tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534163149508954532011-11-27T19:05:24.168-05:00Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.comBlogger2201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-47087450943137040752010-05-24T12:02:00.000-04:002010-05-24T12:02:19.577-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-51567951192334217722010-05-24T11:56:00.002-04:002010-05-24T11:56:23.313-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-72686892030718061312010-05-24T11:51:00.000-04:002010-05-24T11:51:12.689-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-65237492877328687922010-05-24T11:45:00.000-04:002010-05-24T11:45:06.007-04:00

The winning joke, which was later found to be based on a 1951 Goon show sketch by Spike Milligan,[2] was submitted by Gurpal Gosall of Manchester: “ Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, "My friend is dead! What can I do?". The operator says

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-24883607764526850552010-05-24T11:38:00.000-04:002010-05-24T11:38:44.735-04:00

For an interesting article, go to the Kansas City Star.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-87580156456355966382010-05-24T11:29:00.000-04:002010-05-24T11:29:33.350-04:00

It appears that the lid of the Vatican box of secrets has been opened. When the Boston Globe was the first major publication to reveal the full scope of the sexual abuse crisis in the United States (2002), there was a mistaken impression that this was a problem unique to America. We now know this is not the case, because of international revelations that have come full circle in the past week.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-17755568303630241592010-03-25T11:51:00.000-04:002010-03-25T11:51:08.236-04:00

Another change in the language of the liturgy.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-57629877186578888802010-03-25T11:45:00.000-04:002010-03-25T11:45:11.794-04:00

For a short video on one of the changes which will happen to the language of our liturgy, go here.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-1682422907661656642010-03-24T14:22:00.001-04:002010-03-24T14:22:57.267-04:00

Today marks the thirtieth anniversary of the day Oscar A. Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, in El Salvador, was assassinated. His death took place on March 24, 1980, while he was celebrating Mass in a small chapel in a cancer hospital where he lived. The fourth archbishop of San Salvador, Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (August 15, 1917 - March 24, 1980), after a conversion during his

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-56831432744929403662010-03-24T14:13:00.002-04:002010-03-24T14:13:41.392-04:00

Waiting for the only one you've ever loved, for the only one who has ever made your time better, for the only one who had played with you for the first time, the only one who always made you feel alive, the only one you knew you belonged to, the only one who's always been as happy as you were when meeting one another... and this waiting will never end, because this person is no more... and you

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-14991208380747853242010-03-24T14:05:00.000-04:002010-03-24T14:05:25.075-04:00

"Live Like You Were Dying" tells the story of a man in his early forties, with an unspecified, life-threatening disease. Upon realizing that he may not have much time left to live, the man decides to engage in certain activities that he has always wanted to do, such as skydiving, mountain climbing, fishing, and bull riding. He also decides to improve his standing with other people, including his

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-61060727103774404942010-03-22T15:07:00.000-04:002010-03-22T15:07:34.694-04:00

A good presentation by a youth and young adult choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-54257968760167643962010-03-22T15:03:00.000-04:002010-03-22T15:03:23.299-04:00

This priest has some good reflections to prepare for Passion Sunday.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-20135237339209872292010-03-16T12:33:00.000-04:002010-03-16T12:33:49.118-04:00

 The good Christian is a law abiding citizen – so Sister told me in grammar school. An eternal truth that perhaps conceals more evil than appears to the eye. We have only to reflect back to Germany in the 1930s or Central America in the 1980s. We have only to look at the immigration issue to reveal that an insistence on being law-abiding can create dilemmas for the good Christian. Simply to ask

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-59114835318843318872010-03-10T16:55:00.001-05:002010-03-10T16:56:31.264-05:00

by David Gibson Today’s televised health care showdown is seen by many, if not most, as political theater, but I think that’s fine. Theater is a way to clarify and teach what’s true, and in this case, perhaps change both actors and audience. But part of the drama that must not be ignored is in fact that of the audience, and people like my colleague Jan Battaile at PoliticsDaily. Her multiple

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-26376886982448193022010-03-10T16:43:00.001-05:002010-03-10T16:47:48.954-05:00

. BY MOLLIE WILSON - - - -God, You Can Be Such a Jerk Sometimes Even Cripples Praise Your Name Faith of My In-Laws Cleanse My Scalp of Dandruff, Lord Another Rainy Day. Great. Thanks a Lot. "Holy" like a Doughnut, "Holy" like Swiss Cheese Just One More Hour, and Then We Go Home O Saints Who Died in Gruesome Ways Jesus is More Than Alright with Me You Have to Admit, This

