The Holy Rosary

09-30-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

October is the month of the Holy Rosary, and it provides an opportunity for another lesson in our parish School of Prayer. The Holy Rosary is a very versatile prayer, suitable for just about any age or situation. The Holy Rosary is thus particularly fitting as a basis for family prayer. If we have gotten out of the habit of family prayer (or have never established a habit of family prayer), the Holy Rosary can give you a simple way to start anew. It is a prayer that every age can join in. It is contemplative and vocal at the same time. I could go on and on about the Holy Rosary as a basis for family prayer.

READ MORE

Thanks! Gracias!

09-23-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

Thanks! Gracias!

I have to admit that I was somewhat apprehensive about the bilingual Mass and the pig roast celebration last weekend. It was something new, bringing people together in a new way and so I was not sure how all the pieces would fit together. That was very foolish on my part! It was a great success in every way.

READ MORE

Consider Your Routines of Prayer and Sacrament

09-16-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

Change and transition are challenges, and I have found that the transition to the parish has taken longer than I had anticipated. I feel like I am getting used to the routine of the parish, and I am beginning to establish my own routine. But habits do take time! In the meantime, however, I have let some things accumulate too long. I thank you for your patience with me.

READ MORE

He Has Done All Things Well

09-09-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

“He has done all things well.”

This line is from our Gospel today, and it speaks, of course, of Jesus. He does all things well. There is no one like Him. You will do yourself a big favor if you get to know Him better. How do I get to know someone who was last on earth in the body about 2000 years ago? You are going to think that I am a broken record, but the main way to do it is to pray.

READ MORE

What are the lay faithful to expect from your pastors?

09-02-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

Getting expectations right allows for proper and peaceful relationships. “Pastor” is simply the Latin word for “shepherd.” What is a shepherd expected to do? Good shepherds feed, nurture, and protect the sheep. That is what you should expect from your pastors: to be fed and nurtured from the table of word and sacrament and to be protected by the truth from error and sin. If your pastors are faithful in living their vocation as priests, in providing the sacraments of the Church, and in teaching the truth of the Church on faith and morals, then you have good pastors.

READ MORE