Pastor's Notes
11/29/23 - Beginning the Season of Advent
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
A couple of years ago, I went to a monastery for my yearly retreat. Before arriving, the nuns sent me a contract to sign. It was not a contract for how much I would have to pay to be a guest, but rather a contract ... Read More »
11/22/23 - The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
The large stained-glass window behind our church altar depicts today’s Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. At the center of the window is Jesus Christ, and gathered around him are the saints and angels. Jesus Christ is the center of everything. ... Read More »
11/15/83 - What I Am Thankful For
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
Recently I bumped into a friend of mine who was with his toddler son. As the dad and I were chatting, the little boy was pushing his toy trucks, making noises, and occasionally telling me, “Look at this!” At one point, the dad asked his ... Read More »
11/08/23 - Scattered Thoughts
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
Just some scattered thoughts this week.
Last Sunday afternoon, Fr. Sijo, Deacon David, and I gathered with many of you at St. Patrick Cemetery to visit and pray at the graves of your loved ones. I really felt in those moments that we were doing ... Read More »
11/01/23 - Starving for Beauty
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
Some years ago, when I was a pastor in a different parish, the organist at the parish – on his own initiative – introduced something to our parish’s musical customs. As the distribution of communion was coming to its end and the priest was approaching ... Read More »
10/25/23 - All Soul's Day and a Plenary Indulgence
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
The week I arrived at St. Patrick Parish, I walked up to St. Patrick’s Cemetery to pray for those who are buried there. In a way, I feel like they too are my parishioners. The most important thing we can do for our loved ones ... Read More »
10/18/23 - Letting Christ Live in Us
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
This week my mind is still thinking about the Gospel from last Sunday, the Parable of the Wedding Feast. As you recall, the parable concludes with the king entering the banquet hall and seeing a man not dressed in the proper wedding garment. The ... Read More »
10/11/23 - Blessed are those who mourn
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
Among the Beatitudes that Jesus mentions in the Gospels is, “Blessed are those who mourn.” We might think that this is merely a meager attempt to help people to get over their problems. It can seem like an attempt at a quick fix or an ... Read More »
10/04/23 - A Few Experiences and Encounters
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
I just want to share a few experiences and encounters that I have had over the past couple of weeks.
A couple of weeks ago, a young family in the parish invited me to their home for dinner. After dinner, several other families joined us ... Read More »
09/27/23 - Our Lady of Victories
Posted by Fr. David Barnes
Dear Friends in Christ,
In 1571, the Ottoman Empire was poised to invade and conquer Italy, and eventually all of Europe. Had they done so, millions would have died and countless others forced to renounce the Catholic Faith. As the great battle loomed dark over all of Europe, Pope ... Read More »