New Year's Day, Holy Day of Obligation - Mary, Mother of God

New Year's Day is an Holy Day of Obligation in which we are obligated to attend Mass under pain of mortal sin.

Monday, December 31st
5:30pm - Vigil Mass (sung in English, no incense)

Tuesday, January 1st
9am - Solemn Mass (Solemn Mass, Latin Chant, Incense)
5:30pm - Low Mass (spoken, no music, no incense)

Christmas Mass Schedule, 2018

December 24th -
Confessions, 4:30 - 5pm
Christmas Eve Mass, 5:30pm (Solemn Mass, Latin Chant, Incense)

December 25th -
Midnight Mass - 12am (Sung Traditional Latin Mass, Incense)
Christmas Morning Mass - 9am (Low Mass, no music, no incense)

Sunday Sermon, December 9th -- The Three Acts of the Penitent When Going To Confession

Advent Confession prepares us for Christmas Communion, even as John's baptism of repentance prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah.

First, regarding the duty of the priest when hearing confession, two points: 1) If a priest does not say the proper words of absolution (Specifically, "I absolve you"), he should be reported to the bishop.  2) If a priest in confession says that a sin against the 6th commandment isn't a sin, he must be reported (because he has committed a canonical crime, and he must be stopped from continuing in his ministry).

There are many priests who have said certain sexual sins are not sins (most especially, contraception or sterilization) - these priests aren't just "liberals," they are real criminals, they have broken canon law and must be stopped from continuing in ministry in this way.  Bad advice is confession is one thing, but when the bad advice is given about a grave sexual sin, the Church treats the matter far more seriously as it is a far graver offense.


Secondly, we consider the acts of the penitent in making confession: Contrition (sorrow for sin), Confession (naming our serious sins by kind and number), and Satisfaction (fulfilling our penance).


Listen online [here]!

Saturday Conferences, December 8th -- Advent Retreat on Jesus' Infancy

Saturday Morning Retreat for the beginning of the Advent Season -- Devotion to the Infancy of Jesus.

Conference 1 -- The Historical Reality of Jesus' Infancy.
We consider at the history surrounding Jesus' conception, birth and childhood. Further, we recognize that this Child is true God, and that he knows and loves us even in his humanity from the moment of his conception. The baby Jesus is no ordinary baby, but truly has use of reason and free will - and he embraces all of us in the love of his Sacred infant Heart.


Conference 2 -- Devotions to the Infancy of Jesus
The knowledge of the infant Christ is the foundation of our devotion to him in his childhood - for he truly knew then that we would be praying to him now. We consider various saints who had special devotion to the infancy of Jesus, especially St Teresa of Avila and the Infant of Prague. Further, the "Way of Bethlehem" or "Stations of the Infant Jesus" by St Alphonsus Liguori.

Sunday Sermon, December 2nd -- The Great Apostasy and the Current Crisis

"The powers of the heavens will be shaken" -- The Fathers of the Church and the great saints tell us that, in the last days during the final tribulation, those to whom we should have looked to give light and guidance to the world will rather sow confusion and doubt. In the last days, many of the pastors of the Church (bishops, even cardinals, and priests as well) will seem to be shaken, no longer giving clear teaching or sound moral example.

The Church is today in a time of great crisis. The crisis of sexual abuse of children by priests has caused much harm. Furthermore, since the Second Vatican Council, there was been so much confusion in the Church - priests and bishops promoting false teachings and even heresies, grave liturgical abuses, serious moral failings, etc.

And yet, Jesus tells us to stand tall and hold our heads high, for it is meant to be the day of our vindication. Bishop Warfel has called for a year of Prayer, Penance, and Reparation - the perfect response to the current crisis and the grave tribulation in which we find ourselves.


Listen online [here]!

Holy Day of Obligation - Saturday, December 8th -- Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mass Times
Friday, 5:30pm - Vigil Mass for Immaculate Conception
Saturday, 9am - Solemn Mass for Immaculate Conception (with incense)
Saturday, 5:30pm - Vigil Mass for Sunday

Any Mass from Friday evening through Saturday evening will fulfill the obligation (including the Saturday evening anticipatory Sunday Mass) - most agree that the Saturday evening Mass can't "count" for both the Holy Day and Sunday, in other words, you have to attend Mass twice, once for Immaculate Conception and once for Sunday.

For those in the USA who are wondering -- YES, December 8 is an Holy Day of Obligation, even tho it falls on a Saturday. For other Holy Days, if they fall on Saturday or Monday, the US Bishops have lifted the obligation - but because the Immaculate Conception is the patronal feast of the USA, the obligation is retained even when December 8 is a Saturday or Monday (likewise with Christmas).

Sunday Sermon, November 25 -- Christ, the King of Every Hearth and Nation

Pope Pius XI instituted the feast of Christ the King to affirm that Jesus is not only the king of every individual, but also of every nation. As our Lady had revealed at Fatima, there will only be peace when every nation and all peoples submit to the reign of Christ the King, and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

If we desire Christ to be the King of our hearts, we might do well to consider the precepts of the Church and, during this coming Advent season, take a small step forward in each of these areas.

