2017 archive of From the Pastor
A Standing Offer of Preventive Maintenance for Our Souls
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 8/07/17
In regard to the vehicles that we drive, most of us don’t wait until what we are driving breaks down somewhere in the country where we may be far away from a service center. Many of us get into a wholesome routine of having the vehicles that we ... Read More »
Catholic Challenges and Opportunities
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 7/24/17
Over 3,500 Catholic leaders -- both ordained and lay -- gathered earlier this month to discuss the challenges and opportunities that face the Catholic Church in the United States today. The Convocation of Catholic Leaders was inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium).
Here are ... Read More »
The Spiritual Nature of Vacation Time
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 7/20/17
Many of us have an opportunity to shake loose and get away from the normal routine of responsibilities that fall to us. Whether we have a little or a lot of money to spend, we can all benefit from taking vacation time. A spiritual director once shared with me ... Read More »
The Significance of Infant Baptism
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 7/10/17
As Catholics, we stress the importance of infant baptism. In accord with the Catholic tradition, parents are urged to arrange for the Baptism of their child as soon as the health of the mother and the new-born child allow for this. So important is Baptism that in an emergency ... Read More »
A Powerful Illustration of Religious Liberty and its Goals in Our Country
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 6/29/17
As Americans, we treasure religious liberty. Let’s look at what it means to be religious. Many in our country emphasize the notion that everyone’s religion is their own personal matter. Along this line of thinking, everyone is free to have their own religious convictions, as long as one ... Read More »
Offering Suggestions for What it Means to Pray
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 6/25/17
From time to time, we are encouraged to pray. Let’s look at what this might mean. Prayer is conversation with the Lord. The Lord Himself is on the initiating end of the dialogue that we call prayer. God speaks to us in ways such as the following: through the ... Read More »
Three Staples for a Year-Round Healthy Spiritual Diet
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 6/25/17
During the summer season, many of us enjoy eating fruits and vegetables that are in season. And yet, there are foods and beverages that we value consuming at all times during the year. Many of us value the opportunity to consume meat and potatoes, orange juice and coffee ... Read More »
Being Proactive to Avoid Falling Through the Cracks
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 6/25/17
It was indeed heartening to commission several Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in St. Mary and in Resurrection Parishes during late April. This action testifies that the Eucharist is at the heart and center of the faith life of our two Parishes. Something that disheartens me is to ... Read More »
The Challenging Nature of Adopting the Catholic Faith
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 6/04/17
Persons are attracted to explore the Catholic Faith for a number of reasons: 1) Some are impressed by the Liturgies that Catholics celebrate. 2) The unbroken continuity of the Catholic Church in its traditions and in its structure from the time of the Apostles leads a number of persons ... Read More »
A Neat Custom
Posted by Deborah Dubois on 5/30/17
From time to time, a married couple will ask me if we could arrange to have a special blessing for them within Mass on the occasion of a milestone wedding anniversary, such as for their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 65th anniversary. On behalf of the Church, I am ... Read More »