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-5948081865428089902010-03-10T16:25:00.000-05:002010-03-10T16:25:57.001-05:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-72096117479217066672010-03-07T13:43:00.000-05:002010-03-07T13:43:24.217-05:00

Chicago, IL: In the spirit of dialogue, a local parish group has presented some "guidelines for conversation" between the self-identified conservative and liberal factions of the Church. In addition, they have provided "opening statements to dialogue" that should be avoided. "We were inspired by the late Cardinal Bernardin's Common Ground Initiative to keep the lines of communication and wisdom

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-74207638918557163892010-03-07T13:33:00.000-05:002010-03-07T13:33:25.181-05:00

Washington, D.C. -- The Food and Drug Administration has rejected the Nutrition Facts label submitted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in order to comply with FDA regulations, a USCCB spokeswoman said today. The action was likely to exacerbate the dispute between the Church and the agency following the agency's ruling last month that the Eucharist, in both species, falls under FDA

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-53236099174578227852010-03-03T15:25:00.003-05:002010-03-03T15:26:31.239-05:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-56907509349016283932010-03-03T15:17:00.000-05:002010-03-03T15:17:14.428-05:00

One of the greatest gifts you can do for your family is to plan ahead. Read the following for one man's ideas. http://www.firstthings.com/article/2010/03/i-want-to-burden-my-loved-ones

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-31321289851842874432010-03-03T14:41:00.000-05:002010-03-03T14:41:18.961-05:00

I've referred to this quote many times in my homilies, but never quoted it in full. It says a lot about how we celebrate our liturgies. "Why do people in church seem like cheerful, brainless tourists on a packaged tour of the Absolute? … Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power weblithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-29194247812293656342009-11-27T10:39:00.004-05:002009-11-27T10:42:19.935-05:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-45637577431650222112009-11-27T10:35:00.000-05:002009-11-27T10:35:30.045-05:00

This dog was found along the highway without any identification. She got to spend the night with Tobie and Caleb before I took her to the shelter the next day.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-91734075434425369982009-11-19T17:01:00.000-05:002009-11-19T17:01:03.288-05:00

Good video for our up-coming Feast of Christ the King. Video of Christ the King

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-52861932789901249982009-06-28T13:33:00.007-04:002009-06-28T14:06:36.544-04:00

Well, the day has come!Today was my last day, after 11 years, here at St. Therese. Thank you for the support and love you've given me as your pastor. I'm leaving a big part of my heart here with you.My two new parishes are Francis de Sales and Church of the Visitation.By clicking on the above links you can find my new addresses and phone numbers.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-51140127981665129342009-06-28T13:21:00.001-04:002009-06-28T13:30:39.019-04:00

Thanks, Faith, for sharing this!

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-81372299038775718932009-06-27T16:45:00.002-04:002009-06-27T16:45:43.727-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-77299321572154084502009-06-27T16:38:00.005-04:002009-06-27T16:41:04.793-04:00

Just a bit of information on the 21 ecumenical council held over the past 1700 years - NOT a complete breakdown of what went on when and where. It's important for Catholics to know where they come from, not just what they're doing and where they're going.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-29712229214691272982009-06-23T19:25:00.002-04:002009-06-23T19:35:47.969-04:00

Dear friends,First of all, I thank you for this wonderful gathering of support for not only my ministry here, but for what we at St. Therese are, a loving and supportive community.I must thank Gerry Jones and all who have worked long and hard to plan and make this gathering possible. Thank you, thank you. This is not just a celebration of me, but of us.We can never be sure whether the news we

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-16536903216510174892009-06-21T13:27:00.003-04:002009-06-21T13:29:38.595-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-598277965790314782009-06-21T13:17:00.002-04:002009-06-21T13:17:46.358-04:00

Haven't seen it yet, but intend to see if Netflix has it.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-60330203883933907152009-06-21T10:14:00.007-04:002009-06-21T10:18:58.197-04:00

Icon of St. John Vienney, patron saint of priests.Last Friday begun the official year of the priest. To read the promulgation go to this site.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-75068219121620899532009-06-17T11:40:00.011-04:002009-06-17T11:49:17.018-04:00

(See Matthew 6:1-6 and Matthew 6:16-18)Hypocrites: scribes, Pharisees and ...us? Ouch! Isn't it strange that Jesus tells us to wash our faces when we fast so that nobody will know we are fasting, and then on Ash Wednesday, when we begin our season of fasting, we put ashes on our faces so that everybody will know we are fasting. And even though Jesus tells us to keep our charitable giving a

