I. Introduction A. Allow me to welcome you most warmly to the 2016 Rite of Election here at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. If this is your first visit, please know how happy I am you are here. If you are an occasional visitor, please come more often. And if you are a parishioner...Read More
I. Introduction A. On this brisk winter’s morning, we have a lot to accomplish in a very few minutes. We want to reflect on today’s Scriptures; we want to acknowledge World day of the Sick; and we want to send forth to the Rite of Election those in our community who have been preparing for...Read More
I. Introduction A. First, let me say how pleased I am to return to St. Mary’s to offer Holy Mass with and for you as we begin the Season of Lent. Once again, I want to express my thanks to Father Collin Poston & Fr. Larry Adamczyk for thier devoted pastoral leadership of your parish!...Read More
I. Introduction: Season of Mercy A. Years ago I was assigned with a priest who, like myself, loves coffee. Actually, it was more than loving coffee – that first cup and its successors seemed pretty essential to his well-being (and mine). One Lent he decided to give up coffee. It was rough going. He was...Read More
1. Years ago, when I was a young priest, there was a young man in the parish I was assigned to. He was interested in becoming a priest. He had all the signs of a priestly vocation. He was talented, had many friends, and related to everyone extremely well. Everyone, including a lot of young...Read More
I. Introduction A. Good afternoon! I hope you are enjoying the Mid-Atlantic Congress thus far. Let me say again that is a real honor and a pleasure for the Archdiocese of Baltimore to join with the Association of Catholic Publishers and the National Leadership Roundtable for Church Management in hosting this Mid-Atlantic Congress. It’s our...Read More
I. Introduction: Thanksgiving A. On this first day of Catholic Schools Week, it is a pleasure to join with you in celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Agnes School. I would like to take this moment to thank Father Foppiano for his leadership and deep interest in St. Agnes School; to express our thanks to...Read More
I. Introduction A. As was mentioned at the beginning of Mass, this evening we are joined by women and men in consecrated life who serve in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. We are closing a special year of appreciation for consecrated life that Pope Francis inaugurated last year; at the same time we are observing the...Read More
I. Introduction A. I am delighted to return to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish to join in celebrating your 40th anniversary. I also join you in expressing our common debt of thanks to your pastor, Fr. Sparklin, for his devoted service to this parish … thank you, Fr. Paul! Let’s also thank Sister Katharine for...Read More
I. Christmas Really Is Over Yesterday we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord and with that, the Church ended the Season of Christmas. So today in churches all around the world, crèches are being taken down and stored away until next year, Christmas trees, now a fire hazard, are being hauled away, and only a...Read More
I. Introduction A. Some years ago, a business executive came to see me. He was well-respected for his integrity, his leadership abilities, and his effectiveness. We were not long into the conversation before I realized that he had come to ask for my advice about a complicated business deal. He wasn’t just seeking moral guidance...Read More
I. Introduction A. Let me first thank you for being here at All Saints Convent, for setting aside some time for prayer and reflection, focused on the possibility that God may be calling you to become a priest. I came to pray with you, to offer my support, and, of course, to have the opportunity...Read More