite love. We ask you to bless our diocese with selfless hearts, willing to worship and serve You in Your Church.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord Jesus, we ask You to raise up saints from our homes, as called by the Father; providing courageous and humble men to the holy Priesthood, faithful servants to Consecrated Life, and holy men and women to the Sacrament of Matrimony.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Holy Spirit, help us live out our universal call to holiness, by listening to the Father’s voice and gratefully responding with a surrendering and sacrificial love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Holy Mary, Model of Vocations, teach us to hear and follow your Son Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Holy Mary, Queen of Priests, sanctify our priests and obtain for us many more.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Holy Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, show us the Way to the Heart of your Son.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for our families and children to be holy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ascension Catholic Church, Chesterfield 2020</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Zgh9efVho/YIoRzxdc2pI/AAAAAAAABqA/9WQRYpD3sUYQLz_i5wgjMx89pG27PhW4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2020%2BVocation%2Bfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Zgh9efVho/YIoRzxdc2pI/AAAAAAAABqA/9WQRYpD3sUYQLz_i5wgjMx89pG27PhW4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w550-h366/2020%2BVocation%2Bfront.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-88530524743095039452021-04-28T12:00:00.001-05:002021-04-28T12:00:00.416-05:00Spiritual Roadmap to Heaven - Radio Show Mini-Series<p>Did you know that the saints have mapped out the way to Heaven for us? This was amazing news to me when I first heard about it. Listen to a summary of this Spiritual Roadmap to Heaven in a mini-series radio show for Covenant Network that originally aired in January and February of 2020. All five episodes can be found below!</p><p>Episode 1: Overview of the Three Ages of the Spiritual Life and the Beginner</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=thnfe-fe28e2-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Spiritual Roadmap to Heaven - Episode 1 of 5" width="100%"></iframe><p>Topics covered in Episode 1:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How do we go from ordinary person to becoming a saint?</li><li>Three Ages of the Spiritual Life: Purgative (Beginner), Illuminative (Proficient), and Transformative Union (Perfect)</li><li>What is it like for the beginner in the Purgative Age?</li><li>Mortal and Venial Sin</li></ul><p></p><p>
</p><p><br /></p><p>Episode 2: Life in the later Ages of the Spiritual Life and the Problem of Evil</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3ypwg-fe2902-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Spiritual Roadmap to Heaven - Episode 2 of 5" width="100%"></iframe><p>Topics covered in Episode 2:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What is it like for the proficient in the Illuminative Age?</li><li>What about Evil in the world? How does that effect the faith of someone in this age?</li><li>What is it like for the perfect in the Transformative Union (Unitive Way)? </li></ul><p></p><p>
</p><p><br /></p>
<p>Episode 3: Transitioning or Growing in the Spiritual Life from One Age to the Next</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5iav5-fe298a-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Spiritual Roadmap to Heaven - Episode 3 of 5" width="100%"></iframe><p>Topics covered in Episode 3:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How do we transition from one age to the next?</li><li>Active purgation includes: Examinations of Conscience, Mortification, actively seeking to overcome sin</li><li>Passive purgation is like having surgery on the soul</li><li>St. John of the Cross - Contemplation</li><li>St. Therese of Lisieux and being childlike</li><li>St. John of the Cross and the Dark Nights of the Soul</li><li>St. Ignatius of Loyola - Consolation and Desolation</li><li>Detachment from the things of the world</li><li>Unforgiveness and Forgiveness</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Episode 4: The Dark Nights of the Soul and St. Peter's Spiritual Growth</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jqqww-ffd5a7-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Spiritual Roadmap to Heaven - Episode 4 of 5" width="100%"></iframe><p>Topics covered in Episode 4:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Detachment / Freedom from disordered attachments to sensible things</li><li>Dark Night of the Senses and Transitioning from the Purgative Way to the Illuminative Way</li><li>Confusion when in the Dark Night of the Senses because God is trying to encounter them in a different way</li><li>Dark Night of the Spirit is for the detachment from spiritual things</li><li>Social Media, Superficiality, and lack of fulfillment</li><li>St. Peter's Spiritual Journey, and that of the other Apostles</li><li>As we grow in holiness, we understand ourselves better</li></ul><p></p><p>
