This week across this great land we will celebrate Thanksgiving. While some may find it difficult to find things to be grateful for, I do believe there is much for which we can give thanks. And it’s true that this year may look different than every other year. We may not get to celebrate in the way we are accustomed. How are going to give thanks this year? What does this seemingly secular holiday off our faith?

On October 31st 2020, Fr. Michael McGivney was named Blessed by Pope Francis. This means that a miracle was attributed to his intercession and Fr. McGivney is one step closer to becoming a recognized Catholic Saint. Fr. McGivney is most known as the founder of the Knight of Columbus a fraternal organization of Catholic men. There is more to Fr. McGivney’s story than the Knights and there is more to the Knights than pancake breakfasts.

Christmas Outreach, our 27 year program of bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to the less fortunate, will continue this year in spite of Covid 19. God is good! We have a new format for the trees in the church, making it much easier to see and select an envelope, and we have added virtual trees. That's right, you can choose your envelope from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Why are we here? Why does anything exist? Does God exist? These are some big questions. These questions and many more are tackled in The Search on formed.org. At the beginning the pandemic I reviewed Episode 1 of The Search. I’m back to review Episodes 2 & 3. You don’t want to miss this review or this incredible study. (SERIOUSLY, just go watch Episode 3 right now. Worth it.)

A short video highlighting some of the activities going on at St. Joseph Parish

Every single time I’ve learned something new about the Mass, the next time I attended I had a more profound experience of prayer. Knowing about what we are about when we gather together for Mass is so helpful in growing in our love for the Mass. The Catholic Mass has so many hidden gems that help us to worship well and by learning about them we can see how the Mass really is the source and summit of our faith life. One easy and convenient way to learn about the various aspects of the Mass is to watch this series of brief videos (really 2-5 minutes each!) called The Elements of the Catholic Mass. Check out my review below.

A quick video explaining some of the many things going on in our great parish

At the visitation for one of my friend’s grandfathers a group of about 15 men came in, gathered around the casket, and began to pray the Rosary. The crowd that was gathered was moved and amazed at the faith of these great men. Later we looked into the casket and saw the rosary of my grandfather-in-law. The beads were worn, the metal was discolored. This was a rosary that was prayed often. This beautiful witness to the power of the Rosary has always stuck with me. Dr. Ed Sri gives the talk reviewed below all about the Rosary and why it matters to Catholics. Title Praying the Rosary Like Never Before

Bishops Document on how to be a good Catholic Citizen

Here is a link to the Archbishop's article about voting.

I don’t know about you, but I grew up at a time when the role and importance of angels were down played in my Sunday School classes. Most of what I learned about angels I learned from movies (Angels in the Outfield, Wonderful Life, Michael). I thought angels were for grandmas and babies. I was wrong and found out I have a lot to understand about angels.  In a culture that has devalued spirituality and the supernatural, ignoring the angels makes sense. All the more reason to grow in our understanding of the angels and how they aid God in his mission in the world. You can see if this brief video is the right introduction for you about angels by checking out my review. 

Please come out and stand for life with fellow Christians from 2000 other cities across the U.S. and Canada on Sunday afternoon for one hour, from 2PM - 3 PM. Meet at Siebert Park to get your sign.

Publication Review date Sep. 25, 2020 In times of great difficulty God raises up saints to meet the challenge and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. In the 1500s the city of Rome and the Church were facing a time of great difficulty. The Protestant Reformation was challenging the Church and Rome had recently been sacked by Charles V. Who did God send?  Among others, St. Phillip Neri came to Rome and sought to do the will of God in sharing with young homeless and unemployed people the gospel. St. Phillip Neri’s story is an example of a saint using unconventional methods to teach the ageless gospel message. Read my review of this video below. 

Father Jim Krings used to say "It's not enough to simply "be" pro-life. You need to act." Sign up for the Pro-Life email distribution list and find out how you can get involved.

I remember when my oldest child was 2 1/2-year-old. Her favorite word is “Why?” If it wasn’t so cute how she says it, it might be annoying (okay, sometimes it is annoying). But in reality, she is asking the right question. Sometimes at Church we do a good job explaining the what or the who and don’t do as good job explaining the why. The talk I reviewed on Formed today answers the simple question, “Why Jesus?” You will get a load of material as to why you, and everyone in your life, can and should believe in Jesus Christ.

In a time of great uncertainty, it can be easy to lose hope. However, this is just the time to focus on each next step to move forward with a boldness that accomplishes the mission we’ve always been on - to make Jesus known and loved in the world. In that spirit, Dr. Tim Gray has interviewed George Weigel about his new book The Next Pope. As Mr. Weigel explains, this book isn’t about personalities or a list of top candidates, but is a vision for what the next pope needs to be. Consequently, this is a vision for how the Church must be in the world and how we must embrace our call as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. This interview is fascinating for those of us who love the Church and want the world to know the joy of being Catholic. This interview might just be fascinating for you too. Check out my review.

I don’t know about you, but pressing pause on what had been my normal life has led to more introspection and questioning than I would have ever done in a normal month. Sometimes that thinking as been difficult. By no coincidence, formed.org has released the first episode of a new series called The Search. This series is all about our search for meaning and happiness. It seems to me to be a good time to consider the big questions of life.

In the midst of being socially isolated and with the absence of public Masses being said in our Archdiocese, we can feel pretty separated not only from each other, but from the Eucharist as well. This might just be the time to learn a little more about the Eucharist and Mass.

At the core of Mass isn’t singing or the homily. At the heart of Mass is Jesus in the Word and the Eucharist. This week I am reviewing at talk given by Fr. Mike Schmitz called “True Worship.” Check out my first review, just click here.