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-19319704470503243762009-06-14T09:58:00.005-04:002009-06-14T12:27:46.625-04:00

(The High Feast of the Lamb ((detail) Ghent altarpiece - Jan Van Eyck 16th c)Today is the Feast of The Body and Blood of Christ (or Corpus Christi, for those who still remember their Latin). Historically it finds its origins in the thirteenth century as a feast in honour of the Blessed Sacrament; in earlier years it was traditionally marked by a procession.Of course we not only offer devotion to

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-31566329291850844492009-06-11T16:30:00.005-04:002009-06-11T16:37:27.996-04:00

"Why do we stick with Christianity? And with the church? I was reading a thing on Beliefnet this morning about celebrities who've changed religions. And the majority of them had changed from some Christian denomination--Baptist, Methodist, Anglican--to something else...Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Scientology."With these words, the author of the blog Stalking Holiness begins her article describing

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-78796679830102180692009-06-11T16:18:00.007-04:002009-06-21T13:10:37.677-04:00

Icon of St. Barnabas Reflection on today’s gospel: Matthew 5:20-26Today's Gospel passage speaks of angry thoughts and demeaning speech in the same breath as murder. Do I think before I speak? Do I gossip, just for "fun"? Do I consider the effects of my "good-natured teasing"? Do I find myself compelled to return an angry word to someone who has provoked me? In and of themselves

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-78992541696193686092009-06-11T16:10:00.002-04:002009-06-11T16:13:48.308-04:00

For pictures of the boys and girls.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-4955762997089211892009-06-11T15:35:00.003-04:002009-06-11T15:48:46.475-04:00

I've just added a new feature to my blog. It allows you to instantly see any scripture passage by merely moving your cursor over the source.Try it with this scripture passage from today's gospel: Matthew 5:20-26.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-55644513228898212192009-06-11T15:30:00.000-04:002009-06-11T15:31:30.681-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-56744187793625915752009-06-11T15:05:00.006-04:002009-06-11T16:47:39.758-04:00

Father Ron then added that the goal of the program is to empower the parishioners to expect and get a properly celebrated liturgical experience free of all distractions and inappropriate activities which might occur in a parish on a local level. "We don't want cookie mass or Barney Blessings. We want an authentic liturgy abuse free" said Father RonTo read entire article go to this site.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-90296998251339792852009-06-11T15:01:00.003-04:002009-06-11T15:03:48.867-04:00

Just wanted to remind folks that I will continue this blog from my new parish. You will probably not be able to enter through the St. Therese wev site, but you can still read it at www.frrobertcummins.blogspot.com.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-28780232315710396782009-06-10T16:44:00.009-04:002009-06-10T16:55:09.772-04:00

Church of the VisitationMost of you know that I will be moving at the end of this month. I will be Administrator of two small churches in Middlesex County: St. Francis De Sales in Mathews, VA., and Church of the Visitation in Topping.You can visit their web pages by clicking on their names.You know our recent history; I am at peace with this decision. I know I'm taking a chance,

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-90228767096801827012009-06-10T16:37:00.003-04:002009-06-10T16:43:08.485-04:00

Reflection on today's gospel, Matthew 5:17-19"I was always too strict with my daughter," the mother complained bitterly, "and now that she's gone, she won't have anything to do with me." The woman poured out her story of regret and loneliness, recounting all the mistakes she'd made as a mother, agonizing over the broken relationship between her and her daughter. She realized, maybe too late, that

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-89798237240474961802009-06-03T19:38:00.003-04:002009-06-03T19:42:20.491-04:00

Thanks to Faith for sending this to me!

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-35975239750804196222009-05-31T14:00:00.007-04:002009-05-31T14:10:04.925-04:00

"So unruly is the Spirits entrance that we feel the need to tame it."A good article on Pentecost by Beverly Gaventa. To read go here.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-44313868063494741282009-05-28T20:28:00.002-04:002009-05-28T20:31:26.218-04:00

My alma mater, St. Mary's College: now St.Mary's University of Minnesota. Someone from Winona has been checking out my blog! Who are you?

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-68532686200946814662009-05-26T15:29:00.002-04:002009-05-26T15:31:50.054-04:00

I received an e-mail from Msgr. Lane today telling me I'm to meet with the diocesan Personnel Committee Friday morning.I haven't been allowed to talk to them before. They are the ones who make "recommendations" to our bishop about appointments. Hopefully, it will do some good, so keep me in your prayers this Friday.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-5927679843347223612009-05-26T15:28:00.000-04:002009-05-26T15:29:41.989-04:00

This was sent to me by a friend. It is good!