Rather than confession once a year, try once a month (or more). Not only communion once a year, but weekly time in adoration. Not merely Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, but even once or twice a week. In addition to abstaining from meat on Fridays, add extra penance on Wednesdays and Saturdays during Advent. And, in addition to your regular giving to the Church and to the needy, make an extra end-of-the-year gift, to express your thanks to God for having given everything to you.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, November 18 -- Jesus Knows the Day and the Hour of Judgment and of Your Death

"Of that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

And yet, the Church has always taught that Jesus did and does know the day and the hour of the final judgment even in his humanity. Jesus knows everything that can be known, because his knowledge is perfect. This does not make him less human, but in fact makes him to be fully and perfectly human.

St Peter said, "Lord, you know everything." Jesus is said "not to know" only insofar as he does not allow us to know the day of judgment. Furthermore, Jesus knows in his humanity, but not from human experience - he knows only from the intimate union of divinity and humanity in his one divine Person.

We do not know when the final judgment will occur, nor do we know when we will die. This makes us afraid. But we must remember that Jesus knows that day and hour, and he loves us, and he will make it a good day and hour for us if only we are faithful to him.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, November 11 -- The Mass is not the Multiplication of Sacrifices

In the ninth and tenth chapters of his Letter to the Hebrews, St Paul states that the one sacrifice of Christ is sufficient, and that no further sacrifices need be offered day after day for the remission of sin. How then can we Catholics claim that the Mass is truly a sacrifice?

The Mass is a sacramental and unbloody sacrifice which takes nothing away from the one sacrifice of the Cross, but makes that sacrifice to be present and effective through history until the end of time.


Listen online [here]!

All Saints Day Sermon, November 1st -- Imitating the Saints

"Be ye imitators of me, and mark them that walk according to the example you have in us." Philippians 3:17.

The Scriptures command that we imitate the example of the saints, and look to there lives as the sure path to holiness. Notices that St Paul does not merely state that we should imitate Christ, but that we must imitate the saints. This is because the saints show us what Jesus would do in every vocation and walk of life.


Listen online [here]!

Holy Day of Obligation: Thursday, November 1 - All Saints' Day

Holy Day of Obligation: Thursday, November 1 - All Saints' Day

Masses at Corpus Christi:

Wednesday, October 31st - 5:30pm

Thursday, November 1st - 7am and 5:30pm (with incense)

Remember, it is a mortal sin to intentionally skip Mass on an holy day of obligation.

Sunday Sermon, October 28 -- Sts Simon and Jude

The last Sunday of October has in recent Church History been seen as a preparation for the feast of All Saints. We emphasize the devotion which the whole Church has for the Apostles. Over the past years, we have been preaching on the Apostles - and today, in honor of their feast, we consider Sts Simon and  Jude.

St Simon "the Zealot" was not a member of the Zealot political party, but a man of great zeal for the Gospel. Simon "the Canaanite" was not pagan Canaanite from Canaan, but rather from Cana in Galilee. Indeed, he may have been the groom at the wedding feast when Jesus changed water into wine - leaving all things he followed Christ.  He suffered martyrdom by being sawed in half (lengthwise).

St Jude Thaddeus was a nephew of St Joseph and brother of St James the Less, and a cousin of Jesus. He is pictured holding an image of Jesus' face to indicate what our Lord promised him, "If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and will make our abode with him." (John 14:23)  The name "Thaddeus" indicates the greatness of his heart, his compassion for all in need. Perhaps this is why he is the patron saint of hopeless causes.


Listen online [here]!






A list of the 39 saints listed in Roman Canon (1st Eucharistic Prayer):
Mary, Joseph,
Peter, Paul, Andrew, James (the Greater), John, Thomas, James (the Less), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon, and (Jude) Thaddeus,
Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus (II), Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian,
John (the Baptist), Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity (of Rome), Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia.

Sunday Sermon, October 14 -- The Most Holy Rosary as a School of Prayer

By considering the love of God, we are inspired to set aside every worldly attachment and love God in return.

This is what makes the Rosary a "school of prayer" -- by praying the Rosary, we learn how to pray.  The Rosary focuses on the love that God has revealed in the essential mysteries of our Lord's life, and moves us to imitate the love of Jesus. The Rosary is nothing more than the Scriptures: Both in the prayers and in the meditations.

St Louis Marie de Montfort recommends that you pray all fifteen decades of the Rosary every day, and I also recommend this. Be grateful to God for whatever devotion you have for the Rosary, and for however many decades you already prayer regularly!  If we pray even one decade daily with much love, I am convinced that our Lady will lead us to praying all fifteen decades regularly.



Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, October 7 -- Defending Marriage

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her." 
We have these very direct words from our Savior, which contrast so greatly with the secular approach to divorce and remarriage which we see in the world, among the Protestants, and sadly even among many Catholics.

First, we consider the "bill of divorce" permitted by Moses from the Old Testament, and how this was a safeguard of the indissolubility of marriage, seeking to limit divorce and to avoid other even greater evils (like wife-murder).

We further discuss the assault on marriage today with the redefinition of the nature of marriage, which can only be between a man and a woman. In an election year, it is especially important to remember which politicians and which party has destroyed the institution of marriage in our nation.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, September 30 -- St Michael and the Holy Angels

Confronted with the present crisis, many bishops of the United States are encouraging a return to the practice of public recitation of the St Michael prayer with Holy Mass. In this sermon, we consider the nature of the angelic spirits, who they are in themselves and in relation to each other, and how they minister to us.