</p><p><br /></p><p>Episode 5: Growth in the Spiritual Life through the Sacraments and by God's Grace</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ngwc6-1014b60-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="Spiritual Roadmap to Heaven - Episode 5 of 5" width="100%"></iframe><p>Topics covered in Episode 5: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hope for personal growth by recognizing our progress and looking forward to the blessings to come</li><li>Saints can help us see that possibility of growth and desire it</li><li>Warning signs of getting off track</li><li>Growth in the spiritual life through the Sacraments and the need of being well disposed to receive the grace</li><li>Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist</li><li>Sacraments of Healing: Confession and Anointing of the Sick</li><li>Sacraments of Service / Community: Matrimony and Holy Orders</li><li>Meritorious works out of love of God, which grows our charity</li><li>Conditions to always have our prayers answered the way we want it answered</li><li>God crowns His own gifts</li><li>Additional resources for growth in the Spiritual Life</li></ul><p></p><p>
</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of4f60fwMp8/YH-R5V-7SbI/AAAAAAAABpo/6j1SljKq7QMZ5ea7zgkGr-XRJk5719pzgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ben-white-qYanN54gIrI-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of4f60fwMp8/YH-R5V-7SbI/AAAAAAAABpo/6j1SljKq7QMZ5ea7zgkGr-XRJk5719pzgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/ben-white-qYanN54gIrI-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-54725098121316614082021-04-05T18:38:00.001-05:002021-04-05T18:38:28.918-05:00The Joy of Easter - Easter Sunday - April 4th, 2021<p>Happy Easter! Jesus is risen from the dead! This is a joyous occasion. But, what is joy? It’s something we are created for, but it’s not something we can just buy at the store, nor is it the fleeting pleasures of the world. Think about the most joyful moments of your life. Now consider if there are any common themes in those moments... Listen to my homily, or watch the video below, and find out the common elements of joy that I thought of and about the Joy of Easter!</p><p></p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6djtd-ffd354-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=1" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The Joy of Easter - Easter Sunday - April 4th, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col 3:1-4; Jn 20:1-9</p><p>Key Themes: Resurrection, Joy</p><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6v5KuRXcJRo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div><br /><p></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-47978035886430288282021-04-02T17:29:00.005-05:002021-04-28T21:40:23.973-05:00It is Finished - Good Friday Service - April 2nd, 2021<p>Jesus said, “It is finished.” But, what is finished? Why even say this given the pain and agony that would be necessary for a crucified man to speak? In order to simply breathe Jesus would need to push up from the nail in His feet and pull Himself up using the nails in His wrists and the muscles that were bruised or torn by the scourging. To speak would require even more air, meaning He would experience even greater pain while trying to hold Himself up to speak. This must be something important to make it worth saying. Listen to my homily, or watch the video below, to find out more!</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=c8rn7-ff9931-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=9" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="It is Finished - Good Friday Service - April 2nd, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Is 52:13-53:12; Ps 31; Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42</p><p>Key Themes: It is finished, forgiveness</p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z07_-mdhT9g" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WIij-2hHkA/YGefUXSriFI/AAAAAAAABoo/gTY_BPnpHL0GMESIT1tbt_5C1VWHuq5SQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1036/Image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="838" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WIij-2hHkA/YGefUXSriFI/AAAAAAAABoo/gTY_BPnpHL0GMESIT1tbt_5C1VWHuq5SQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Image.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crucifix at Ascension in Chesterfield, MO</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75UhXNkGuTw/YGeajkvozxI/AAAAAAAABog/y25qjkj8Nnks8GP2pFB2_eMJjCNRL2ASwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/grant-whitty-vkr8QBzCIdc-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75UhXNkGuTw/YGeajkvozxI/AAAAAAAABog/y25qjkj8Nnks8GP2pFB2_eMJjCNRL2ASwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/grant-whitty-vkr8QBzCIdc-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@grantwhitty?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Grant Whitty</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/crucifixion?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
