From the Pastor – Third Sunday of Easter

May 6, 2019

From the Pastor – Third Sunday of Easter

In today’s Gospel, we find the Apostles dejected and discouraged following the death of our Lord. Poor Peter decides to throw in the towel on the whole disciple thing and go back to his old way of life, declaring, “I’m going fishing.” Upon hearing this, the other disciples follow him.

How easy it is for all of us to backslide on changes we have made in our lives, especially when it comes to our spiritual lives. But look how Jesus treats the disciples during their “backslide.” He is right there with them in the midst of it, already waiting for them on the shore when they come back from their unsuccessful return to the fishing business (after abandoning their mission as disciples). Our Lord greets them tenderly, gives them some fishing pointers, and then prepares their breakfast. How gracious He is to them!

He is just as gracious today. When we find ourselves “out at sea” —  discouraged by our failures or for squandering the gifts God has given us, or simply by a lack of progress in our faith life, Jesus is with us! He is calling to us from the shore to come back to Him without shame or embarrassment, but with hope-filled trust in His steadfast love. He never tires of offering “do-overs” if we just keep returning to Him.

This constant process of turning back to the Lord, of reevaluating our goals and priorities as we aim for Heaven, is the essence of a stewardship way of life. Let us take heart as we continue our journey today, secure in the knowledge that Jesus is beside us every step of the way.

In matters of faith —With all the little ones we have running around St. Mark, it is easy to forget that many couples today struggle with infertility. This can be a source of great distress for couples who desperately want to start a family. In having discussions with couples, I have found that there is often great confusion regarding what is morally acceptable for Catholic couples to do in such situations. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to discuss this topic as a way of providing insight and guidance for those who find themselves struggling with infertility. The information that follows is taken from The National Catholic Bioethics Center ( www.ncbcenter.org ) which is a great Catholic resource for guidance in difficult moral situations.

First of all, we need to remember that infertility is not new. In the Bible we encounter Abraham and Sarah as well as Hannah. Joachim and Ann also were childless as were Zechariah and Elizabeth. The Bible also reminds us that all we do should be in accord with God’s will.

Secondly, with advances in modern medicine, there are a number of morally illicit options that couples can use to assist them in getting pregnant. At the same time, there are those that are immoral because of the means that are used to obtain the end.

Morally Unacceptable Technologies for Addressing Fertility Problems within Marriage would include the following: In in vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm is collected and used to fertilize eggs in vitro. At least one embryo is then transferred to the uterus. • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a variant of IVF in which sperm is collected, treated, and micro-injected into eggs, followed by transfer of at least one embryo to the uterus. • Pronuclear-stage tubal transfer (PROST) and zygote intrafallopian tube transfer (ZIFT) are similar to IVF except that the embryo, either at the fertilized pronuclear stage or the zygote stage, is transferred to the fallopian tube. • In natural cycle oocyte retrieval intravaginal fertilization (NORIF), an egg is retrieved during a natural ovulation cycle without ovulatory hyper-stimulation and is placed with the sperm in a special vial with culture media. The vial is placed in the vagina for a period of forty-eight hours to allow fertilization to take place. The vial is then removed and the embryo is extracted and transferred into the uterus. • Cloning is the popular term for a technique called “somatic cell nuclear transfer,” which replaces the nucleus of an egg cell (ovum) with the nucleus of a body (somatic) cell in order to produce a new individual with a genetic code identical to that of the person who provided the body cell.