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-72019567445843694822009-05-23T18:55:00.013-04:002009-05-23T19:02:27.536-04:00

A few pieces of art representing the Ascension. The one above is by Giotti. The one below by Salvador Dali. This one is a Greek icon.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-56357370186673516562009-05-21T12:38:00.002-04:002009-06-11T15:57:01.356-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-60043290239156871572009-05-21T11:42:00.006-04:002009-05-21T11:48:23.607-04:00

For more of these go to this site. I warn you, however, some are a little irreverent and this author takes no responsibility for their content!

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-79177602509769123002009-05-21T11:21:00.015-04:002009-05-21T11:50:51.718-04:00

Now that I've got your attention, click here.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-78562224063775154822009-05-21T11:01:00.006-04:002009-05-21T11:08:49.309-04:00

To read this story click here.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-38883091640601796142009-05-18T21:42:00.001-04:002009-05-18T21:44:57.908-04:00

By request, I have changed the leader font color from red to black.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-73660038455210066952009-05-17T15:09:00.002-04:002009-05-17T15:10:40.180-04:00

At this very moment, new members of our Pastoral Council are being discerned. I am impressed by their depth of faith and love for this parish. I’m also impressed with the few people who showed up to help in this discernment.One of the most important issues in parish life, I believe, is leadership.I don’t mean the leadership of the Pastor. I mean the leadership of the members, or what one author

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-30774596224605483382009-05-17T15:02:00.001-04:002009-05-17T15:02:55.963-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-26558348829904133182009-05-17T14:55:00.004-04:002009-05-17T14:58:50.885-04:00

Somehow this got posted at the bottom right side of my blog. Even though it is late, I thought all you mothers out there would like it.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-55988643133207317722009-05-16T19:01:00.003-04:002009-05-16T19:07:43.864-04:00

I met with the bishop this past Thursday.Bishop DiLorenzo has given me two options:1. His preference is that I seek a new diocese to serve in.2. If I choose not to do that, I have to call around the Diocese of Richmond and ask pastors to let me serve with them.He will not assign me or help me find an assignment. At the moment I don't know what to do. I am praying over it and talking to my

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-16754011547307362472009-05-16T18:55:00.001-04:002009-05-16T19:00:50.404-04:00

I have rarely shied away from being edgy.•“Get their attention!”•“Prove that you’re a real person!”•“Give them something to talk about!”•“Connect with those who aren’t churched!”These sayings were the unspoken mantra for many pastors in my generation. While there is nothing inherently wrong with any of these statements, without wisdom and prayerful attention, a pastor can easily cross the line

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-14566717514998157482009-05-13T12:53:00.006-04:002009-05-13T13:18:08.575-04:00

I suppose, because I am looking ahead to moving soon, I'm also looking back. Warning, this post is like a home movie! A few years ago I went to Belieze with my friend Fr. Bert. We stayed in Placencia, at the tip of a southern peninsula. We had just returned from a trip inland and gone cave swimming. In this video we are heading through the grounds of the place we stayed at. Actually, we were

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-2333366087737699702009-05-13T12:46:00.006-04:002009-06-11T15:58:55.265-04:00

To read what Holy Family parishioners are doing in Haiti read this article from today's Virginian Pilot.This is a slide show of our visit to Haiti.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-68562816971856252182009-05-13T12:28:00.001-04:002009-05-13T12:30:04.582-04:00

She's now 75 pounds!

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-1760583082590245182009-05-13T11:09:00.008-04:002009-05-13T11:13:40.954-04:00

The US is known for taking our Christian beliefs very seriously. But this initiative from Aberdeen tops it all. Check out the Christvertising website and learn about their brand targeted prayer which involves millions of people pray for your brand. Here's Christvertisings Christmas wish.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-42013452281039609552009-05-13T11:01:00.001-04:002009-05-13T11:02:53.522-04:00

I've watched this several times and find it intriguing. Let me know what you think.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-76704358085098367852009-05-13T10:37:00.002-04:002009-06-11T16:00:07.518-04:00

When I prepare for my homilies, I always begin by reading the scripture, jotting down thoughts as I read. Then I put those away and leave them, coming back to them every now and then.Some of my first notes on last Sunday’s gospel:1) Jesus’ disciples testified to what they saw and witnessed first hand. What struck me (reminded me, because this was always pounded into us during our preaching

