From the Pastor - 3rd Sunday in Lent

March 18, 2022

Today’s Gospel passage reminds us that life is precious and the gift of time on this earth is just that — a gift. None of us knows how much time will be granted to us, so we must use this gift intentionally to glorify God and serve our neighbor.


Jesus offers the parable of the fig tree to further illustrate this truth. The owner of the orchard came searching for fruit on a fig tree he had planted in his orchard. Finding no fruit on the tree after three years, he told the gardener to cut it down. But the gardener intercedes and asks for one more year to cultivate and fertilize the tree in hopes it would bear fruit in the future. The fig tree was not dying; it simply wasn’t doing much of anything at all. Can this be said of us and our lives as well?


The season of Lent is a time to carefully reflect on the way we spend our time. Do we make God our first priority, tending to our spiritual growth and sacramental life with diligence? Do we give the next priority to our loved ones, focusing intentionally on them each day without distractions from phones, screens, or thoughts of work? If not, now is the moment to repent of our waste of time or of misplaced priorities on our use of time. God is merciful but just. Let’s turn to Him and ask Him to make our lives fruitful while we still have time to do so. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2022


Pastoral Pondering

Last week the pondering focused on the Eucharistic Kerygma. This week we are considering the second aspect of Eucharistic renewal and that is Participation in the Liturgy (Leitourgia). Back when the Pew Research Study was released, it became clear that there was a significant lack of belief in the Eucharist among many who identified themselves as Catholic. As we know, this caught the attention of the Bishops and resulted in the present effort to focus on Eucharistic renewal in the Church.


While it is true that a better effort at Eucharistic catechesis is important in this renewal, this does not only mean faith formation programs. In fact, the 2001 Synod of Bishops noted that “the best catechesis on the Eucharist is the Eucharist itself, celebrated well. Throughout the centuries, the Church has taught that the way we worship and pray (lex orandi) expresses in the concrete what the Church believes and teaches (lex credendi). Hence, the synod fathers noted that greater attention needed to be given to the proper celebration of the Eucharist.


The fathers of the Second Vatican Council would have been in complete agreement with this sentiment and, in fact, noted the importance of the ars celebrandi, the manner of celebrating. In light of this, Roland Millare notes: “During this period of intentional Eucharistic renewal, every minister should examine how he prepares for and participates in the Mass: the priest, the deacon, the servers, emcees, the lectors, the sacristan, extraordinary ministers…ushers and the faithful. Every gesture, word and action should be carried out with reverence and focus.”


Closely related to the manner of celebration is also the importance of beauty in the liturgy and the role of music as an aid to liturgical celebration. Beauty, in the architecture, sacred artwork, vessels for celebration and liturgical furnishings should speak to the sacredness of the space and what occurs there. The Church in all of these elements should point to the heavenly realities. The same can be said for sacred music, which is considered the “supreme art within the ars celebrandi.”



Pope Benedict noted that the “texts, music, and execution” require careful attention because “they ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, the structure of the rite, and the liturgical season.” Historically, and sadly, there was a period following the Council in which liturgical music was ignored to focus more on styles similar to Woodstock than to the Mass of the ages. This not only reduced liturgical music and the Mass to a certain emotionalism but also often failed to communicate correct Catholic teaching. This is not to say that all forms of contemporary liturgical music are sub par. Rather it is a reminder that liturgical music, like the celebration of the Mass itself, need to develop harmoniously with the Church teaching and historical development. One of the important teaching of the Council, that often gets ignored or only minimal attention in many places is the reminder that Gregorian chant and liturgical chant have pride of place in the liturgical assembly. Ongoing catechesis then is necessary to help us regain our understanding of the liturgy and all of the elements that contribute to its worthy celebration. When the faithful have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the relationship if the liturgy to Salvation History, a greater love can develop for the faithful execution if what we have been given and what these sacred mysteries imply in relationship to our daily lives.


From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • February 13, 2026
Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on the true state of our hearts as it relates to stewardship. Do we think of stewardship as something we take care of once a year, simply a matter of ticking off boxes on a commitment card — or do we choose to embrace it as a spirituality and a way of life that allows us to grow in conformity to Christ every day? Our first reading, from the Book of Sirach, teaches that our good God has given us the freedom to make this choice — “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” The concept of stewardship helps us live out this fundamental choice to put God first. Stewardship is not meant to be a mere external exercise that we participate in on an occasional basis. It is meant to be embraced as a way of life — a life that involves a continuous conversion of heart. In our Gospel passage from Matthew, Jesus illustrates the difference between an external observance of the law and a true conversion of heart, saying, “You have heard that it was said … you shall not kill … But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Our Lord is asking us not only for exterior acts, but for a true change of heart. In stewardship terms, that means seeing everything as a gift from Him, to be used for His glory and the good of others. In the week ahead, let us examine the state of our hearts and ask whether we have allowed stewardship to shape the way we live each day. When we do, we open ourselves to its deeper meaning and its power to change our hearts. The choice is ours. Pastoral Pondering I am appreciative of the cooperation we have had with the recent changes in the distribution of Communion. Please be mindful that each person has the right to choose the manner in which he or she receives Holy Communion. As long as that choice is in conformity with what the Church allows, the individual is free to exercise that right. We all have preferences and pious practices that are important to us. It is important, however, that we do not pass judgment on the reasons someone else chooses differently from us. No one knows the heart of another; God alone knows those things. Clearly, if someone is doing something that is improper or sacrilegious, we have a moral obligation to say something. However, when another is making a legitimate choice, he or she is free to do so. We all need to be conscious of the importance of exercising charity, especially with one another. As we prepare to embark on our Lenten journey, please take time to pray and ponder what you need to do (and not do) to make this a truly fruitful Lent. Taking time for prayer and reflection and asking the Lord to guide you in choosing your Lenten sacrifices and works of charity, is a wonderful way to prepare for and to receive the full grace of this special season of the liturgical year. Penance, of course, is a regular part of Catholic life. Every Friday throughout the year is a day of penance. During Lent, every Friday is a day of abstinence from meat; outside of Lent, one may choose an alternative form of penance. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting for those between the ages of 14 and 60. Let us pray for one another that our Lenten observances may help us grow in holiness, become more attentive to the promptings of the Spirit, and be instruments of the light of Christ in the world.

