” I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.” “Only a live fish can swim against the current, the dead go with it” “Be careful not to be so open-minded that your brains fall out.” “Moral issues are always terribly complex for someone without principles.” –G.K.Chesterton Read more

Here is my latest article for InsideCatholic. It summarizes the week’s events and the responses we’ve had at St Mary’s. Read more

…take place up to twelve weeks into the pregnancy. At that stage the fetus is just a collection of cells right? Click here for a picture of that 12 week old blob of cells. Read more

And another thing we’re against is war. Not only unjust wars. We don’t like war at all. War should never be the answer. We should always do everything we can do avoid war and to get out of war whenever possible. An unjust war is even worse. We’re against unjust wars. However, even in an unjust war soldiers on both sides choose to fight. They have weapons and training to defend themselves. When innocent people are killed in war it... Read more

The thespians at St Joseph’s School are attempting their first Shakespearian production this weekend. Y’all come! The cast assembled for a cast Mass before the show this afternoon, and not often having the opportunity to preach on Shakespeare, pointed out that the play is all about love, and so many different types of love. Love for brother and brother, father and daughter, soldier and soldier, man and woman, boy and girl.  And yet so much stands in the way of... Read more

Much has been written about the wonderful liturgy at St Mary’s Greenville, so I thought I would post this clip so you can see how things are done at the greatest parish in the Catholic Church. This clip shows our parish worship leader singing the psalm at our Hispanic Mass. Notice the stunning tabernacle on the sanctuary stage. Notice also the discreet and modest (yet contemporary) liturgical garment she is wearing. The accompanying singers indicate the correct level of clergy... Read more

We don’t like racism either. It’s wrong. People should not judge others based on the color of their skin, their religion or their ethnic background. We should do everything possible to get rid of racism and strive to build a society of racial unity and peace–finding paths of empowerment and equality for all people–especially those who are minorities or members of a racial underclass. When it comes to black Americans we feel especially strongly that they have had a terrible... Read more

Here’s another thing we’re against: we’re against cruelty to animals. Yes, we think that animals are God’s creatures too. They were created to be our pets and our providers and our companions in life. We were created to be their stewards and overseers, and that we should treat all God’s creatures with compassion and kindness. We like St Francis and the stories of him preaching to the birds and converting the wolf of Gubbio. However, we also think human beings... Read more

Wife, mother, widow, third order Franciscan–she gave her life helping the poor and needy–a Mother Teresa of her day. When we remember saints like her we have to ask ourselves what we have done for the poor. The most troubling gospel passage for me is the judgment of the sheep and goats.  If we have helped one of the least of these we have helped Christ. If we have not, we have neglected Christ. “Give to all who ask of... Read more

Whew! hate mail from last week’s drama at St Mary’s is still trickling in. I am finding it very hard to remain polite, much less charitable. Pray for me please! There are some emails that are right from the pit. They spit with rage and fury. They are riddled with the worst profanity and blaspheme against the Church, the Holy Father and the Blessed Virgin. Horrible stuff. I delete them with a prayer for protection and deliverance for the person... Read more