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-49209146872604620132009-05-13T10:18:00.005-04:002009-05-13T10:23:57.777-04:00

In 1998 F. Dean Lueking was teaching at the Lutheran seminary in Bratislava, Slovakia. This article appeared in the Christian Century, April 16, 1997, p. 387, copyright by the Christian Century Foundation and used by permission. Beautiful music and beautiful pictures.Abide With Me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.When other helpers fail ...Abide. It’s an

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-12064632906185220382009-05-13T10:08:00.003-04:002009-05-13T10:14:34.286-04:00

Springtime and my true Vine begins to sprout with tiny shoots peeking forth from deadwood darkness. Spring cleaning time for my cluttered dwelling place too much filled with barren branches and broken promises of praytime, contemplation cast aside in favor of junk food. Yet wholesome fruit and vegetables in plenty I would bear for my own fulfilling and

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-83179094322638584232009-05-13T10:00:00.004-04:002009-05-13T10:05:16.861-04:00

One of the things I learned growing up was that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (look it up in Galatians 5:22-23, or the Catechism, #1832). Our Lord gives us the formula for a happy, happy life. The mistake I often make is that I try to be patient, or I struggle to control myself Jesus says simply to

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-51192706704469997472009-05-12T15:07:00.001-04:002009-05-12T15:08:15.381-04:00

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Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-54681448408577956212009-05-12T14:54:00.001-04:002009-05-12T14:54:29.494-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-78073405419352515942009-05-12T14:41:00.002-04:002009-05-12T14:41:51.431-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-8360110211512092172009-05-12T14:30:00.004-04:002009-05-12T14:32:49.577-04:00

………which might be the reason why I lose my way so often!

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-54935973665302740592009-05-12T14:20:00.008-04:002009-05-12T14:25:45.145-04:00

I am passing this on to you because it definitely worked for me today, and we all could probably use more calm in our lives. Some doctor on television this morning said that the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started.So I looked around my house to see things I'd started and hadn't finished and, before leaving the house this morning I finished off a bottle of

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-75366198566377895322009-05-12T14:15:00.004-04:002009-05-12T14:18:38.560-04:00

God is not a moral theologian, for which we should all be grateful!William James via Stephani Keer

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-66915824580028126452009-05-12T14:10:00.001-04:002009-05-12T14:12:19.242-04:00

from the Naked Pastor.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-55802370859887636922009-05-12T14:02:00.005-04:002009-05-12T14:08:50.213-04:00

A couple of interesting posts below have worried about the number of people leaving the Church. Is it because they’re badly educated? Is it because the Church no longer resonates experimentally with them? Is it because they view the Church as morally corrupt (child abuse)?This interesting article by Cathleen Kaveny in Commonweal is worth reading.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-40595008987854171382009-05-12T13:53:00.008-04:002009-05-12T14:01:32.365-04:00

First off, mirabile dictu, is L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican daily that titled its analysis “The 100 days that did not shake the world.” As John Thavis reports for CNS, the Vatican paper says Obama has “not confirmed the Catholic Church’s worst fears about radical policy changes in ethical areas” and says the “the new president has operated with more caution than predicted in most areas,

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-32440884380560100282009-05-11T16:02:00.002-04:002009-05-11T16:02:49.721-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-76461359749012237692009-05-11T14:10:00.002-04:002009-05-11T14:13:50.455-04:00

The following comes from Faith Keczan

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-57956982392647989282009-05-10T13:51:00.004-04:002009-05-10T14:15:33.842-04:00

Background. It's time for me to have "the talk" (about sex) with my 14 year old son. I should have had this discussion before now, but since we home-school and he's never really showed interest in girls I didn't want to push the issue. I didn't grow up with my father so I was never given the talk. He does play hockey so I'm sure he has some idea from hearing other boys in the locker room talk

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-61456968470513860992009-05-10T13:46:00.001-04:002009-05-10T13:47:37.017-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-29015087033953698682009-05-10T13:43:00.002-04:002009-05-10T13:45:45.442-04:00

Please send me any links you think others will enjoy.Thanks,Fr. Robert

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-71273893280427277612009-05-10T13:29:00.005-04:002009-05-10T13:43:12.242-04:00

This is a "have to see." If you agree, please visit the sight and sign the Declaration. Thanks, Rita, for sending me the link.