</p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-90894440597979561222021-03-31T17:13:00.001-05:002021-04-02T17:30:00.611-05:00The Passion of Christ - Palm Sunday - March 28, 2021<p>Sabrina, was the actress of Veronica in Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of Christ. Listen to the homily to hear what happened to her while she played this role!</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m8wc3-ff98f0-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=9" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" title="The Passion of Christ - Palm Sunday - March 28, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><div>Readings: Mk 11:1-10; Is 50:4-7; Ps 22; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1-15:47 (or Mk 15:1-39)</div><div>Key Themes: The Passion of Christ, Palm Sunday, Love of Christ, Faith</div><div><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UWlYxLZb_I0/YGeW-7lGGqI/AAAAAAAABoY/unwDiIIifY0961SQJmSFXefKuKKbkPVMwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="261" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UWlYxLZb_I0/YGeW-7lGGqI/AAAAAAAABoY/unwDiIIifY0961SQJmSFXefKuKKbkPVMwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="163" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-19133757040953317112021-03-18T10:40:00.003-05:002021-03-18T10:41:59.324-05:00Life is Like a River - Third Sunday of Lent - March 7th, 2021<p>A river is beautiful, majestic, and life giving when it stays within its riverbanks. Our spiritual lives are like rivers with the commandments as our riverbanks. Listen to my homily to learn more.</p><iframe allowtransparency="true" data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=iqm4w-fe2845-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=11" style="border: none;" title="Life is Like a River - 3rd Sunday of Lent - March 7, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25</p><p>Key Themes: Commandments, Reconciliation, Life like a River, Examination of Conscience</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1z6s8a71Lk/YFNz7rl-kvI/AAAAAAAABmk/vtGNuiyVNHgbOJ5C1ebwLIyaLAhNYsGNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jon-flobrant-rB7-LCa_diU-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1z6s8a71Lk/YFNz7rl-kvI/AAAAAAAABmk/vtGNuiyVNHgbOJ5C1ebwLIyaLAhNYsGNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/jon-flobrant-rB7-LCa_diU-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jonflobrant?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Jon Flobrant</a> on <a href="/s/photos/river?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0Ascension Catholic Church38.6623287 -90.5790234-38.84284356597901 128.79597660000002 90 50.0459766tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-10024080938681460162021-02-27T14:37:00.002-06:002021-03-18T10:41:08.310-05:00Reason for the Season - First Sunday of Lent - February 21, 2021<p>Why do we sometimes choose to go through pain and difficulties? Wouldn't it be easier to just choose not to? Listen to my homily for some answers!</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/unsad-fc14c9?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=111" style="border: none;" title="Season of Lent - First Sunday of Lent - February 21st, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br /><div>Readings: Gn 9:8-15; Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15</div><div>Key Themes: Lent, Go through difficulties for a greater good</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7AJFVYzUOA/YDqteLTwHKI/AAAAAAAABls/sKcShBq8EvQ3I07znE-uzzqbYD3guIHdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/yusuf-belek-gHdVUGAJYGo-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7AJFVYzUOA/YDqteLTwHKI/AAAAAAAABls/sKcShBq8EvQ3I07znE-uzzqbYD3guIHdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/yusuf-belek-gHdVUGAJYGo-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-36919641512220530942021-02-20T10:30:00.002-06:002021-03-18T10:42:39.554-05:00What do the Ashes Mean? - Ash Wednesday - February 17th, 2021<p>As we start our season of Lent, we mark the beginning of this season with ashes. Why though do we put ashes on our heads? Couldn’t we start the season in some other way? What do the ashes mean? Listen to my homily to find out!</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/dtwjs-fb49bf?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=111" style="border: none;" title="What do the Ashes Mean? - Ash Wednesday - February 17th, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 12-13, 14 AND 17; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 </p><p>Key Themes: Ashes</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGeoGDjDtHc/XJUIfBJlGmI/AAAAAAAAAew/TDvaqKYf0sAhSxWUlbqDNEiazy8Cc9azgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/ahna-ziegler-558901-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGeoGDjDtHc/XJUIfBJlGmI/AAAAAAAAAew/TDvaqKYf0sAhSxWUlbqDNEiazy8Cc9azgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/ahna-ziegler-558901-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-85654792389860082972021-01-31T21:56:00.001-06:002021-04-28T21:40:00.504-05:00The Catholic Faith is Reasonable - 4th Sunday of OT - January 31st, 2021<p>For us to firmly assent to that which is unseen is called faith. We have faith in what people tell us even though we don't see it for ourselves because we consider them trustworthy and believable. For example, believing how software works based on what a person is told without checking the source code is a kind of faith. This kind of faith that is called natural faith. We use natural faith on a regular basis, believing and even acting on what others tell us because we considered them credible witnesses or trustworthy people. </p>
<p>Typically, in the Church when we say faith, we don’t mean this kind of natural faith, we mean supernatural faith. Supernatural faith is different because it is about God and His promises, which are above and beyond but not opposed to reason. God is the one who bears witness to Himself, and with Supernatural Faith, we believe Him. We have our reasons to believe Him and He has His credible witnesses. </p>