St Michael is the guardian angel of humanity, and an example of humility overcoming the pride of the ancient serpent.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, September 23 -- St Padre Pio, On the 50th Anniversary of his Entrance into Heaven

St Padre Pio, the great miracle worker of Italy, received the stigmata 100 years ago (20 September 1918), and bore these wounds of Christ on his own body for 50 years until his death 23 September 1968.  As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his entrance into eternal life, this sermon is dedicated to the story of this holy example of priest, confessor, spiritual guide, and wonder worker.


Listen online [here]!

Tuesday Adult Formation, September 18 -- The Stigmatic Saints, The Female Stigmatics (Part 3 of 3)

Celebrating the visit to our Parish of the Relics of St Padre Pio, we have a three part series on the stigmatic saints who were so united to Christ Crucified as to receive the wounds of the Lord's Passion upon their own bodies.


Objectives of Session 3
1) Recognize that over 80% of stigmatics have been women
2) Review the life of St Catherine of Siena
3) Review the life of St Gemma Galgani
4) Become familiar with Teresa Neuman

Tuesday Adult Formation, September 11 -- Stigmatic Saints, St Francis of Assisi and St Padre Pio (Part 2 of 3)

Celebrating the visit to our Parish of the Relics of St Padre Pio, we have a three part series on the mysterious gift of the holy stigmata, by which certain saints have been so united to Christ Crucified as to receive the wounds of Christ's Passion upon their own bodies.

Objectives of Session 2:
1) Become familiar with the life of St Francis of Assisi
2) Recognize what makes the stigmata of St Francis different from all others
3) Become familiar with the life of St Padre Pio

Sunday Sermon, September 9 -- St James the Less, The Example of an Holy Bishop

St James the Less, the brother of the Lord (i.e. the cousin of Jesus by way of St Joseph, and a more distant relative through Mary also), lived a life of prayer and penance. He prayed so much on his knees, that they were as callused as a camel's hoof. His whole life was spent in fasting and penance - never eating meat or drinking wine, he lived a perpetual Lent.

Additionally, in his Letter, St James exhorts us to charity in speech, patience, and love of the poor. St James is an example of the authentic Christian witness to which all bishops (indeed, all the faithful) are called.  If we live lives of prayer and penance, marked by charity and love for the poor, the world will be converted!


Listen online [here]!

Parish Picnic! Saturday, September 8 -- 11 AM

Corpus Christi Parish Picnic is TOMORROW, Saturday, September 8 at 11am to about 2pm! All are welcome! We will have a bouncy house and other fun games for all the family!

Location: Corpus Christi Parish, 410 22nd Ave NE, Great Falls, MT

Tuesday Adult Faith Formation, September 4 -- The Stigmatic Saints, Introduction to the Stigmata (Session 1 of 3)

 Celebrating the visit of the relics of St Padre Pio to our Parish, we will have a three part series on the mysterious gift of the "stigmata" - the wounds of Christ's Passion that were impressed upon the hands, feet and side of Padre Pio.

Objectives of Session 1:

1) Define the "stigmata" and review the Biblical foundation for the word

2) Recognize the relation of the "visible" and "invisible" stigmata.

3) Appreciate the basic historical facts and statistics related to the stigmata.

Sunday Sermon, September 2 -- No Bible Without the Pope

We now read from the Letter of St James at the Sunday Masses for five weeks. This week and next, we will preach about the Letter, its place in Scripture, and the life of St James the Apostle.

St James is one of the seven "Catholic Epistles" - while these are all now recognized as part of the Bible, they were not always accepted by all. We consider the formation of both the Old Testament and the New, why the Protestant Bible is missing seven books from the Old Testament, and why the Catholic Church has always been correct to included those seven books.

Without the teaching authority of the Pope and Ecumenical Councils, we would never know which books truly belong in the Bible -- without the Pope, we wouldn't have the Bible.

Finally, looking more particularly at St James' Letter, we see that man is not justified by faith alone, but through works in faith. This Letter is the death of Protestantism.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, August 26 -- Marriage: The Great Sacrament in Christ and in the Church

"This is a great sacrament, but I speak in Christ and in the Church."  (Ephesians 5:32)

The Protestants do not accept that marriage is a true sacrament instituted by Christ, but rather see it as pertaining to the realm of secular government. This is why Martin Luther allowed not only divorce, but even polygamy (that a man may have more than one wife).

However, the Catholic Church insists that marriage is a true sacrament of the New Law -- the "great sacrament" as St Paul calls it.  We consider the institution of matrimony from the beginning when God created Adam and Eve, the first sin as a satanic assault on marriage (even as the devil will wage his last great war as a battle over marriage and the family), and how God straight away began to heal marriage. We then turn to matrimony as a Sacrament instituted by Christ - signifying and truly making present the love of Christ and of the Church.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, August 19 -- The Eucharist, Replies to Protestant Objections

Replies to typical Protestant objections against the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist:

1) Jesus says, "The words I speak are spirit and life" - but this does not mean that they are merely metaphorical or symbolic.
2) There is only one body of Jesus, and it is in heaven - but this same body is present in a new way in the Sacrament.
3) It would be cannibalism to eat human flesh - but when we receive the Eucharist we are received into Christ, for this is not ordinary food.

The real problem is that those who do not believe in the Eucharist lack faith - and we need to pray for their conversion.