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-48241146003680753922009-05-10T12:57:00.007-04:002009-05-10T13:13:15.055-04:00

For a wonderful panoramic, interactive view Piaristenkirche in Vienna.Jack Poche sent this link to me and said that this church is the one Elfie Psimas attended in Vienna.Some background: The eight district of Vienna is funny - it is densely populated and among the busiest and most rental districts starting lust behind the Rathaus city hall. Yet it is also one of the least touristy district in

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-14761085130743163672009-05-10T10:47:00.003-04:002009-05-10T10:50:22.936-04:00

This one is from BOB SCHWECHTEN. Thanks, BobDo you know your (specific) hymn(s)? When you go to Church this weekend be sure to smile as you go through your Hymnals! Dentist's Hymn...............................Crown Him with Many Crowns Weatherman's Hymn.....................There Shall Be Showers of Blessings Contractor's Hymn........................The Church's One Foundation The

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-92135168726183451522009-05-10T10:21:00.001-04:002009-05-10T10:24:35.447-04:00

While cleaning garage gutters one vibrant autumn day, I glanced down from my perch atop a ladder to view a seemingly impossible sight. Doubtful, I descended to inspect what appeared to be an iron rod poking up from the interior of a tree. Upon further investigation, I discovered this iron rod to be the end piece of a chain link fence separating my property from the neighbors. The fence

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-19234936123836666392009-05-10T10:18:00.002-04:002009-05-10T10:20:11.092-04:00

When we think of a vine, we typically picture the leafy ivy that takes over the facade of historic buildings or the creeping vines that wrap themselves around fences. However, Jesus no doubt had a grapevine in mind. After all, he was observing the Passover with his disciples, and wine, "the fruit of the vine," played an important role in the celebration. Furthermore, he tells his disciples that

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-3644704270967754372009-05-10T10:12:00.002-04:002009-05-10T10:17:22.331-04:00

Trees have evolved a clever way of making sure their seed gets distributed far and wide—fruit! The fruit attracts animals which carry it off, eat it, and leave the seed within behind to take root and grow. A tree doesn't grow fruit for its own use, but to entice others to grab hold of it and carry the seed off with them. Just so, the fruit that believers bear is not meant for themselves but for

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-28269120512816557452009-05-09T19:48:00.001-04:002009-05-09T19:48:24.703-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-83316514806728291852009-05-09T19:46:00.001-04:002009-05-09T19:46:52.823-04:00

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-2963572309848519122009-05-09T19:39:00.003-04:002009-05-09T19:41:19.840-04:00

Parents: contains a little profanity and brotherly violence!

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-737579354428019502009-05-09T19:37:00.001-04:002009-05-09T19:37:51.577-04:00

Mother's Day - The most popular videos are here

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-18547599056128628772009-05-09T19:19:00.003-04:002009-06-11T16:02:11.160-04:00

Before I was a Mom -I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.Before I was a Mom -I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.Before I was a Mom -I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-89977221948998532652009-05-09T19:13:00.003-04:002009-05-09T19:17:12.880-04:00

A kid shows her drawing of her mother, at Yixiu kindergarten in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 8, 2009, to celebrate the Mother's Day, which falls on May 10 this year.This day we gather with eager hearts, hungry for your Word, yearning for the joy you promise in love. O God, together we hold a vision of your kingdom, a people of prayer and open hearts, a loving Body of Christ eager to

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-71655434418720031872009-05-09T19:06:00.002-04:002009-05-09T19:10:10.307-04:00

When two 35-year-old, 80-foot pine trees fell on our home in southern Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, the damage was considerable but certainly not unique.Many suffered devastating damage to property and life. What was unique, however, was the fact that the falling frees were slowed by wisteria vines that had grown around the base of each tree and fully surrounded it almost

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The strongman at a circus sideshow demonstrated his power before a large audience. Toward the end, he squeezed the juice from a lemon between his hands. He then said, “I will offer $200 to anyone in the audience who can squeeze another drop from this lemon.”A thin, scholarly-looking woman came forward, picked up the lemon, strained hard and managed to get a drop. The strongman was amazed. He paid

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-56505476188002258852009-05-06T13:46:00.003-04:002009-05-06T14:43:28.911-04:00

Faith Keczan sent me this quote which I like very much. Thanks, Faith. "I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be.I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am.".. John Newton (1725-1807)

Fr. Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01784597305207101267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53416314950895453.post-83323036850915114372009-05-05T18:10:00.003-04:002009-05-05T18:16:03.087-04:00

Click here to go to the sight

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