St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Prayer: A Way of Discerning, Following and Living as Disciple

frbart — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:01:41 +0000

Someone might ask, “Why should I pray when God already knows what I want?” The response to this is that prayer is not about informing God what our needs are. God already knows our needs and does not need our prayers to keep Himself updated on what is happening in our lives. Instead, prayer is [...]

Of Martha and Mary: A Call to Discipleship

frbart — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:01:42 +0000

Dear Friends, In this weekend’s reading, our Gospel brings us to the context of the Martha-Mary narrative. This is a story that makes a point about attitudes and behaviors, foundational to understanding our call to discipleship. It begins by telling us of the visit of Our Lord Jesus, to which both sisters respond differently. The comparison [...]

Beatitudes of Caring

rfkeller — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:33:58 +0000

(From Fr. Ray’s homily) Blessed are those who care: They will let people know they are loved. Blessed are those who are gentle: They will help people to grow. Blessed are those who listen: They will lighten many a burden Blessed are those who let go: They will have the joy of seeing people find themselves. Blessed are those who, when nothing can be [...]

Good Samaritan Parable: A Way of Seeing a Neighbor

frbart — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:01:59 +0000

Our Gospel this weekend tells us a story about a good Samaritan, a story which raises a question, “Who is a neighbor?” The answer to this question is a matter of perspective, and requires a certain way of seeing. In the story, there was a wounded man in the ditch who needed help because he [...]

Actualizing the Kingdom of God in Our Parish

frbart — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:01:27 +0000

Dear Friends, Our Gospel reading this weekend purports that the kingdom of God is an inaugurated reality. It is unfolding upon us. This inauguration signals the sending of 70 disciples to do the proclamation; thus, the purpose of commissioning. In inducting his disciples to a mission, Jesus begins by employing the farming metaphor, “The harvest is [...]

Marriage: Unique for a Reason

rfkeller — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:39:13 +0000

Marriage: Unique for a Reason is an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage. It is one part of the bishops’ overall Priority on Strengthening Marriage and complements the many resources already available through the bishops’ National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage, [...]

Feast of St. John the Baptist: Affirming Our Parish Identity

frbart — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:01:48 +0000

Dear Friends, If there is a very significant birthday we want to remember in the month of June, it must be the birthday of the one in whose life we pattern our parish identity… St. John the Baptist. Our Catholic tradition continues to echo the celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the [...]

What is confession all about

rfkeller — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:16:33 +0000

Fathers’ Day: Reckoning A Time Of Fatherhood

frbart — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:01:36 +0000

Dear Friends, Do you remember “The Godfather?” There is a beautiful line of dialogue in this movie of a godfather to his son. He says, “Sonny, do you spend time with your family?” The son replies, “Yes, father.” And the godfather continues, “Good, because a man who doesn’t spend time with his family isn’t a real [...]

AN OPEN LETTER OF GRATITUDE

frbart — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:01:51 +0000

Dear Friends, Making a gratitude letter for all of you seems to be the best way we could celebrate new life with our beloved pastor upon his passing away. Together with the staff of St. John’s rectory, I want to say my heartfelt “Thank You” for all the efforts, talents and gifts that you shared [...]