In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus gives us himself even in his humanity to be our companion and friend until the end of time.


Listen online [here]!

Sermon for The Assumption, August 15 -- The Assumption of Mary, CoRedemptrix

An explanation of the dogma of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. A discussion of the reality of her death and resurrection. Consideration of Mary's unique role in being united to Jesus our Redeemer - hence, she is truly CoRedemptrix.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, August 12 -- Spiritual Hunger for the Eucharist

Jesus desires to inspire a spiritual hunger for the Eucharist through his Bread of Life Discourse. To have spiritual hunger, we must have faith and charity.

The Church requires the hour fast for communion as a way to remind us of this spiritual hunger.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, August 5 -- The Bread of Life Discourse in Not a Metaphor

The manna in the wilderness was the miracle of heavenly bread feeding 1.4 million Jewish people for 40 years in the desert. This is 300 train cars worth of manna daily!  And Jesus says that the Eucharist is greater still. The Eucharist cannot be a mere symbol, else it would not be more miraculous than the manna.

Three reasons why the Bread of Life discourse cannot be a metaphor:
1) Because of the words Jesus uses: "true food", "amen, amen", "true drink", etc.
2) Because of the reaction of the people present: Both the believers and the unbelievers knew that Jesus was speaking literally.
3) Because the saints of the ages have always interpreted this passage in the strict literal sense.


Listen online [here]!

Wednesday, August 15 - Holy Day of Obligation, The Assumption of Mary into Heaven

Catholics are obligated under pain of mortal sin to attend Mass on Holy Days of Obligation.



Masses are:

Tuesday, August 14 - 4:30pm
Wednesday, August 15 - 7am 
Wednesday, August 15 - 5:30pm (Solemn Mass with Incense)

Change to Confession and Mass Schedule, August 15-25

Note modified confession schedule for the next two weeks at Corpus Christi




No weekday confessions:
Wednesday - Friday, August 15-17
Wednesday - Friday, August 22-24




There will be weekend confessions:
Saturday, August 18, 4:30-5:30pm
Sunday, August 19, 10:45-11:15am
Saturday, August 25, 4:30-5:30pm
Sunday, August 26, 10:45-11:15am

[regular confession schedule resumes the last week of August]





No daily 7am Mass on Friday, August 17 or 9am Mass on Saturday, August 18.

Sunday Sermon, July 29 --- Our Rituals Bear Witness to our Eucharistic Belief

Jesus multiplies the loaves to give a tangible example of miraculous bread before then teaching the dogma of the Eucharist in the Bread of Life Discourse. He prepares us for his teaching by showing us a miracle.

Similarly, the Church prepares us for belief in the Eucharist by the rituals she uses during the Mass and in adoration of the Eucharist outside of Mass.

Consider: In the Mass, we know by example that the bread is changed into the Eucharist at the moment of the words of consecration, because it is after this moment that the priest holds up the Host for us to adore the Lord. Likewise, we know that Jesus is living and active in the Eucharist, because we ask him to forgive us our sins as we look to the Host and say, "Lord, I am not worthy."

Likewise, outside of Mass, we consider how the rite of Benediction and the Eucharistic Procession teach us that Jesus is a priest in the Eucharist. From the Sacred Host, he blesses his people and intercedes for us!


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, July 22 -- Devotion to the Precious Blood

The month of July is the Month of the Precious Blood. Devotion to the Precious Blood is a devotion to the humanity of our Savior. We worship the blood of Jesus, because he is a divine Person. Even in his humanity, he is always God.

One devotion to the Precious Blood is the Seven Mysteries of the Precious Blood:
1) The Circumcision
2) The Agony in the Garden
3) The Scourging at the Pillar
4) The Crowning with Thorns
5) The Carrying of the Cross
6) The Crucifixion and Death
7) The Piercing of His Heart

Another modern devotion which is essentially a devotion to the Precious Blood is the Divine Mercy Devotion. In this, we see the Blood of Jesus as an ocean of mercy.



Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, July 15 -- Anointing of the Sick

A sermon about the nature of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction): Who can give it, who can receive it, what the sacrament is for.

This sacrament is the completion of confession to take away the wounds of sin, and therefore can only be given by a priest or bishop.  Further the sacrament is only for those who are serious ill and have begun to be in a real danger of death - yet, we should not wait till the last moments of life before calling the priest.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, July 8 -- The Life and Ministry of St Paul

St Paul's personality and spirit come to life in his Second Letter to the Corinthians. We will consider the life and ministry of the "Apostle to the Gentiles" as well as the meaning of the "thorn in the flesh" and how St Paul inspires us today.

Born in Tarsus, Saul or Paul (he had both Hebrew and Roman names) was educated in the Law and was among the Pharisees. After persecuting the Christian Church, he was converted when our Lord appeared to him on his way to Damascus. St Paul engaged in three great missionary journeys prior to his first arrest and imprisonment. Having been released, he continued in his preaching and ministry until his second arrest which ended with his martyrdom on 29 June AD 67.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, July 1 -- The Raising of Jairus' Daughter

A preliminary note about the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and how the Sunday Gospel teaches us that Our Lord approves of the use of sacramentals, and that he himself wore a scapular.

Our Lord chose Peter and James and John to witness the resurrection of Jairus' daughter. Peter represents the magisterial authority of the Church and also the sacramental life. James represents the missionary spirit of the Church and the witness of the martyrs. John represents virginal purity and contemplation.

