After surviving my recent surgery and accompanying health crisis in January, I think enough time has elapsed for a bit of humor about the situation.  Being sick isn't funny, but some of the things that cross your mind when you are sick can be scary, a little paranoid and even curious.   While I was sick, my dryer broke down, the folding closet door in the guestroom fell off its hinges, the battery in my car decided to die, my washer acted up, the electricity went off for about 30 minutes one cold night before it came back on, one of the plastic panels on the sliding glas ..read more

I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me. John 10:11-18 The Latin word for a “shepherd” is a “pastor.” As you await the arrival of the who will be shepherding this flock as your new “pastor,” it might be a good time to talk to you about the qualities of a “good shepherd” – the qualities of a “good pastor!” As some of you know, I used to teach seminarians about “spirit ..read more

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ONE COUPLE LOST THEIR BABIES Due to an unfortunate location to put her nest, this mother had three eggs (one more than in the photo) that were not able to hatch because a cat or other animal got to them and even destroyed the nest.    ONE COUPLE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE FIVE BABIES TO MAKE IT This mother was able to hatch five of her eggs and was out showing them around. However, I only saw them one day. Maybe they are hiding away and will show up again or maybe they were victims of other animals?  ..read more

FATHER PATRICK McNICHOLAS GUEST HOUSE AT SAINT THERESA CHURCH Rhodelia, Kentucky ST. THERESA OF AVILA CHURCH 9245 Rhodelia Rd  Payneville, KY 40157 Office Phone: 270-496-4362 Office Fax: 270-496-4416 Email: sttheresa@bbtel.com Office Hours Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Kathy Shacklett, Office Manager  ..read more

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