PARISH VOICES

I once read about scientists developing fabrics that can generate small amounts of electricity simply through movement and pressure. As two fibers rub together, energy is produced, power created through friction. It is a fascinating image, especially in our current moment, where friction seems to be everywhere in the air. In today's political and social climate, there is plenty of friction where voices are constantly clashing, where everyone accuses the other side of lying,

Even though Lent is in the past for 2025, I'd like to reflect on it one more time. In many Christian circles, the season of Lent arrives alongside the question, "What are you giving up for Lent?" I would like to suggest two different questions that I find more helpful and relevant to us all year round. For the first question, let's look to Jesus' words in Luke 9:23, He says "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me

Through the Great Fast we are seeking to be further enlightened by Christ's Gospel, asking that the Light of our Lord penetrate our hearts more deeply so that we can recognize Him clearly and serve Him more fervently. We are on a journey to become transfigured and changed through prayer, fasting and humility, by responding to God's calling to not only receive the light but to 'become' light! During each Lenten pre-sanctified liturgy, the priest comes through the royal doors

I'm a busy person. Too busy, really, and often prone to plunge forward in life with a Sisyphean list of to-dos, virtually impossible to...

As we draw near to the beginning of Lent, we're called to examine ourselves more deeply, to clear away what dims the light of Christ within us. This holy season invites us to look honestly at our lives, not with harsh judgment, but with loving and careful attention. We are called to prepare our hearts as we would prepare a room for an honored guest. In this spirit of preparation, St. Basil the Great offers timeless wisdom: Be attentive to yourself. That is, observe yourself c

I frequently have songs pop into my head. A few days ago this happened and I was remembering a song called Getting Ready for Glory by Carolyn Arends. The song opens reflecting on an aging woman and how she lives her life preparing for eternal life with God. The end of the song shifts to invite all of us to remember that we are called to live our lives getting ready for glory. My first thought when I remembered this song a few days ago was, “What if, instead of the woman in

When I think of forgiveness, I think about Fr. Tom introducing us to Henri Nouwen, a renowned spiritual writer who often spoke about forgiveness as a process akin to unveiling a canvas. Forgiveness can be incredibly challenging but also incredibly transformative. It requires a deep understanding and compassion that transcends our human nature. Henri Nouwen described people as canvases, covered over time by layers of hurt, pain, and mistakes. These layers obscure the image of

Well-Baby Check-Ups and Spiritual Health Most parents realize that keeping our babies healthy requires taking them to the pediatrician for their "well baby" check-ups. At each visit the doctor weighs and measures our kids to make sure they are growing at a healthy rate, checking eyesight and hearing, and answering any questions about behavior and health issues. As parents, we can't wait for our children to reach important milestones – the first pounds gained, sitting up strai