"He said that she should be given something to eat."  Jesus' teaches us about the reception of holy communion - that we must be raised to spiritual life (through baptism and through confession) so as to benefit from the reception of the Eucharist as our spiritual food.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, June 24 -- In Defense of Marriage

The Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist

St John the Baptist is a martyr for marriage - Jesus' public ministry begins in the context of the defense of marriage. Sr Lucia of Fatima tells us that Our Lady revealed that the last battle would be over marriage and the family.

Marriage can only refer to that particular union which is of itself ordered toward children and family. This is why same-sex unions can never be "marriage". As Catholics, we can admit that there may be great commitment, sacrifice, and even love between a same-sex "couple", but that friendship will never be a marriage.


Listen online [here]!

Parish Schedule during VBS Week, June 25-29

Mass and Confession

Schedule

Monday, June 25 – Friday, June 29

Daily Mass – Noon to 12:45 PM

No Confessions until Saturday at 4:30 PM

Evening Dinner with the Dominican Sisters – 6 PM

Sunday Sermon, June 17 -- St Barnabas and the Early Church

Born in Cyprus, a Jew of the tribe of Levi, Joseph, having converted to Christianity shortly after Pentecost, sold all that he had and donated his vast riches to the Apostles. On this account, and because of his skill in preaching, the Apostles named him "Barnabas" (meaning, "son of consolation" or "son of exhortation") and ranked him among there number.

St Barnabas is one of the most important saints in the history of the Church: He brought St Paul into the Christian community, he was the first "Apostle to the Gentiles", he shows us the power of mercy and was a man without any prejudices.  After serving as the first Bishop of Milan, he was martyred in Cyprus and laid to rest with a copy of the Gospel according to St Matthew which he had made with his own hand.



Listen online [here]!

Adult Formation Session, June 12 -- Q&A on Marriage (Series on Marriage, Part 6 of 6)

A final session on the theology of marriage in Scripture and in the Church. Q&A format, with concluding reflection on the most controversial matter in the Church today - Why those in an irregular "marriage" (example, divorced and remarried) must be refused communion if they present themselves.


Listen online [here]!

Sunady Sermon, June 8 -- Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

We begin with a consideration of the "brothers and sisters" of  Jesus who are mentioned in this Sunday's Gospel. The word "brother" can mean "cousin" and is often used this way in both the Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, we know that names of some of these "brothers" (James, Joses, Jude, Simon), and we also know their parents' names -- Cleophas (or Alphaeus) and Mary (not the Blessed Virgin, but another woman named Mary who was a close friend of the Virgin Mary). Thus, it is clear, that these are not children of Mary the Mother of God, nor even children of St Joseph by some previous marriage.


We consider the sin of "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" as the unforgivable sin.  The Fathers of the Church debated a great deal about what this sin was, and St Augustine considers that it is the sin of despair leading to final impenitence, death in the state of mortal sin. This is certainly part of the answer.

St Thomas Aquinas goes further and specifies that "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is when sin is committed out of malice, or hatred of God, rather than out of weakness or ignorance. Such sins are particularly damaging to the spiritual life as being contrary to love.

Finally, we propose that devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the Heart of Love) is a primary means whereby we might avoid falling into blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.


Listen online [here]!

Adult Faith Formation, June 5 - Marriage and Celibacy (Series on Marriage, Part 5 of 6)

Objectives of Session 5 – Marriage and Celibacy

1) To know the key teachings of our Lord about virginity

2) To appreciate the Church’s magisterial teachings about celibacy

3) To be able to defend the Church’s discipline of clerical celibacy

Corpus Christi Sunday Sermon, June 3 -- The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus

The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano (in the year 700) has been studied by scientists numerous times over the past 1,300 years (most recently in 1970) -- the Host visibly turned to a piece of human heart tissue, the Chalice sensibly changed to blood.  I have seen this miracle myself, and there are hundreds like it.

Jesus, on the night before he died, desired to express his great love for us -- and he said, "This is my body." With these words, he would both offer himself as a sacrifice for our salvation, and remain with us forever as our companion and friend.  We consider the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, a heart of love.

Listen online [here]!

Adult Faith Formation, May 29 -- Matrimonial Consent and Indissolubility (Series on Marriage, Part 4 of 6)

Objectives of Session 4 – Matrimonial Consent and Indissolubility

1) To recognize what is required for valid marital consent

2) To appreciate the four “marriage scenarios”  

3) To understand why all marriages are intrinsically indissoluble although some are extrinsically dissoluble

4) To be able to explain the difference between an annulment and a divorce

Trinity Sunday Sermon, May 27 -- God's existence and the Trinity

First, we consider a philosophical proof of God's existence as the Creator who holds the world in existence always. We make "the argument from contingency" - that the existence of the universe which did not have to be implies that there is some Creator who exists necessarily.

However, although God's existence can be known by human reason, the mystery of the Trinity is known only by Divine Revelation and the gift of faith.  By an analogy to the human soul, we understand the Son as the perfect image of the Father (God knows himself and the Father begets the Son), and the Holy Spirit as the love of the Father and the Son (God loves himself and the Father and the Son breath forth the Holy Spirit).

The Trinity dwells within us by grace, be heavenly glory we will dwell within the communion of the Three Persons forever.


