Archives for 2012

The Heart of the Matter

In Pastores Dabo Vobis, Blessed John Paul II offered to those charged with seminary formation the framework by which to form men for the priesthood, namely, the four pillars of priestly formation: spiritual, intellectual, apostolic and … [Read more...]

On Music and the Priestly Life

Since music imitates the inner life of the soul, it follows that good music imitates and evokes sentiments that are consistent with a virtuous life, while music that evokes vicious sentiments is detrimental, and even destructive, to the … [Read more...]

Contraception and Public Policy

One can readily see why there is an insistence against “artificial” methods of birth control, while something like Natural Family Planning is in accord with the natural law.  It is not because they are artificial, per se, but because they ar … [Read more...]

Letter to the editor

Thank you, HPR! Thank you for your most excellent publication.  There are few sources of such well diversified and timely theological topics in article form.  I look forward to receiving each new announcement by email.  God love you, bl … [Read more...]

Evolution and the Catholic Faith

Evolution is a theory but not an established fact, because the origins of human life are not now observable, since, according to the theory, life arose from inert matter millions or billions of years ago. If evolution were a fact, it would … [Read more...]

Preaching About Pornography and Addiction

Because the slavery and pain of our flocks is obvious, we are called upon to offer the grace and healing of Christ. The pulpit can be an excellent platform for entreating even the most stained and hopeless heart.   As they leave the house … [Read more...]

The Church’s Year of Grace: History, Traditions, Beauty

Christian discipleship is fundamentally a dynamic movement from self to the beauty of Christ. In the absence of this dynamic movement, faith remains woefully incomplete. ...The essential characteristic of beauty then is to be transported … [Read more...]

“Never let me be parted from you”

Some Thoughts on the Integrity of the Priestly State of Life

The Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, is the same Spirit that fills the heart and mind of a good priest, vivifying his mortal body. Priests acting in that Spirit are seeking the advancement of the Kingdom, and will accomplish it. … [Read more...]

Discerning Marriage as Natural Vocation

Marriage, as a vocation, is written into our human nature, into our very being. According to the Church, everyone is called to marriage because they are humans who have been created as either male or female. It is necessary to clear … [Read more...]

Liturgy: The Foundation and Strength of Marriages

The Eucharistic celebration is a testament to the need for man’s self-gift as response to God’s gift to us through his Son .... to find himself through his own, sincere gift of himself ... reflected in his total consecration to God through a … [Read more...]

Homilies for August 2012

For Sunday Liturgies and Feasts August 2012  "I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to me will never hunger." Less grumbling, more trust Purpose: To invite our congregations to an examination of conscience in which they ask themselves … [Read more...]

Spiritual Direction in the Life of a Priest

Good and regular spiritual direction can help us work through some of the natural and dangerous currents in the spiritual life. By trusting God to redirect us and keep us afloat, he will help us navigate back to the solid ground of God’s p … [Read more...]

Betrayal or Integrity

When it comes to protecting the right to life of the most vulnerable human being in our midst, the infant in the womb, there is no “middle ground” or “common ground” to be found.  Human dignity must be protected and upheld.   Imagine for a … [Read more...]

Enter the Digital Continent of Preaching

Our preachers must lead people to align themselves with the Church, filling the chasm of the past two or more generations of those not in touch with this treasury of truth. The goal is eternal salvation, the growth of the Church is in the … [Read more...]

St. Benedict: A Sixth Century Saint for the Twenty-First Century

St. Benedict's rule was written for everyone. His goal was to “establish a school for the Lord’s service.” He hoped in creating these rules “to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.”   Chesterton wrote that “it is the paradox of hist … [Read more...]