Morally Acceptable Technologies for Assessing and Addressing Fertility Problems within Marriage include:• Hormonal modulation of menstrual cycle irregularities; • Determination of cervical, uterine, and fallopian tube structural competence by imaging techniques (e.g., ultra-sound, hysterosalpingogram); • Surgical correction of tubal damage or occlusions; • Resolution of endometriosis; • Use of fertility drugs to address anovulation; • Use of Viagra or other agents or approaches to address erectile dysfunction; • Techniques to boost male sperm production in the testis; • Techniques to correct hypospadias or address premature ejaculation; • NFP (natural family planning) to observe naturally occurring signs of fertility during the woman’s cycle so as to

time intercourse for family building; • LTOT (low tubal ovum transfer), in which eggs are retrieved and transplanted into the uterus or fallopian tube at a point likely to increase the probability of fertilization following marital relations; • Other NaPro (natural procreative) Technologies

Morally Unresolved Technologies for Addressing Fertility Problems within Marriage include: • In artificial insemination (AI), sperm is placed into a woman’s uterus (intrauterine insemination, IUI) or cervix (intracervical) by a means (such as a catheter) other than a natural act of intercourse; •Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) involves the transfer of sperm and egg, separated by an air bubble, into the fallopian tube, so that fertilization occurs intracorporeally (within the mother’s body).

It should be remembered that those who have used illicit procedures because of ignorance are generally not culpable of a sin. Also, a child produced by an illicit means, is still a child of God with inherent dignity. It is important that when a couple is having difficulty and considering what options they might employ to assist, in addition to their doctors, they should also consult a priest or someone knowledgeable in Catholic moral teaching. The NCBC is also very willing to respond to questions when you contact them.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • January 30, 2026
The Gospel Reading for today is what is popularly called the Sermon on the Mount. Many think it is the absolute epitome of Jesus’ teachings. To be sure it tells us how we are to live our lives, the attitudes we are to have. We must remember that those who were waiting and hoping for the Messiah expected a military leader, one who would lead them in battle against their oppressors. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives a more accurate perspective of Who He is. He begins what we call the Beatitudes (the word means “blessings”) with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In a sense we are all “poor in spirit.” Without the guidance and strength provided us by the Lord there is no way we can escape this poverty of spirit, of spirituality, if you will. That is why we often say that living God-centered lives is at the very core of stewardship. Being a disciple of Christ translates into being a steward of our many gifts and blessings. Some scholars believe that Jesus may have given this sermon often during His ministry. Those who followed Jesus and became the earliest Christians, the first members of the Church, were fond of quoting and referring to what the Lord said on this occasion. As stated, Jesus provides us with the secret of living a good life. If we rely on Him and follow Him, we will be blessed. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering In the spirit of Christian stewardship, we are called to recognize that all we possess—our time, talents, and treasures—are gifts from God, entrusted to us for the building up of His Kingdom . Legacy giving , also known as planned giving , offers a profound way to extend this stewardship beyond our lifetime by including our parish in your will, estate plans, or other charitable arrangements. Legacy giving is more than a financial decision; it is a spiritual act of gratitude and faith. Through a bequest or other planned gift, you ensure that the ministries, sacraments, education, and outreach that have nurtured your spiritual life continue to serve future generations. Such gifts provide enduring support for our parish's mission, helping to maintain our facilities, fund essential programs, and sustain pastoral care even in times of need. The Church teaches that generosity is a reflection of God's abundant love. As stewards, we are invited to share the blessings we have received, aligning our material resources with our faith values. A legacy gift allows you to express profound thanksgiving for the parish's role in your life—through baptisms, weddings, funerals, and daily worship—while creating a lasting impact that echoes the Gospel message of hope and service. Many parishioners have discovered that including the parish in their estate plans brings peace of mind, knowing their values and faith will endure. These gifts, whether modest or substantial, combine to strengthen our community and secure its future.  If you have not yet considered a legacy gift, we encourage you to reflect on how you might continue your support in this meaningful way. Resources and guidance are available through our parish office or trusted advisors. Please contact us for more information or to discuss how your legacy can help preserve our shared Catholic heritage.