Listen online [here]!

Adult Faith Formation, May 22 -- Marriage in Scripture (Series on Marriage, part 3 of 6)

Objectives of Session 3 – Marriage in Scripture

1) To recognize the teaching of marriage present in the creation account

2) To be able to account for polygamy and divorce in the Old Testament

3) To appreciate the New Testament teachings on marriage and virginity

Listen online [here]!

Pentecost Sunday Sermon, May 20 -- Docility to the Holy Spirit

At Pentecost, the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit. We see how the great saints were perfectly docile to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. St Philip Neri is an example of a man who followed the Spirit's promptings and lived in an intimate communion with the Holy Spirit.

How can we be more docile to the movements of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
1) Have a great reverence, love, and devotion to the sacraments - especially Baptism and Confession.
2) Daily reading of Sacred Scripture, with the saints as our guides to interpretation.
3) Devotion to the saints, reading the lives of the saints.
4) Obedience and respect for the Pope and all that the popes have taught through the ages.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, May 13 -- Mary, Mother of the Church

This year, Pope Francis has promulgated a new feast for the Universal Church: Mary, Mother of the Church is to be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost. This Marian title (which is rooted in the writings of St Ambrose and has previously been promoted by Pope Benedict XIV and Pope Leo XIII, as well as Pope Bl Paul VI, Pope St John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI) is a reflection most especially of Mary's role as a mother to the Apostles in the days between the Ascension and Pentecost.

We consider the biblical foundation for calling Mary the Mother of the Church, as well as the promotion of this title at the Second Vatican Council.


Listen online [here]!

Adult Faith Formation, May 8 -- Marriage and Family Life (Series on Marriage, Part 2 of 6)

Objectives of Session 2 – Marriage and Family Life

1) To appreciate the teachings of the Council of Trent on Marriage

2) To recognize the “natural inclination” of all men toward marriage

3) To articulate the blessings and ends of marriage

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, May 6 -- Marital Chastity, in light of Humanae Vitae

Having preached about the difference between Natural Family Planning and Contraception last week, we now turn to a consideration of what chastity means for married couples.

From the encyclical letter, Humanae Vitae, of Pope Paul VI, paragraph 11:
"The sexual activity, in which husband and wife are intimately and chastely united with one another, through which human life is transmitted, is, as the recent Council recalled, "noble and worthy.'' It does not, moreover, cease to be legitimate even when, for reasons independent of their will, it is foreseen to be infertile. For its natural adaptation to the expression and strengthening of the union of husband and wife is not thereby suppressed. The fact is, as experience shows, that new life is not the result of each and every act of sexual intercourse. God has wisely ordered laws of nature and the incidence of fertility in such a way that successive births are already naturally spaced through the inherent operation of these laws. The Church, nevertheless, in urging men to the observance of the precepts of the natural law, which it interprets by its constant doctrine, teaches that each and every marital act must of necessity retain its intrinsic relationship to the procreation of human life."

We consider what is permitted from married people in terms of intimacy at various stages and in various circumstances of life.


Listen online [here]!

Adult Faith Formation, May 1 -- Introduction to Marriage (Series on Marriage, Part 1 of 6)

Objective of Session 1, Introduction to Marriage

1) To recognize that marriage is a natural institution as well as a sacrament

2) To see that even outside of the Church, marriage falls under certain principles of natural law

3) To appreciate that all marriage (even non-sacramental marriage) must be freely chosen, permanent, exclusive, and open to life

4) To recognize that the Church accepts the natural marriages of non-baptized persons

5) To recognize that two baptized persons cannot enter into a merely natural marriage, but only a sacramental marriage

Sunday Sermon, April 29 -- Natural Family Planning Is Not Contraception

“Neither the Church nor her doctrine is inconsistent when she considers it lawful for married people to take advantage of the infertile period but condemns as always unlawful the use of means which directly prevent conception […]. In reality, these two cases are completely different.” (Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae 16)

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae, the encyclical in which Pope Paul VI reaffirmed the Church's teaching regarding openness to life within marriage and condemned as always immoral the use of any form of contraception, following the request of the US Bishops, we will be preaching two sermons this week and next on marriage and family life, and chastity within marital intimacy.

This sermons explains the difference between Natural Family Planning and contraception, showing that the two are "completely different" and that NFP is not in any way "Catholic Contraception" but is in accord with the nature of marriage, the nature of marital intimacy, and the nature of the human person.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, April 22 -- The Life and Gospel of St Mark

This week, we celebrate the feast of St Mark the Evangelist (April 25). In the past few years, we have preached about the other three Evangelists, and now we turn to st Mark.

St Mark was a Jewish priest, converted by St Peter. He wrote his Gospel in Rome, and includes more details than any of the other Gospels (even though it is the shortest). St Mark also includes many Aramaic words and phrases which Jesus spoke, even giving us the particular inflection of our Lord's speech. Through St Mark, we are able to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.


Listen online [here]!

Divine Mercy Sunday Sermon, April 8 -- St Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy

Overview of the vocation story of St Faustina, and close look at certain moments of her life. How Jesus called her to promote the devotion to Divine Mercy, specifically through the Divine Mercy Image and Divine Mercy Sunday.



Listen online [here]!

