From the Pastor - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 11, 2022

Today’s readings speak of an essential quality for the Christian steward — hope. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1817).” In many ways, this is the very definition of a stewardship way of life — focusing on eternity as we live our daily lives and relying on God to provide for our needs and satisfy our deepest longings for meaning and happiness right now. 

In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus describes the true richness of life that is possible for those of us who are willing to live as his hope-filled disciples. We are all familiar with this passage in which Jesus reveals the Beatitudes: blessed are the poor; they have the kingdom of God. Blessed are those now hungry because they will be satisfied. Blessed are those who weep because they will laugh. Blessed are those who are hated, excluded, and insulted because they are disciples of Jesus; they will be greatly rewarded in heaven. Jesus is describing here the character of one who is living a life of hope – the life of a Christian steward whose trust is firmly rooted in God and who is focused on others and eternity. It is not always an easy life, but it is a deeply meaningful life and one that leads to eternal reward. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2022


Pastoral Pondering – I love the writing of G.K. Chesterton. The most recent issue of The Chesterton Review was dedicated to Father Stanley Jaki, a priest and physicist who was also devoted to GKC. In fact, he wrote a book entitled, Chesterton: Seer of Science in 1986. In reading some of the essays, I was moved to write a few reflections here in light of what we have all experienced since the beginning of 2020.


Over the course of the pandemic, if we have heard it once, we have heard it a thousand time, that we should “follow the science”. On the surface, of course, this is not bad advice; however, when examined a bit more critically and closely, such a slogan can become a form of idolatry. This can only be avoided when we actually follow a truly scientific way of thinking; meaning, not simply accepting things at face value and not being afraid to question particular conclusions in order to seek a deeper understanding of the truth by challenging, questioning, looking at other possibilities, and searching for a deeper awareness of reality. This is certainly what I was taught to do in my undergraduate studies in the natural sciences in biology.


This approach, historically, is rooted in a philosophical understanding of the world along with a true humility that recognizes that there is more going on around us than we can know or comprehend. In many respects this was Chesterton’s approach to life. GKC was certainly not a scientist by training. He was a writer, a journalist, and a philosopher. “Following the science” would have been offensive to Chesterton because he recognized the imperfect nature of the natural sciences and the danger of following the science devolving into scientism which basically argues that science is the only answer to reality.


With that in mind, the slogan, “follow the science” appears to demand that we suspend the use of critical inquiry when we need it the most, and in some arenas require not thinking but blind obedience to the will of those in power. If we truly want to follow the science, however, we must continue to question, test, and challenge because we recognize that science, as it presently exists, does not have all of the answers. True science is open to being proven wrong. In his book, Orthodoxy, Chesterton notes that “Complete self-confidence is not merely a sin. Complete self-confidence is a weakness.”


We have seen this play out in any number of ways in connection with the responses to COVID both here and throughout the world. As new studies and new information come out, many have asserted that the cure seems to be worse than the disease. While every level of society has been impacted in some way, it seems that our children have been especially burdened. The scientific data indicates that the childhood demographic is the least likely to spread or to have serious complications from COVID. Nonetheless, they are often the ones who suffer the most from masking, isolation (whether at home or being segregated due to vaccination status), on-line learning and the constant fear-mongering on much of mainstream and social media. The resulting fear and anxiety have proven to be far worse than the disease itself. We have a long way to go before all of the ramifications become apparent. One child who was playing outside while wearing a mask indicated that if he didn’t wear a mask, he might “kill grandma”. It is so very sad that those entrusted with leadership and the common good would spread such a message when it is simply not true. We all have friends and relatives who might be particularly susceptible to airborne pathogens. My own nephew, whom I love like a son, was born with cystic fibrosis. With that in mind, we all take special precautions on his behalf, but he is not living with constant fear and anxiety. He takes each day as a gift, does what he knows he needs to do to protect himself, and entrusts the rest to God’s providence.


When all of this began, none of us really knew what was ahead of us. As time has gone on, however, it has become apparent that COVID, like other viruses, is not going away. It is going to be something that we have to live with. Certainly, particular demographics with higher risks need to be especially careful and cautious, but with significant vaccinations and natural immunity, much of society is in a much better position to live with this new reality than we were back at the beginning. We have to realize that the promotion of fear and a “one size fits all” response to this disease is polarizing families, dividing communities and destroying civil society at large. It is wrong and we should do what we can to stop it.


First and foremost, we need to be people of faith who renounce the spirit of Fear that has been running rampant through society. We need to demand transparency from our elected and public health officials by having honest conversations about what has worked and what has failed. AND we need to trust that God is still in charge.


