Hello from Assisi! The first stop on our pilgrimage to the sites of Saint Francis and Clare is the birthplace of Saint Francis. Francis, born in in 1181, lived a rather charmed life due to his father Pietro’s successful business as a silk merchant. In fact, Francis’ mother Pica, had her son baptized when Pietro … Read more
Dear Friends, This Sunday, Jesus once again gives us one of the most challenging teachings in the Gospel: forgive, and do not keep count. Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive someone who hurts him. Seven times seems generous. But Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus isn’t giving Peter a bigger number … Read more
Our Sanctuary arrangement has been updated after our clergy agreed on a design, and I want to share a little of the thinking behind these moves, as some have expressed some concern. First, I recognize that change in a sacred space can take some getting used to! Our Sanctuary is deeply familiar to many of us, and different … Read more
[Editors Note: Saint Miriam has the wonderful blessing of a seated Diocesan Bishop serving as our Pastor. During the predominate portion of the year, ‘Monsignor Jim’ serves under his this title and remains a Franciscan priest, but when the need arrives for him to exercise his Office as a Bishop Ordinary, the liturgical practices of … Read more
Dear Friends, One of the dangers of faith is that, over time, we can begin to think we’ve figured God out. We become comfortable with our understanding of who God is, how God works, and even who belongs in God’s family. This Sunday’s readings gently challenge that assumption. Again and again throughout Scripture, God surprises … Read more
In this Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew, the disciples find themselves caught in a storm. The wind is strong, the waves are high, and fear begins to overtake them. Then, amid the darkness, Jesus comes toward them walking on the water. Peter steps out of the boat in faith, but when he focuses on the wind … Read more
That’s the question I ask myself every time I confront scripture passages like those for this Sunday, August 2: “All you who are thirsty, come to the water! Come without paying and without cost” shouts out an exuberant Isaiah. “You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing,” the psalmist sings. “Nothing will be able … Read more
My Dear Friends, What do you value most in life? If God appeared to you tonight, as he did to Solomon, and said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you,” what would you ask for? In the first reading for this Sunday, Solomon is given that opportunity. He could have asked … Read more
From Our Fellow Parishioner! [Pastor Note: I was approached by a parishioner to share what we have done in her life, and the life of her family. Below is her new blog, Rainbow & Rosaries, that features us! Please take the time to go to the link. It is well worth the read! Thank you, … Read more
Dear Friends, If I am honest with myself, I am almost always afraid. I am afraid that my children will get hurt or worse. I am afraid that I will not be able to keep the parish and school going through the worst of times. I am afraid that I will not live long enough … Read more
Dear Friends, In this Feast of Corpus Christi, I wanted to share this reflection which a friend shared with me. For me, this says it all: The Eucharist should not display who has managed to look acceptable. It should reveal Christ feeding the hungry into holiness. You do not have to choose between reverence and … Read more
My Dear Friends, The Lord is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia. Yes, Easter continues and our Alleluias continue to resound. Have you ever had a moment where something ended… and you just kind of stood there? Not sure what to do next…not ready to move… just… taking it all in. I remember walking through the Holocaust Museum in … Read more
My Dear Friends! The Lord is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia! Yes! Our Easter journey continues and every year on the 4th Sunday of Easter — which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday — we hear that familiar image: Jesus is the shepherd… and we are the sheep. And let’s be honest — … Read more
“And he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” O how we love these words! Words that immediate remind us Catholics of the Eucharist, where week after week we know without doubt the Risen Lord in our midst in the breaking of the bread. Be it a good day or a bad … Read more
My Dear Friends, Easter is too big for just one day. While the world moves on quickly after Easter Sunday, the Church continues to celebrate. In fact, we celebrate Easter for eight full days — what we call the Octave of Easter. It’s as if one day simply isn’t enough to hold the joy of … Read more
Dear Friends, I am admittedly tired. We all are, right? The political divisions, wars, lies, false flag information coming from the highest offices, more shootings, plane crashes, and death everywhere. Yes, even more hate and lots of ‘keyboard courage’ on social media, too. Add in a dose of ‘Whiteous’ indignation and lack of care for … Read more
Dear Friends, Have you ever ignored a phone call… not because you didn’t hear it, but because you just didn’t have the energy to deal with whatever was on the other end? Sometimes it’s not that we’re busy. Sometimes we’re just tired. And sometimes life can wear us down so much that parts of us … Read more
As we move together into the Fourth Week of Lent, our Gospel from John tells of how Jesus cures a man of blindness. Blind since birth. And as things were in Jesus’ time righteous people—or those who consider themselves so, believed disabilities—be it blindness, paralysis, deformity or a multitude of any physical inadequacies; we brought … Read more
Dear Friends, In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray. And while they are there, something extraordinary happens. His face shines. His glory is revealed. For a moment, everything feels clear, holy, and full of peace. And Peter says what most of us would probably say: let’s stay here. … Read more
As a proud Puerto Rican, I absolutely loved everything about this year’s halftime performance! Super Bowl LX’s halftime show, led by Bad Bunny, felt like more than entertainment. It felt like a pause—a collective exhale—one of those rare moments when a massive spectacle quietly turns into reflection. There had been plenty of noise leading up … Read more