<p>Listen to my homily to learn more! The audio is from the 5:30 pm Mass and the video below is from the 9:15 am Mass.</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/72rcq-f9a787?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107" style="border: none;" title="The Catholic Faith is Reasonable - 4th Sunday of OT - January 31st, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Dt 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28</p><p style="text-align: left;">Key Themes: Motives of Credibility, Reasons to Believe, Natural and Supernatural Faith</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/moMhxKPg44U" width="560"></iframe></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-39501673772116817682021-01-29T21:37:00.002-06:002021-04-28T21:39:31.667-05:00Protection of the Unborn - January 22nd, 2021<p>Our selected readings help us to recognize that human life begins at conception. This life must be protected. We need to take action to help protect the unborn! Listen to my homily to learn more about it.</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/xrfh7-f9a724?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=111" style="border: none;" title="Protection of the Unborn - January 22nd, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p> Readings: Gn 1:1-2:2; Ps 85; 1 Jn 3:11-21; Lk 1:39-56</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MaJkaPlx1s/YBtteCgr5-I/AAAAAAAABjY/vwLCmt_ZgWUJIS5w8G6nMOz1G4MQgrCPwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/tai-s-captures-VRDNXcXE4z8-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MaJkaPlx1s/YBtteCgr5-I/AAAAAAAABjY/vwLCmt_ZgWUJIS5w8G6nMOz1G4MQgrCPwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/tai-s-captures-VRDNXcXE4z8-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@taiscaptures?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Tai's Captures</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/ultrasound?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-23540668865392030572021-01-03T17:55:00.009-06:002021-01-03T17:55:56.341-06:00Reflection for the Solemnity of the Epiphany (Children's Liturgy) - January 3rd, 2021<p>Although I didn't preach a homily for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord, I did record a reflection for the Children's Liturgy. Listen to the reflection to learn more about how God reveals Himself to those who are humble and looking for Him! Also, the full video of the Children's Liturgy is provided below. Happy Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord!</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/b3vz6-f69396?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=101" style="border: none;" title="Reflection for the Solemnity of the Epiphany (Children's Liturgy) - January 3rd, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p style="text-align: left;">Readings: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 [cf. 11]; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 </p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cjhMl4InSBs" width="560"></iframe></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-34457281147110971112021-01-03T17:21:00.004-06:002021-04-28T21:39:07.077-05:00Mary Protects Our Understanding of Jesus - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - January 1, 2021<p>Today we celebrate Mary, the Mother of God! She helps us to understand her Son and help us come to Him. Listen to my homily to learn more!</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ax8p8-f692c4?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=101" style="border: none;" title="Mary Protects Our Understanding of Jesus - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - January 1, 2021" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 [2a]; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21</p><p>Key Themes: Mary, Mother of God, Jesus</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLjCnyhLosM/XCut-zLdhiI/AAAAAAAAAaY/bNIuv_yd7tci7154voGf0idT5QNEGy1fACPcBGAYYCw/s1024/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2a0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLjCnyhLosM/XCut-zLdhiI/AAAAAAAAAaY/bNIuv_yd7tci7154voGf0idT5QNEGy1fACPcBGAYYCw/s320/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2a0.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-46135486645136982002020-12-27T10:52:00.009-06:002021-04-28T21:06:45.011-05:00Overcoming Conflict (in Marriage) - Feast of the Holy Family - December 27th, 2020<p>A happily married couple of more than 2 decades shared with me the most important thing that they learned in their first 5 years of marriage. Those years were difficult for them and they reached a point of needing counseling. They each thought that the other was deliberately upsetting them. When one spouse would do something at the house, the other would think that it didn’t make any sense to do it that way and it must be some form of spite. What they learned though, is that they were two very different people with different personalities and ways of doing things. When they understood their differences, they realized that it wasn’t spite or deliberate attempts to upset each other, rather they just did things differently. By accepting their differences, they were able to save their marriage. It may sound simple, but it took them 5 years and counseling to resolve this conflict. Listen to my homily to learn some additional tips and strategies to overcome conflict!</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/pqy79-f5febf?