Easter Sermon, April 1 -- God's Sabbath Rest: Eve, Mary, The Church

We consider the sorrow of Holy Saturday, when God himself lay dead in the tomb. This day is Mary's day, for she alone had faith in the Resurrection and, in the midst of sorrow, she is our true Mother.

The Lord rested on the seventh day of creation, Jesus rested in death on the Sabbath, Adam rested in a deep sleep when God fashioned the woman from his side. We see that as Eve came from the side of Adam as his bride, so too the Church was fashioned from the opened side of Christ on the Cross.


Listen online [here]!

Holy Thursday Sermon, March 29 -- The Mystery of the Triduum

At every Mass, we enter into the mysteries of salvation after the manner of a sacrament. However, during the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil) we enter into these mysteries after the manner in which they were historically accomplished. That is to say, we re-live these mysteries in a more "dramatic" fashion than at any other time in the liturgical year - following the Lord's footsteps through his Passion and Resurrection.



Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, March 18 -- The Seven Last Words of Jesus

The "Seven Last Words" are the seven last phrases spoken by our Savior as he hung for three hours dying upon the Cross.


The First Word - Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

The Second Word - Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

The Third Word - When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he love, he said to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he said to the disciple: Behold thy mother.  (John 19:26-27)

The Fourth Word - Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? That is, My God, my God, why hast thouh forsaken me?  (Matthew 27:24)

The Fifth Word - I thirst.  (John 19:28)

The Sixth Word - It is finished.  (John 19:30)

The Seventh Word - Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.  (Luke 23:46)


Listen online [here]!

Holy Week, Easter Triduum Schedule

Tuesday, March 27 
5:30 PM Mass followed by Rosary


Wednesday, March 28
7 AM Mass
4:30 - 5:30 PM Confessions
5:30 PM Rosary
6 - 7 PM Confessions


Holy Thursday, March 29
NO 7 AM Mass
NO 4:30 PM Confessions
5:30 PM Mass, followed by Adoration
7 PM to Midnight, Adoration in the "Garden"
7 PM to 8 PM Confessions


Good Friday, March 30
NO 7 AM Mass
NO 4:30 PM Confessions
5:30 PM Commemoration of the Lord's Passion
         Followed by Stations of the Cross


Holy Saturday, March 31
NO 7 AM Mass
Noon - 2 PM, Church Decorating, Volunteers needed!
NO 4:30 PM Confessions
9:30 PM Easter Vigil Mass


Easter Sunday, April 1
9 AM Mass
11:30 AM Mass

Sunday Sermon, March 11 -- The Veneration of the Crucifix

"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of man be lifted up."

Jesus refers to the Book of Numbers, chapter 21. We consider the history of the Old Testament event and the importance of devotion to the Crucifix in the life of the Church. Also, answering varied objections that Protestants make to the image of Christ Crucified, as well as objections made against religious statues.


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, March 4 -- The History of the Sacrament of Confession

An overview of the History of the Sacrament of Confession, and what each age of the Church can teach us. First, a reminder of the three acts of the penitent: Contrition (sorrow for sin and resolve to never sin again), Confession (naming our sins, and all mortal sins according to name and number), and Satisfaction (performing our penance, and living a penitential life).

The early Church teaches us that true contrition and a firm resolve never to sin again are the most important aspect of confession.
The early Church also teaches us of the joy of reconciliation of the sinner with God and with the Church.
The monastic period teaches us that penance is important.
The scholastic period and early modern period teach us of the importance avoiding occasions of sin.
The current age of the Church seems to focus primarily on the "nuts and bolts" of the method of confession, the naming of sins and the memorization of the formulae. While this is important, we must remember that the most important part of confession is to be truly sorry for our sins and to be firmly resolved never to sin again.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, February 25 -- The Testing of Abraham, and Faith in the Resurrection

Sermon for the Second Sunday of Lent, on the testing of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac as a prefigurement of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Mount Moriah is the place where the Jewish Temple was later built. On the far side of that mount is an outcropping which was later called Golgatha. Jesus carried the wood of the Cross up the very same slopes where Isaac carried the wood for the sacrifice.

Further, we know through St Paul's Letter to the Hebrews that Abraham had explicit faith in the resurrection from the dead -- for he reasoned that, if he did sacrifice Isaac on the mountain, God would raising him back to life and fulfill the promises through him.  (Hebrews 11:17ff)


Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, February 18 -- The World Needs Catholics to Fast

For the Christian, holiness is the imitation of Christ - and Jesus fasted for forty days, which is why we fast and do penance during Lent. In particular, we fast from food and abstain from meat. Fasting and abstinence is deeply connected with who man, it is not merely a convention. Of all the ways we are attached to worldly things, food is primary. And of all types of food which give strength to the body, the meat of warm blooded animals is primary. Therefore, we sacrifice not only what is good, but even what is necessary (food, and in particular meat); so that we might be strengthened to give up what is not only not necessary, but is not even good (that is, sin).

One hundred years ago, Our Lady appeared in Fatima to ask for penance and prayers for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world. At that time, Catholics fasted for over fifty days of the year (included every day of Lent excepting Sundays), and abstained from meat and eggs and dairy for about one hundred days of the year (including every day of Lent, even the Sundays). Nowadays, we are only required to fast two days a year and to abstain from meat eight days - that is less than five percent of the fasting and less than ten percent of the abstinence which Catholics have practiced for some two thousand years!

