A Year of Hope & Abundant Love

“We do not want… a church that will move with the world. We want a church that moves the world.” G.K. Chesterton Every year the church tries to focus us with a theme that will enlighten, encourage, and serve as a compass and companion for the new liturgical year. This year, Saint Miriam has chosen … Read more

A Different Kind of Gift for Pentecost

Well, it’s here! Finally! It is Pentecost! Pentecost takes place on the 50th day after Easter Sunday and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, the beloved mother of Jesus, and the Apostles of Jesus, while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. … Read more

Ah, Mary!!

Ah May: traditionally, for Catholics, the month of Mary. But which Mary: Mary, inviolate? Mary undefiled? Mary Immaculately Conceived? Mary every docile and obedient to God? Mary dressed in blue? These are all ok, I guess. A tad simplistic for me. And the stress on her virginal purity always smells like patriarchal control to me. … Read more

A Love That Begins With The Father.

This Sunday’s passage from John occurs near the end of Jesus’ life. Jesus’ lengthy discourse actually begins back in chapter 14 and runs all the way through chapter 16. When used of relationships, as it is here, it suggests we live within a deep, steadfast relationship using our heart and soul in unity with God. In order … Read more

Annual Mother’s Day Basket Raffle is Here!

The Women of Saint Miriam Present their annual Mother’s Day Basket Raffle! Sponsored by The Women of Saint Miriam, the drawing is Sunday, May 12, 2024. Enter for a chance to win: And more! Basket minimum value: $300! Tickets are $5/each or 5 for $20.

We Live By Example!

Dear Friends, I recently read an interesting commentary from Eugene Peterson, the translator of The Message Bible. Speaking of Jesus referring to himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life, Peterson says: Jesus as the Truth gets far more attention than Jesus as the Way. Jesus as the Way is the most frequently evaded … Read more

See What Love!

“See what love…” These are three of my favorite words in Scripture. See what love! I really think these words from John’s first letter (from the Second Reading for the Fourth Sunday of Easter) could be a great mantra for us to repeat often throughout the day: See what love! There are so many reasons to shout … Read more

A Relational Good Shepherd!

Ah, the Good Shepherd returns! It is always one of my favorites, if but overly used at times. Seeing Jesus as the example of being a good shepherd makes sense, because that was one of the major occupations throughout Palestine in His day. His listeners knew about them. People that cared for flocks of sheep … Read more

God’s Eternity.

So, what do you think of when you hear the words “eternal life”? We hear these words quite often in religious circles, and especially during Easter Season. I would bet for most folks that phrase conjures up ideas and images of “life after death” or “going to heaven” (instead of hell!). After all, Jesus conquered death, … Read more

The Dead Can Walk.

“They were startled and terrified,” Luke tells us of the disciples when they saw the Risen Lord. Of course!  As Robert Barron says, there were two reasons for this: First, this is a strange and unknown phenomenon. A dead man is now alive again? Who wouldn’t be startled and terrified? Second, the disciples are terrified because … Read more

Imagining Peace. 

Imagine this:  harmony, health, and wholeness in all aspects of your life. Picture all your relationships flourishing: your relationships with God, with everyone in your life, with creation and even with yourself. Think of our entire world being in a state where everything is as it ought to be, as God intends for it to be.  Sounds nice, doesn’t it? … Read more

Easter Flower Memorials and Honors

Memorials: In Loving Memory of Winifred Wolf by Father Bryan Wolf and John Muller In Loving Memory of Mary Muller by Father Bryan Wolf and John Muller In Loving Memory of Alton and Ruth St. George by Katelyn and James St. GeorgeIn Loving Memory of Rose and Louis Catallo by Katelyn and James St. GeorgeIn Loving memory … Read more

A Different & Intentional Holy Week!

As I watched the donkey watch us on Palm Sunday, I was reminded of simpler things and all things less fancy. It was in his expression that I knew this year needed to be different. This Holy Week was meant to be different. This Holy Week will not be about numbers at each mass in attendance, or … Read more

Good Friday Meditation – Execution Echos

Father Jeff Hood’s (Chair for Faith, Justice, and Humanitarian Efforts at Saint Miriam) Reflections for Good Friday Echoes. I’ve heard them. I’ve felt them. I’ve known them. I’ve lived them. I’ve cried them. I’ve walked them. I’ve seen them. Click on the thumbnail below to view and download the PDF

So, It Is Now Holy Week for Christians Around the Globe, But Will It Really Change Us? 

The world has simply become more caustic by any measure. The interactions on social media, between persons, and against the vulnerable, and those who identify as LGBTQ, and the foreigner and refugee are all more acidic and debilitating. The political rhetoric is nothing short of vile. We, as a people, have become less patient, less … Read more