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=101" style="border: none;" title="Overcoming Conflict (in Marriage) - Feast of the Holy Family - December 27th, 2020" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Sirach 3: 2-7, 12-14; Psalm 128; Colossians 3: 12-21; Luke 2: 22-40</p><p>Key Themes: Holy Family, Humility, Conflict Resolution</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Exe0txnZpMU/WlLuvqrbCAI/AAAAAAAAAI4/imeHySQKSccS6HJoHfxTkFvALVG3doMxACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_6252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Exe0txnZpMU/WlLuvqrbCAI/AAAAAAAAAI4/imeHySQKSccS6HJoHfxTkFvALVG3doMxACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_6252.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Holy Family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marriages can be helped by programs such as these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Worldwide Marriage Encounter: <a href="https://wwme.org/">https://wwme.org/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This an intensive weekend intended to bring abundant life and energy to marriages that have become dull and lacking life and energy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Retrouvaille: <a href="https://www.helpourmarriage.org/">https://www.helpourmarriage.org/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Retrouvaille Program is for Married Couples Facing Difficult Challenges in their Relationship</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a marriage program that helps couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. It's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">primarily a practical program to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For those in marriages that need the help of a counselor or therapist, here are some suggestions:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There are two people that I can recommend for <span class="il">counseling</span> from what I was given in the seminary. Both are in the Chesterfield area. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis also offers counseling. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peggy Hinders, LPC, NBCC</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">636-236-3003</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:peggy@mmhcounseling.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">peggy@mmhcounseling.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.mmhcounseling.com&source=gmail&ust=1609174195637000&usg=AFQjCNFyEJooYN-CK3KxqeSeFzB08dt93A" href="http://www.mmhcounseling.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.mmhcounseling.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Suzanne Coffey, MA LPC</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">314-283-1321</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:scoffey85@charter.net" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">scoffey85@charter.net</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.suzannecoffey.com&source=gmail&ust=1609174195637000&usg=AFQjCNEbUEGssX9qi-NqE9u2DCR6PwD3fQ" href="http://www.suzannecoffey.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.suzannecoffey.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">St. Louis Counseling (An Agency of Catholic Charities)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">West St. Louis County Office</div><div style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">498 Woods Mill Road</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Manchester, MO 63011</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(636) 391-9966</div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.ccstl.org/organizations/saint-louis-counseling/">https://www.ccstl.org/organizations/saint-louis-counseling/</a></span></div></div></div><br /><div>Another options is <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://catholiccounselors.com&source=gmail&ust=1609174195637000&usg=AFQjCNE8JzIYSGp5ohnzIBbp6UQFSUBdug" href="http://catholiccounselors.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">catholiccounselors.com</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This website has lots of helpful things on it for tele-counseling, life coaching, and self help. There are many helpful books too, including <i>How to Heal Your Marriage:</i></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><a href="https://catholiccounselors.com/product/divorce-not-option-heal-marriage-nurture-lasting-love/">https://catholiccounselors.com/product/divorce-not-option-heal-marriage-nurture-lasting-love/</a></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-12492245074653673752020-12-27T10:37:00.004-06:002021-04-28T21:38:38.357-05:00Christ Brought Light to My Darkness - Christmas - December 24 & 25, 2020<p>Most of you know me as a priest, and you might think that I have always been a faithful Catholic, but that is not the case. I had drifted away from the Church back in middle school and by the time I was in college, I lived almost as if I never was Catholic. As I used the standards of society for my own morality, I noticed some kind of emptiness, sadness, and unhappiness in my life. I tried to distract myself from this strange pain with many things like video games, movies, board games, card games, and other forms of entertainment. But as soon as the activity was over the pain returned. It was at its worst one night in the summer of 2004 when I was staying in Rolla to work as an undergraduate research assistant for one of the Nuclear Engineering professors. Listen to my homily (either one) to find out more about my return to the Catholic Church. Or, watch the video recording from Christmas Eve!