No wonder the world and the Church are in such a sad state! Catholics don't do penance any more! Mary has been asking for one hundred years now, will any generous hearts embrace fasting and abstinence this Lent for peace in the world and the salvation of souls?


Listen online [here]!

Thoughts about Lenten Fasting and Abstinence, with a comment about all Fridays through the Year

The Current Law of the Church

Abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of the year (except if there is a Solemnity), which is strictly mandatory during Lent but can be substituted with another penance outside of Lent. [This is mandatory for all 14 and up, until death.]

Fasting, meaning one regular meal and two small snacks, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday – and encouraged on Holy Saturday.  [This is mandatory for all from 18 to 59.]

(Laws of fasting and abstinence bind gravely, so that it is objectively in the realm of mortal sin to break them significantly without a grave reason [like being very ill or having to perform some extreme physical labor, or pregnancy, etc].)

Father Ryan’s Recommendations  (simply some ideas of how to enter more fully into Lent)

Fasting has traditionally been understood to mean only one meal (taken after 3pm), and only one very small snack (like a piece of bread with honey, or a few veggies). Those who are grown and healthy might consider incorporating this practice on even a weekly basis, especially Fridays – however, growing children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant mothers, etc should speak first with their confessor.

Abstinence has traditionally been understood to mean not just avoiding meat, but also products derived from these animals – namely, broth, meat-gravy, dairy, eggs, etc. This is the origin of the “Easter egg,” since eggs were forbidden during Lent. This is also why Catholics were called “Fish eaters” because they couldn’t eat meat or eggs or dairy – fish was a major part of the Lenten diet.

Less than 100 years ago, abstinence was practiced not only on Fridays, but also on Wednesdays and Saturdays – and even “partial abstinence” on every day of Lent (including Sundays), which meant that meat, eggs, or dairy could only be eaten at one meal during the day. The more ancient practice was to fully abstain from meat, eggs, and dairy on every single day of Lent, and to fast every day but Sunday!

For those who are able, it would be good to consider practicing abstinence from meat, eggs, and dairy on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – especially on the Ember Days of the First Week of Lent. And even to adopt partial abstinence on every day of Lent.

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“The observance of Lent is the very badge of the Christian warfare. By it, we prove ourselves not to be enemies of the cross of Christ. By it, we avert the scourges of divine justice. By it, we gain strength against the princes of darkness, for it shields us with heavenly help. Should mankind grow remiss in their observance of Lent, it would be a detriment to God’s glory, a disgrace to the Catholic religion, and a danger to Christian souls. Neither can it be doubted that such negligence would become the source of misery to the world, of public calamity, and of private woe.”

(Pope Benedict XIV, in the Constitution Non ambigimus of 10 June 1745)

Let’s review the Canon Law of the Church:

Can. 1249 All Christ's faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to do penance. However, so that all may be joined together in a certain common practice of penance, days of penance are prescribed. […]

Can. 1250 The days and times of penance for the universal Church are each Friday of the whole year and [every day of] the season of Lent.

Can. 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. […]

Can. 1253 The Episcopal Conference can determine more particular ways in which fasting and abstinence are to be observed. In place of abstinence or fasting it can substitute, in whole or in part, other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.

It is clear that each and every Friday through the entire year is a day of penance. This is prescribed by the Law of the Church. In the Universal Church, Catholics are obligated to abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year. The US Bishops have obtained permission for some other form of penance for Fridays outside of Lent. However, we must recall that all US Catholics are obligated to do penance of some sort on every Friday of the year (excepting if it be a solemnity; for example, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart). Penance on Fridays is binding on all Catholics from 14 years until death. There is no upper age limit to abstaining from meat or some other form of penance outside of Lent. However, the two days of fasting (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) bind only from 18 to 60 years – we are encouraged to fast also on Holy Saturday.

But how serious is this obligation? After Vatican II, Pope Paul VI issued a declaration regarding the necessity of penance in the Christian life. Regarding abstinence from meat (or some other penance as determined by the Bishops’ Conference) on every Friday throughout the year, the Pope states, in 1966, “Their substantial observance binds gravely.” (Paenitemini, Norm II.2) This was further clarified by the Vatican, stating that omitting a part of the prescript of penance “which is notable either quantitatively or qualitatively, without an excusing motive” is a grave sin. (Dubium of 31 March 1967).

What does this mean? It means that Catholics are bound under pain of mortal sin to practice penance on every Friday throughout the year, and not just during Lent. The universal way in which Catholics practice this penance is by abstaining from meat. However, in the USA other forms of penance may be substituted, but some sort of penance is mandatory. To omit penance on numerous Fridays outside of Lent (or even one Friday of Lent) without a grave reason would be a mortal sin.

Am I in mortal sin, if I've never heard about this and have never done Friday penance before?! Of course not. If you truly did not know, but generally seek to follow the teachings of the Church, you are not guilty of committing a mortal sin you didn't know about. However, we all have the obligation to learn and spread the fullness of the Catholic teaching, so we must strive from now on to practice Friday penance throughout.

Why haven't I heard about this before? If it really is an issue of mortal sin, why haven't other priests told me about this?! It is sad that there are many teachings which have not been communicated clearly over the past 50 years. Friday penance is a wonderful way to be united with Christ, who died on Friday for our salvation – this is all about imitating Jesus with much love!