I. Introduction: Barnabas and the Knights Today the Church remembers the Apostle Barnabas. Though not one of the original Twelve Apostles, Barnabas, as we shall later see, came to be called an Apostle. Happily, today’s Scripture reading from the Acts of the Apostles paints a portrait of Barnabas whose name means “son of consolation”. All...Read More

I. Introduction A. Together with our Worthy Supreme Knight let me say what an honor it is for me to offer this Holy Mass at the end of which the medals of office will be blessed and conferred on our new State Deputies. This Mass is being offered for your intentions and for the intentions...Read More

I. Introduction A. It is a joy and a privilege for me as the Metropolitan Archbishop to ordain to the diaconate, Stephen Vaccaro and Jordan Willard. I greet you both, Stephen and Jordan, as well as brother priests and deacons, your family members, your classmates, parishioners, and friends… on this day of joy and grace...Read More

I. Introduction A. Today’s Scripture readings relate two instances in which a son was restored to life and returned to his mother: B. The prophet Elijah pleaded with God for the child of a woman who had accused the prophet of having come to remind her of her sins, sins which she wrongly assumed were...Read More

I. Introduction: A Word of Thanks A. Let me begin with a word of thanks, first for the leadership of Father Jesse Bolger who had the vision, the skill, and the gumption to undertake the project of renovating the sanctuary here at St. Clare of Assisi…thank you, Fr. Jesse! Then, I would like to thank...Read More

I. Introduction A. We have gathered in joy for the diaconal ordination of Kevin Ewing and Scott Rose: Kevin, who is being ordained transitionally, in anticipation of priestly ordination, and Scott who is being ordained permanently as a deacon of the Church. Both are the cause of our joy this ordination morning, coming as it...Read More

Heavenly Father, we are created in your image and endowed by you with dignity and freedom. We praise and thank you for these gifts so fundamental to our humanity, gifts that have been redeemed and purified by your Son’s death and Resurrection. Even as we give you thanks, O Father, we also beseech your compassion...Read More

I. Introduction A. Dear brother priests, dear friends, we’ve gathered this evening to give thanks and praise to God for the extraordinary life and ministry of one of our own – Msgr. Art. Bastress. In these days, he celebrates the gift of 90 years of life and 65 years of priestly ministry. B. We are...Read More