Blog (Page 12)
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Paul Stryker, Jr.
For Paul Stryker Jr., Pentecost had special meaning this year, especially its message of unity through a universal language of faith. Paulie, as he is known, was three weeks into boot camp at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, surrounded by recruits from all over the country. “We all came from different traditions and ways of doing things,” he reflected, “but we were trying to unite in a common goal, so the powerful story of the Upper Room…
Sunday Mass Reflection for October 13th, 2019
Where do we hear God speaking to us? I hope we all think immediately of the bible, the inspired Word of God. Immediately after that we should think of the Mass. After all, God only speaks one Word, Jesus Christ, and we encounter Christ at Mass in the Eucharist. We always begin Mass with readings from Sacred Scripture, to hear God speaking to us in human language. We need to realize, though, that in any Mass the Scripture readings we…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Itzel Rosario
Itzel Rosario can remember a time when she thought going to Mass was simply a cultural tradition, a way to conform to the surrounding society. “You went to church,” she said, “but you didn’t necessarily know what you were doing there.” However, ten years ago, led by her father, her family underwent a spiritual conversion that brought Itzel into a real relationship with God. Now, she knows, “Worshipping God is one of the most beautiful things a person can do.”…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Jackie Adams
We have all heard the saying that when God closes one door, He opens another. For one-time soccer player Jackie Adams, the first door slammed hard. A series of sports-related concussions while she was in high school ended her playing career and altered her career plans. But as a second door has begun to open, Jackie is being able to pull others through with her. “Sports have been my whole life, but I can’t play anymore,” Jackie explained. So instead,…
Sunday Mass Reflection for September 22nd, 2019
We have all grown up hearing the parables of Jesus. We tend to think of them as familiar and comforting. Familiarity, however, can be a distraction and cause us to miss the point. The parables of Christ are designed to puzzle and shock to get our attention, then make a point. Our parable this Sunday (Luke 16:1 – 9) is an excellent example. Jesus, who we believe, directs us to a more virtuous life seems to be promoting dishonesty, even…
Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Kierstyn Kuehnle
Kierstyn Kuehnle, who was born deaf in one ear and wears a hearing aid in the other, knows that “God does not make mistakes.” “Things happen for a reason,” she said. “He has laid out a life and a plan for each of us.” This sense of mission has allowed Kierstyn to accept the considerable challenges that come with her hearing loss. It also has made this sixteen-year-old a nationally-recognized advocate for the needs and rights of the deaf and…