</p><p><b><u>Christmas Eve</u></b></p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/6hr75-f5e3c9?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=101" style="border: none;" title="Christ Brought Light to My Darkness - Christmas Eve - December 24th, 2020" width="100%"></iframe><br /><p>Readings: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Christmas Day</u></b></p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ig5jq-f5fe7a?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=101" style="border: none;" title="Christ Brought Light to my Darkness (Variant) - Christmas Day - December 25th, 2020" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20</p><p>Key Themes: Christmas, Christ is our light, My Conversion Story, Joy of being in relationship with the Lord</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R4kjiyiOfJ8" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Video Recording from Christmas Eve</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTqTjphhdZI/X-i35lDR2pI/AAAAAAAABhI/wZxlPwf4qP0cK6WVC59HRskrPKYgO-C6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTqTjphhdZI/X-i35lDR2pI/AAAAAAAABhI/wZxlPwf4qP0cK6WVC59HRskrPKYgO-C6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nativity of Our Lord</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49syD82iUYs/X-i3tOw6PAI/AAAAAAAABhA/XJ6JLJdmsugN-cLipRvx_0j4fF3U_V6dQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8672%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49syD82iUYs/X-i3tOw6PAI/AAAAAAAABhA/XJ6JLJdmsugN-cLipRvx_0j4fF3U_V6dQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8672%2B2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Holy Family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IgQ8qXWpYjo/Wx2J3orx1eI/AAAAAAAAAPk/Wh9EbuI1tI0zeUl9I2qoqVrP0ZtbhKT1gCPcBGAYYCw/s493/MikeL_touched_up.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IgQ8qXWpYjo/Wx2J3orx1eI/AAAAAAAAAPk/Wh9EbuI1tI0zeUl9I2qoqVrP0ZtbhKT1gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/MikeL_touched_up.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me, when I was in college at Rolla</div><p></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-71068968043481076162020-12-24T17:48:00.002-06:002021-04-28T21:38:13.543-05:00God has a Plan for You - Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 20th, 2020<p>God has a plan for everyone, plans for your life and for your eternal life. He prepares us for such things as we are on our journey to Him. Listen to or watch my Homily to learn more. The audio recording is from the 5:30 pm Mass. The video recording is from the 9:15 am live-streamed Mass.</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jgcp5-f5e3b4?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=111" style="border: none;" title="God has a Plan for You - Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 20th, 2020" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38 </p><p style="text-align: left;">Key Themes: Divine Province, Typology, Preparation, God's plan for you</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b1dMAp75W7o" width="560"></iframe></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-86745813981508155032020-12-10T21:52:00.004-06:002021-04-28T21:37:42.657-05:00The Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the USA - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - December 8th, 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception! This is a great day for our country! Yes, this is a great day for our country! Today we celebrate the patroness of the United States of America! Mary, the Immaculate Conception!<div><br /></div><div><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/9drxj-f4b77a?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=101" style="border: none;" title="The Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the USA - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - December 8th, 2020" width="100%"></iframe><p>Readings: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38</p><p>Key Themes: The Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the USA</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_30aT8ifMo/WitOZZZ1AFI/AAAAAAAAAGk/GK20nlP9YQA9Jpz3XFoXwaIVzQlYiioAgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_30aT8ifMo/WitOZZZ1AFI/AAAAAAAAAGk/GK20nlP9YQA9Jpz3XFoXwaIVzQlYiioAgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2108.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Statue of Mary in the Little Church at Ascension</p><p><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_BlxERaz1c/X9Lsb4ot_VI/AAAAAAAABfg/RLRESAsA00QMk95gjgK51CDAekkrHdfZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jon-sailer-8JYxCF00X3Y-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_BlxERaz1c/X9Lsb4ot_VI/AAAAAAAABfg/RLRESAsA00QMk95gjgK51CDAekkrHdfZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/jon-sailer-8JYxCF00X3Y-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798858427598565224.post-63909169866910258752020-12-10T21:39:00.005-06:002021-04-28T21:37:24.065-05:00Make Room for the Lord with Confession - Second Sunday of Advent - December 6th, 2020<p>We should prepare ourselves for Christmas by making room for the Lord in our hearts. We can clear away the clutter of sin with Confession. Listen to my homily to learn more!