Weekly Reflection

Dear Friends, In our gospel from Matthew appointed for today, we hear the well-known verse, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Jesus’ words remind us that while we live in this world, our deepest allegiance belongs always to God. We may carry many responsibilities—to our families, our work, … Read more

Dear Friends,  My final installment after being away to Italy and it is good to be home, although Assisi is always amazing!  One of the most special places to visit in Assisi is, of course, the tomb of Saint Francis. Francis remains are in a crypt below the Lower Church of the Basilica of Saint … Read more

Editor’s Note: Father Liam is away for his annual pilgrimage and to lead retreats in Assisi, Italy! In order to give us a taste (no pun intended!) of his Italian journey, he is sending blog posts for the next few Sundays! Each entry will lead us on a tour on the life of St. Francis … Read more

[Editor’s Note: Father Liam is away for his annual pilgrimage and to lead retreats in Assisi, Italy! In order to give us a taste (no pun intended!) of his Italian journey, he is sending blog posts for the next few Sundays! Each entry will lead us on a tour on the life of St. Francis … Read more

Hello from Assisi! The first stop on our pilgrimage to the sites of Saint Francis and Clare is the birthplace of Saint Francis.  Francis, born in in 1181, lived a rather charmed life due to his father Pietro’s successful business as a silk merchant. In fact, Francis’ mother Pica, had her son baptized when Pietro … Read more

Dear Friends, This Sunday, Jesus once again gives us one of the most challenging teachings in the Gospel: forgive, and do not keep count. Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive someone who hurts him. Seven times seems generous. But Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus isn’t giving Peter a bigger number … Read more

[Editors Note: Saint Miriam has the wonderful blessing of a seated Diocesan Bishop serving as our Pastor. During the predominate portion of the year, ‘Monsignor Jim’ serves under his this title and remains a Franciscan priest, but when the need arrives for him to exercise his Office as a Bishop Ordinary, the liturgical practices of … Read more

Dear Friends, One of the dangers of faith is that, over time, we can begin to think we’ve figured God out. We become comfortable with our understanding of who God is, how God works, and even who belongs in God’s family. This Sunday’s readings gently challenge that assumption. Again and again throughout Scripture, God surprises … Read more

In this Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew, the disciples find themselves caught in a storm. The wind is strong, the waves are high, and fear begins to overtake them. Then, amid the darkness, Jesus comes toward them walking on the water. Peter steps out of the boat in faith, but when he focuses on the wind … Read more

That’s the question I ask myself every time I confront scripture passages like those for this Sunday, August 2: “All you who are thirsty, come to the water! Come without paying and without cost” shouts out an exuberant Isaiah. “You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing,” the psalmist sings. “Nothing will be able … Read more

My Dear Friends, What do you value most in life? If God appeared to you tonight, as he did to Solomon, and said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you,” what would you ask for? In the first reading for this Sunday, Solomon is given that opportunity. He could have asked … Read more

From Our Fellow Parishioner! [Pastor Note: I was approached by a parishioner to share what we have done in her life, and the life of her family. Below is her new blog, Rainbow & Rosaries, that features us! Please take the time to go to the link. It is well worth the read! Thank you, … Read more

Dear Friends, If I am honest with myself, I am almost always afraid.  I am afraid that my children will get hurt or worse. I am afraid that I will not be able to keep the parish and school going through the worst of times. I am afraid that I will not live long enough … Read more

Dear Friends,  In this Feast of Corpus Christi, I wanted to share this reflection which a friend shared with me.  For me, this says it all:  The Eucharist should not display who has managed to look acceptable. It should reveal Christ feeding the hungry into holiness. You do not have to choose between reverence and … Read more

My Dear Friends, The Lord is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia.  Yes, Easter continues and our Alleluias continue to resound. Have you ever had a moment where something ended… and you just kind of stood there? Not sure what to do next…not ready to move… just… taking it all in. I remember walking through the Holocaust Museum in … Read more

My Dear Friends! The Lord is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia! Yes! Our Easter journey continues and every year on the 4th Sunday of Easter — which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday — we hear that familiar image: Jesus is the shepherd… and we are the sheep. And let’s be honest — … Read more

“And he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” O how we love these words!  Words that immediate remind us Catholics of the Eucharist, where week after week we know without doubt the Risen Lord in our midst in the breaking of the bread. Be it a good day or a bad … Read more

My Dear Friends, Easter is too big for just one day. While the world moves on quickly after Easter Sunday, the Church continues to celebrate. In fact, we celebrate Easter for eight full days — what we call the Octave of Easter. It’s as if one day simply isn’t enough to hold the joy of … Read more

Dear Friends, I am admittedly tired. We all are, right? The political divisions, wars, lies, false flag information coming from the highest offices, more shootings, plane crashes, and death everywhere. Yes, even more hate and lots of ‘keyboard courage’ on social media, too. Add in a dose of ‘Whiteous’ indignation and lack of care for … Read more