A light shines in the darkness In this first week of Advent, the church highlights the theme of hope. We remember that the “people who walk in darkness will see a great light.” Good news at this time of long nights as we are reeling mentally, physically, financially, emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic and find […]
Read moreAuthor: Rick Pilger
Father Pilger, I.C. was born in Canton, Illinois and was ordained at St. John’s Seminary, Wonersh, England in December 1978. He joined the Blessed Sacrament Parish in August 1995, coming here from Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton Florida. After 22 years as Parochial Vicar, he was appointed Pastor by Bishop Gregory Parkes in June 20, 2017.November 30, 2020, FEAST OF ANDREW, APOSTLE
First responder Saint Andrew has a special place in the collective heart of Scotland. He is sometimes known as the “first called” apostle because of his early encounter and following of Jesus, alongside his better-known brother and fellow fisherman Simon Peter. When confronting his own crucifixion in the year 60, it is said Andrew chose […]
Read moreNovember 29, 2020, FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Keep your eyes open Nothing is more empowering than a fresh start. Advent brings with it a new gospel to guide us through the new liturgical year: Mark, the shortest of the four narratives about Jesus. Consider reading all 16 chapters at the start of the liturgical year to grasp the breathless beauty of Mark’s […]
Read moreNovember 28, 2002, OPTIONAL MEMORIAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Call forth your best self Perhaps you’ve heard that Jesus’ life was foreshadowed in passages from the Hebrew scripture that predated him. But were you aware that Mary’s life and role in salvation history might have been as well? The prophet Isaiah (7:14) speaks of a young woman (sometimes translated as a “virgin”) who will […]
Read moreNovember 27, 2020, Friday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Turn the page The “Book of Life” is mentioned several times in the Bible. A bit like the contact list you keep on your phone, the Book of Life is the figurative expression of how God is said to keep track of those heading for heavenly repose united with the Divine. According to Jewish tradition, […]
Read moreNovember 26, 2020, Happy Thanksgiving.
Give thanks, indeed We won’t be celebrating Thanksgiving the way many of us hoped and imagined back when the pandemic started. And yet, we are alive. Most of us reading these words can breathe freely. The virus has reminded us always to take these simple matters for granted. One of our wisest teachers about prayer, […]
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