GIVEN AT THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR HOME FOR THE AGED 2-19-2024 Be holy for I your God am holy! Leviticus 19:1-2 Today, in both the first reading from the Book of Leviticus and the Gospel of Matthew (25:31-46), we are presented with powerful lists of what is required to be “holy” in imitation of God’s “holiness.”  Both readings center on eliminating those things in our lives that do not lift up, encourage and assist the suffering of this world. Holiness is presented, not in worshipping God, as much as it is as service to others, especially the poor – in loving God’s people as mu ..read more

  Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. Luke 24:35-48 Well, I am going to dive into some deep water today for sure! I will do my best and I hope it makes sense to some of you. I am pretty sure I will be in over my head, but that has never stopped me before, so here I ..read more

Two Juveniles Charged In Church Vandalism APRIL 10, 2024 BY MABLE CUNDIFF Two juveniles are facing charges after a burglary and vandalizing of property at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Rhodelia. On Tuesday (4/9), deputies and detectives from the Meade County Sheriff’s Office responded to the church about a vandalism complaint. Deputies met with church staff who were able to provide video of two juvenile subjects on the property vandalizing the exterior of the buildings. Deputies entered the church building and observed extensive damage to the inside. It appeared the juve ..read more

FEAR = Fantasy Events Appearing Real I heard years ago that over 90% of the things we fear never happen! That's sounds to me like fear is basically a useless emotion that consumes a lot of our time. When afraid, we have three choices: be brave, be a fool or be a coward - that is (a) proceed to do what needs to be done, (b) deny that anything is dangerous or (c) be scared of everything. As a believer, I have always found this prayer very wise advice.  Do not look forward in fear, rather look forward with full hope. God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through al ..read more

  The community of believers was of one heart and mind. Acts 2:32-35   Hardly and Easter goes by that I don’t remember family “picture taking” from childhood, especially on Easter Sunday morning when we were all decked out in our finest new “Easter clothes.” Back then we got new clothes twice a year – when school started and Easter – so it was a big deal. In those days, people would never think of going to church without being all dressed up. Most women wore hats and gloves and carried purses.  Most men wore coats and ties. Boys wore ironed shirts, shiny shoes and even ties som ..read more

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  Is it my imagination or am I just growing more cynical with age? It seems to me that the "taker" population is growing faster and the "giver" population is shrinking more every year.   In an online article, Maria Popova does a very good job of distinguishing a "taker" from a "giver."  "Takers have a distinctive signature: they like to get more than they give. They tilt reciprocity in their own favor, putting their own interests ahead of others’ needs. Takers believe that the world is a competitive, dog-eat-dog place. They feel that to succeed, they need to be better tha ..read more

  Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark. Later, Simon Peter and John came to the tomb. None of them understood yet that he had to rise from the dead. John 20:1-9 Speaking of visiting cemeteries, in a couple of my weekly columns in The Record, I have written about my fascination with cemeteries, especially the two in my own country parish of Saint Theresa where I will be buried, the two in Calvary, Kentucky, down around Lebanon, where I used to serve as pastor, the Sisters’ cemeteries at the Motherhouses at Nazareth, Springfield and Loretto, Kent ..read more

 NEVER GIVE UP! ALWAYS REMAIN HOPEFUL! ALWAYS ..read more

My First Mass 1970 My 50 +1 Anniversary Mass in 2021 delayed a year because of COVID Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life. The one who feeds on me will have life because of me. John 6: 51-58 The Eucharist! The Lord’s Supper! The Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion! The Breaking of Bread! The Mass! Throughout our 2,000 year history, we have used several words to describe what we do here today. One of my favorites words for the Eucharist is that old fashioned word “viaticum.” “Viaticum” was what we called the Eucharistic Bread when we gave it to those who were ..read more