From the Pastor - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • February 6, 2026
Today’s readings are both encouragement and instruction for us as Christian stewards. They offer clear direction on what matters most to God and how He calls us to use the gifts He has entrusted to us. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah gives us straightforward guidance: “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” There is no ambiguity here. Caring for our brothers and sisters in need is not optional — it is a fundamental responsibility of the Christian steward. Yet the Lord also reminds us of His generosity when we live this way. “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed.” When we give of ourselves, we do not lose — we gain. God’s grace grows within us, and we experience deeper joy and peace as our lives become more aligned with His will. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks plainly to His disciples — and to us — calling us the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” But salt loses its purpose if it goes stale, and light cannot shine if it is hidden. Our faith must be lived, not concealed. We are called to act so that others may see the way we serve, how we care for the vulnerable, how we prioritize our families, and above all, how we love God — and through our witness, give glory to Him. Pastoral Pondering With everything that’s been going on in Minneapolis and in other areas of the country, I have had a number of folks ask me how we should respond as Catholics. The following is my opinion, based on sound Catholic teaching. First and foremost, Catholics are called to respond to civil unrest neither with indifference nor with partisan reflex, but with faith‑formed conscience, rooted in the Gospel, the dignity of the human person, and the pursuit of the common good.  The Church offers clear moral principles—even when facts are still unfolding or emotions are intense. 1. Begin with the Dignity of Every Human Life The Catholic response must start with mourning the loss of life, regardless of ideology, immigration status, profession, or political alignment. Recent unrest in Minneapolis followed multiple fatal shootings involving federal agents, resulting in the deaths of American citizens and triggering widespread protests and confrontations. Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the USCCB, emphasized: “Peace is built on respect for people… Public authorities especially have a responsibility to safeguard the well‑being of people in service to the common good.” Catholics must resist any rhetoric that dehumanizes protesters, immigrants, law‑enforcement officers, or public officials. Every person involved is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27; USCCB, Life and Dignity of the Human Person). 2. Reject Violence — from Any Side The Church is unequivocal: violence against persons is morally unacceptable, whether it comes from rioters, vigilantes, or excessive use of force by authorities. Recent demonstrations in Minneapolis have included street takeovers, clashes with law enforcement, and use of tear gas, batons, and flash‑bangs. Catholic leaders have consistently called for restraint and nonviolence. Also, as Bishop Robert Barron warned, destroying property, interfering with law enforcement or intimidation or mob action do not advance justice and instead deepen wounds. The same can be said of the disruption of church services. At the same time, the Church also insists that the use of state power must be proportionate and accountable, especially when lethal force is involved (CCC §§2263–2267). 3. Pray — Publicly and Persistently — for Peace and Conversion The Church’s first response is spiritual, not performative. In January 2026, Archbishop Coakley asked dioceses across the country to hold a Holy Hour for peace, explicitly in response to unrest connected to immigration enforcement and deaths in Minneapolis. As Catholics we should pray for the dead and their families, pray for healing in affected communities, pray for law‑enforcement officers placed in morally complex situations, and pray for public officials making consequential decisions. This is not passivity. It is placing the crisis under the Lordship of Christ. 4. Support Lawful Protest — Not Lawlessness Catholic teaching affirms the right to peaceful protest against injustice. The USCCB teaches that political participation, including protest, is legitimate when it respects human life, respects the rule of law, and seeks the common good rather than domination or chaos (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship). However, Catholics must refuse participation in rioting, property destruction, intimidation, or disruption of worship (explicitly condemned by bishops). As several Catholic leaders noted, anger does not sanctify actions. 5. Insist on Truth, Due Process, and Accountability Catholics should resist both instant condemnation without facts, and blind defense without accountability. The Church supports transparent investigations, lawful oversight of enforcement agencies, and respect for constitutional and human rights. Ongoing legal review and court interventions in Minnesota illustrate the importance of due process in moments of unrest. 6. Engage Politically — but Never Reduce Faith to Politics Catholics may contact elected officials, advocate for humane immigration policies, and support reforms aligned with human dignity. But the bishops repeatedly warn against substituting ideology for the Gospel. As Catholic World Report summarized: “The current climate of fear and polarization… does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel.” No party, platform, or protest movement substitutes for Christian charity and moral clarity. 7. Build Peace Locally Finally, Catholics are called to act close to home by supporting local parishes offering prayer or aid, participating in dialogue rather than online outrage, and assisting immigrants, families of victims, and first responders. Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes that peace is built from the ground up, in families, parishes, and neighborhoods (Call to Community and Participation).