</p><iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" height="122" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/9rte9-f4b75a?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=111" style="border: none;" title="Make Room for the Lord with Confession - Second Sunday of Advent - December 6th, 2020" width="100%"></iframe><div><div><br /></div><div>Readings: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14 [8]; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8</div><div>Key Themes: Confession</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_aK2aGyox4/X9LpUFD1viI/AAAAAAAABe0/N_QLzHuS6kQZkkb6GN_cWugojnt2Xy66gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Confession%2Bby%2Bscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_aK2aGyox4/X9LpUFD1viI/AAAAAAAABe0/N_QLzHuS6kQZkkb6GN_cWugojnt2Xy66gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Confession%2Bby%2Bscreen.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some resources to help prepare you for Confession:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Preparation for Confession</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A great way to prepare for Christmas is to go to confession. Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation. We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of God, our loving Father. We seek forgiveness and healing through repentance and a resolve to avoid sin in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We then thoroughly review our lives since our last confession, searching our thoughts, words, and actions for times we did not conform to God’s command to love him and one another through his laws and the laws of his Church. This is called an examination of conscience. By examining our consciences, we can recognize more of our sins and present them to God to be reconciled with Him and receive His mercy. Then we can be ready to welcome Jesus Christ at Christmas with a clean soul.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Brief Examination of Conscience</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I prayed to God every day, and thanked Him for His many gifts? Have I taken the name of God in vain? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I gone to confession at least once a year? Have I received communion in a state of mortal sin? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I indulged in boasting or vainglory? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I put my faith in danger in any way or engaged in superstitious practices? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I missed Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation through my own fault? Am I attentive at Mass? Have I fasted and abstained on the prescribed days? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I disobeyed my parents or lawful superiors in important matters? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I hated others, or desired revenge? Have I been disrespectful or refused forgiveness? Have I been envious? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I been drunk or taken illicit drugs? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I consented to, recommended, or actively taken part in an abortion? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I willfully looked at impure images, entertained impure thoughts, or engaged in unchaste conversations or actions? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I used artificial contraception? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I been unfaithful to my spouse or engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I stolen or damaged another’s property? Have I been honest in my business relations and with my employer? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I been responsive to the needs of the poor? Do I contribute to the Church? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have I told lies or gossiped? Have I judged others rashly in serious matters? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A step-by-step guide to Reconciliation (Confession): </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make the Sign of the Cross and say, ‘Bless me, father, for I have sinned. My last confession was [give the number of weeks, months, or years].’ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Confess all of your sins to the priest. In order to make a good confession, you must confess all mortal sins according to kind and number. If you are unsure about how to confess or you feel uneasy, ask the priest to help you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Following your confession of sins, say: ‘I am sorry for these and all my sins.’ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The priest assigns you a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Say an Act of Contrition: ‘O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Your grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.’ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Perform your assigned penance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Resolve to return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Go to our website for a guide to confession: <a href="https://www.ascensionchesterfield.org/guide-to-confession">https://www.ascensionchesterfield.org/guide-to-confession</a></div></div><div><p></p></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0