We venerate today the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in which “God lies concealed cloaking His Face with the appearance of Bread and Wine. He is whole, entire, and perfect in each piece and in every drop.”

Throughout this week, the Catholic Church has taken a moment to adore, worship and venerate this central creed – that Christ is alive and communicates with God’s People primarily in the Eucharist reserved here in our tabernacle and in the tabernacles around the world. This is what distinguishes us among Christians and from other religions – Jesus dwells here among us and we recognize, respect and sanctify the place where He dwells.

Continue reading “He is whole and entire in just one piece, one drop!!” →

LORD, SEND OUT YOUR SPIRIT, AND RENEW THE FACE OF THE EARTH

This is the time of year for graduations and commencements from elementary school, middle school, high school and perhaps college.  It can be a time filled with great joy over our accomplishments and hopes for the future.  But it can also be a time filled with anxiety and fear with questions like…will I like my new teachers, will I make new friends, did I choose the right college, or will I get a job when I graduate?  Whether or not we are experiencing graduation, throughout the course of our lives we find ourselves in situations that give rise to great hope but at the same time cause anxiety and fear  On the eve on that first Pentecost, the disciples found themselves in a similar situation…a time filled with great joy and hope, but also a time filled with anxiety and fear.   But with the coming of the Holy Spirit…the Teacher, the Helper, the Comforter, the Advocate, the Paraclete…the disciples fears and anxieties were transformed into confidence and good works for God’s kingdom! Continue reading “Deacon Greg Maskarinec’s Homily from Pentecost Sunday” →

These days of rain can be a bit depressing.  But look what Deacon Greg Maskarinec saw last week immediately after a strong storm and just before the start of the Holy Hour for Mercy.  Isn’t it beautiful!

Paul and Barnabas have been working hard to announce the presence of God among the unbelievers by first setting an example. This way of life softens hearts and enables the Spirit of God to complete His Work.

This work is not easy for any of us; to go out into the marketplaces of our community and to show people by example the person of Jesus. That’s why we come here today to strengthen our spirits and to be reminded to persevere in faith, even though “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

Continue reading “We mirror God when we live like Jesus.” →

On this 3rd Sunday of Easter we have reason to be filled with great joy and hope.  For Christ is risen from the dead!  Be His death He conquered death!  And to those in the grave He granted life!  But the 3rd Sunday of Easter is also a time of great challenge for our parish.  This morning we celebrated the Funeral Mass of one of the young men of our parish who died suddenly and tragically this past week.  And just 4 weeks ago we celebrated the Funeral Mass of another young man of our parish who also died tragically just before Easter.   I apologize to the family and friends of others who have recently died that I have not mentioned because every life, without exception, is sacred and precious.  But the youth and circumstances associated with the deaths of these young men can shake our faith.  And although we know that God is infinitely merciful, our human nature causes us to cry out, “Lord, Where are you?  Why have you abandoned us?” Continue reading “Deacon Greg Maskarinec’s Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter – April 10, 2016” →