My favorite quote of St. Teresa of Avila, the Nada te turbe, is apropos here:


Let nothing disturb you,

Let nothing frighten you,

All things pass away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

He who has God

Finds he lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.


From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Baptism of the Lord

By John Putnam • January 9, 2026
Today marks the close of the Christmas season, but before we return to Ordinary Time, we have one more great feast to celebrate — The Baptism of the Lord. Today’s feast is a perfect opportunity to consider the privileges and responsibilities we all share as Christian stewards by virtue of our own Baptism. At the moment of our Baptism, we became adopted sons and daughters of God, members of his holy, Catholic Church. Though we may not have realized it, the moment of our Baptism is also the moment we become Christian stewards, disciples of Jesus Christ, tasked with the work of following in His footsteps day by day and sharing the Gospel message with all those around us. In our second reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter gives us a glimpse of the person of Jesus we should imitate. “He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” We must live our lives like Jesus, seeking to do good to everyone we encounter; not just those in our inner circle of family and friends, but everyone in our community since the Father loves us all and Jesus sought out everyone with His saving message. In the Gospel passage from Matthew, we see yet another aspect of Jesus in action, this time as he humbly stands before John to be baptized by him. What humility and what willingness to unite Himself to us our Lord demonstrates by this act. We can do no less as we live out our daily lives as his disciples. And when we do strive with all our might to live out our Baptismal call to Christian stewardship, we will experience the deep honor of knowing that we, too, are God’s “beloved” sons and daughters “with whom He is well-pleased.” © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering As many of you know, on December 17 Bishop Martin issued a pastoral letter concerning the reception of Holy Communion. In that letter, he directed that non-fixed altar rails and kneelers be removed no later than January 16. I want to acknowledge, very simply and honestly, that this has been difficult for many in our parish. I feel that weight as well. I love St. Mark, and I am grateful for the reverence and devotion so many of you show toward the Holy Eucharist. I do not take lightly the concerns, questions, or disappointment this has raised. I am also aware that some of the faithful have made use of the appropriate channels within the Church to petition for clarification or reconsideration, and those processes may continue. At the same time, as your pastor, I am entrusted with leading this parish in fidelity to the Church and her discipline in those matters that do not contradict Catholic law. While there are sincere and thoughtful discussions about posture for receiving Holy Communion, the current liturgical discipline in the United States indicates that Communion is ordinarily received standing, whether on the tongue or in the hand. It is important to state clearly that the right of an individual communicant to kneel remains fully intact, and no one may ever be denied Holy Communion for choosing to do so. Therefore, unless a suspensive decision is issued by the Bishop or by the Dicastery for Divine Worship, we will comply with the directive and remove the kneelers from around the sanctuary. To assist with the reverent and timely distribution of Holy Communion, we will also increase the number of Communion stations. I know this change will be challenging for some. It is not something I approach lightly. My hope is that we can carry this moment together, offering whatever frustration or sorrow we may feel as a personal sacrifice, united to Christ present in the Eucharist. Crosses come in many forms, and how we bear them matters greatly. Let us remain united in prayer and charity, so that anger, bitterness, or division never take root at St. Mark. The weight of the Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for Bishop Martin daily, and I ask that you do the same. Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for him everyday, and I hope that you will as well.  On a happier note, as we come to the end of the Christmas season, I want to thank everyone who dropped off Christmas greetings and goodies. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

From the Pastor - Epiphany

By John Putnam • January 2, 2026
Today we celebrate the Epiphany — the manifestation of Christ to the world. The stewardship way of life is nothing other than a grateful response to God’s countless manifestations in our lives, and a commitment to make His love manifest to others through the sharing of our gifts. St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that the grace given to him was “for your benefit.” Every gift we have received is meant to benefit others and give glory to God. The Magi show us how to live this out: Worship is their highest priority.They travel far, ask openly, and refuse to let anything stop them from honoring the newborn King. Is Sunday Mass the non-negotiable center of our week? 2. They are watchful. “We saw his star at its rising.” Good stewards stay alert to God’s presence and gifts in daily life. 3. They persevere through difficulty. Herod deceives, dangers threaten, yet God guides and protects them. Our stewardship journey will have twists, but God is faithful. 4. They are overjoyed True stewards radiate the deep, lasting joy that only comes from encountering Christ. 5. They prostrate and open their treasures. Overwhelmed with awe, they give totally of themselves and their gifts — the perfect act of worship. This year, let us rejoice in every manifestation of God in our lives, stay watchful for His star, and open our own treasures — our time, talent, and treasure — in generous gratitude to our King.  Come, let us adore Him — and then go and make Him known.