Canon Law was definitely my weakest field in ecclesiastic studies. I have found, however, over the years, that knowledge of Canon Law is necessary for pastoral survival and service, especially when trying to understand nuances and possibilities regarding the Sacraments (especially Holy Matrimony). Recently, Canon Law has again entered into the picture of Opus Dei, … Continue reading Canon Law and you →

Unexpected setbacks are a wonderful part of life. When I recently moved to Houston I (as all movers do) simply had to leave some things behind. One of them was a special guitar I purchased (for a song) a number of years ago at a San Francisco pawn shop. Because of climate change it now … Continue reading Things we leave behind →

During an evening of recollection a few weeks ago, I received a call asking if I would be willing to move to Houston, Texas to help with pastoral activities there. I said sure, but after 13 years in the Pittsburgh area, and my whole life "in the North", I realized it might not be as … Continue reading Blues and Good News →

As I prepare things for an imminent move to Texas (occasional priestly rotations have always been a healthy pastoral praxis in the Church) I can't help regretting some of the things I missed in my current home base, Pittsburgh. One of those missed opportunities was to get inside the former locally famous Decade Music Club. … Continue reading Saint Irenaeus and the Decade →

During the Easter Season the most important emotions are joy and peace. These are reactions Jesus wants us to have because they are the first ones experienced by the Apostles and other disciples on Resurrection Sunday. Jesus came into the Upper Room and said "Pax vobis!" (Peace be with you!) and the disciples "were glad … Continue reading Mary, Mother of Apostles →

Model Tomb by Terry Tolson At St. Sebastian Church, Akron, OH, where I frequently go to hear confessions, a "model tomb" has been set up for Holy Week and Easter. It's made of styrofoam and plants, but as they say, it's really made of love. As we enter the Holy Three Days commemorating the Last … Continue reading Tomb meant to be empty →

Recently I've thought a lot about burial. I celebrated a funeral Mass with my family in Illinois for my beloved uncle, and it made me think how ancient and important the Christian burial rites really are. Each burial ceremony is a memorial of Jesus' own burial. Because Jesus really died and was buried His bodily … Continue reading Lenten thoughts on burial →

Papal election day of Benedict XVI I celebrated Mass today in a Cleveland church. As warm as it was for all the beautiful Christmas decorations and prayerful cheer of the people, it was also a bit chilly. So I decided to keep my black sweatshirt on under my white vestments, but the black sleeves came … Continue reading When humility outpaces ability →

I often get asked how to make a good confession. Well, below is a rather good guide, containing a basic examination of conscience for young adults and up to prepare for confession, followed by steps to help you actually make your confession to a Catholic priest. The sacraments of the Catholic Faith are in general … Continue reading Confession tips →

My good friend, C. James Herrick IV, is a poet as well as a professional civil engineer. He shared one of his poems with me recently, and so it gets passed on to you. It is about the Good Thief, who died next to Jesus, and was promised Paradise the very day of his death … Continue reading Repentance poetry →