From the Pastor - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • January 23, 2026
Today’s readings remind us that stewardship is not just a thing we do — rather, stewardship is at the core of who we are as disciples of Christ. Our first reading, from Isaiah, contains this prophecy of Christ and what His saving message would mean to all who embrace it. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” We are among those blessed people on whom the light of Christ has shone. By virtue of our Baptism, we, who were once in the darkness of original sin, have been reborn into the great light that is God’s grace in us. We are cherished members of God’s family. What a privilege! Yet, with this privilege comes the responsibility to actually live for God and to bring His Good News to all those we meet — at work, at school, in our community and right in our own home — in other words, to live as His good stewards. And there is a certain urgency that comes with the call to a stewardship way of life as we see in our Gospel passage from Matthew. Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In other words, turn away from selfishness, turn towards God and live as His disciple now — don’t wait! In this same passage, the very first disciples give us examples of a good steward’s prompt “yes” when the Lord called to them. Our Lord invites them to “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” They did not hesitate but “at once they left their nets and followed him.” They put our Lord and His will first. This is the essence of a stewardship way of life — to be always ready for the ways that our Lord is calling us to bring His light to others. It’s more than something we do — it’s who we are. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025. Pastoral Pondering  This past Thursday was the 53rd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion. Even though that decision and the one that followed have been overturned by the Court, the work of defending life continues. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion regulation to the states, the Catholic Church's commitment to the sanctity of human life remains unchanged and multifaceted. From a Catholic perspective, grounded in scripture, tradition, and teachings like those in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (e.g., CCC 2270-2275), advocacy for life isn't solely tied to one court ruling or legal framework—it's a holistic moral imperative that extends beyond abortion to all threats against human dignity. The key reasons why Catholics are called to continue this work: 1. Abortion Remains Legal and Accessible in Many Places Including NC The Dobbs decision didn't ban abortion nationwide; it simply decentralized the issue. As of 2026, abortion is still legal in over half of U.S. states, often with few restrictions up to viability or beyond in some cases (e.g., California, New York). Millions of abortions occur annually, and access has expanded through measures like mail-order abortion pills (e.g., mifepristone). Catholics are urged to advocate for protective laws at the state and federal levels to safeguard the unborn, as the Church views direct abortion as intrinsically evil and never justifiable. Beyond legislation, this includes supporting crisis pregnancy centers, adoption services, and policies that help women facing unplanned pregnancies, aligning with the Church's emphasis on mercy and practical charity. 2. Ongoing Cultural and Political Challenges Pro-abortion initiatives continue to gain traction, such as ballot measures in states like Florida and Arizona that have sought to enshrine abortion rights in constitutions, or federal proposals to codify Roe-like protections. The Church teaches that Catholics have a duty to participate in the public square (e.g., via voting, lobbying, and education) to counter these efforts and promote a "culture of life," as articulated by Pope St. John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae (1995). Globally, abortion rates remain high, and issues like international funding for abortion providers (e.g., through U.S. foreign aid) persist, requiring advocacy on an international scale. 3. The Broader Pro-Life Ethic Catholic pro-life advocacy isn't limited to abortion; concern for life issues encompass all stages of life. This includes opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide (now legal in 10+ U.S. states and parts of Canada/Europe), promoting alternatives to the death penalty, embryonic stem cell research, human trafficking, poverty, war, and environmental degradation that harms the vulnerable. Overturning Roe was a milestone, but it doesn't address root causes like economic inequality, lack of family support, or societal pressures that lead to abortion. Catholics are called to build a society where life is welcomed and protected through social justice initiatives, echoing Pope Francis's calls in Fratelli Tutti (2020) for integral human development. 4. Spiritual and Moral Witness Ultimately, the Church's stance is rooted in the belief that every human life is sacred, created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), and that protecting the innocent is a core Gospel mandate (e.g., Matthew 25:40). Laws may change, but moral truth doesn't—Catholics are to witness to this truth through prayer, education, and personal example, fostering conversion of hearts rather than relying solely on legal victories. Organizations like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) emphasize that the fight for life is ongoing, urging parishes to engage in initiatives like Walking with Moms in Need to provide tangible support. In summary, while Dobbs was a significant win, it's not the end of the road. The Catholic call to "stand up for life" is perpetual, driven by faith, compassion, and a vision for a just society.