Every spring brings the Church a batch of shiny new Catholics, and every year I see the same list of complaints. No, not the ones about people “taking your pew.” The ones about the niggling weaknesses in the Church. Many adults who enter the Catholic Church, especially those who were members of other Christian traditions… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – June 14, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday Says Podcast – June 14, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflections Sunday June 14, 2015 Lectionary: 92 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for June 14, 2015, the eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time. Thank you for joining us as we open up the Word of God… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – May 10, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday May 10, 2015 Lectionary: 56 6th Sunday of Easter (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for May 10, 2015, the sixth Sunday in Easter. Thank you for joining us as we open the Word of God to prepare our hearts and minds for this Sunday’s Mass. As we prepare for the… [Read More]
4 Irrational Fears of a Girl During Mass
Mass is a time of community, prayer, and a whole lotta holy. But sometimes my brain will not focus for the life of me. These are just a few of the things that can distract me during mass (this was pre-baby… kids add a whole new level of distraction to the list). Enjoy, and feel free… [Read More]
From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday: The Lord’s descent into the underworld
Our Catholic faith is incredibly rich. So instead of writing a new reflection, I’m sharing one of my favorite things to read during the Triduum. This is a from an ancient homily for Holy Saturday, date and homilist unknown. It is the Second Reading in the Office of Readings for Holy Saturday Liturgy of the Hours…. [Read More]
The Ordination of Bishop Danny Garcia in Pictures
It’s said a picture is worth a thousand words. And so since several of us at ACNM were blessed to attend the Ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Danny Garcia, we wanted to snap some pictures and share them with you all. It was a Holy Spirit filled and blessed day to spend together with our Catholic… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – February 15, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday February 15, 2015 Lectionary: 77 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for February 15, 2015, the sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Thank you for joining us as we break open the Word of God for this Sunday’s Mass so that we can prepare our… [Read More]
Oh Speciosam Altaris Sacramento: How Powerful and Loving
In my time of being in the seminary my love and awe of the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist has increased tremendously and I am convinced with full conviction that when I receive the Eucharist at Mass, I am receiving the fullness of Christ within me and I am being received into full communion with… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – January 04, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday Says Podcast – January 04, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflections Sunday January 04, 2015 Lectionary: 20 Feast of the Epiphany (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for January 4, 2015, the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. Thank you for joining us as we familiarize ourselves with the Liturgy of… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – December 21, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday December 21, 2014 Lectionary: 11 Fourth Sunday of Advent (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for December 21, 2014, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Thank you for joining us as we begin preparing our hearts and minds for Mass by previewing and reflecting on the readings. The selected readings this week place… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 7, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday Says Podcast – September 7, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections Sunday September 07, 2014 Lectionary: 121 Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for September 7, 2014, the Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time. Thank you for joining us as we begin preparing our hearts and minds for… [Read More]
New Priest for the Diocese of Austin in 2014
Just last Saturday, June 7, 2014, a wonderful young man, Craig DeYoung, was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Austin. His love for God, his servants heart and his joy for life is evident from the moment you meet Craig and is splashed across his face when you see his big smile. Personally, I’ve… [Read More]
3 Ways for 3 Days: How to Grow Spiritually During the Easter Triduum
Easter Triduum 2014 is upon us. It begins this Thursday evening. Yes, THIS Thursday, April 17, 2014. Are you ready? Are you sure? Okay, Pop Quiz time! I promise, it’s not too hard. Pop Quiz 1. What does the word Triduum mean? Answer: Three days. 2. When does Lent officially end and the Easter Triduum… [Read More]
Mind, Lips, and Heart for the Gospel
There is a little part of the mass that sticks out me (actually a lot of little things do but that is not the point hee hee) and it is just as the Gospel is about to be read. The priest announces, “A reading from the Gospel according to John.” and we respond “Glory to… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – February 16, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday Says Podcast – February 16, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections Sunday February 16, 2014 Lectionary: 76 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 16, 2014. This Sunday’s readings focus on the Law as defined in the Old Testament and… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – Jan 26, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
January 26, 2014 [powerpress] Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Lectionary: 67 Reading 1 IS 8:23-9:3 This week’s first reading we hear from Isaiah and a familiar passage that is often associated with Christmas. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This week we hear more… [Read More]
DCYC 56: Ablaze
The annual Austin Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) was last weekend, January 17-19, 2014 in Waco, Texas. Nearly 2400 teens from around the Diocese participated in DCYC, making it the largest DCYC ever. This year’s theme, Ablaze, was a fitting conclusion to the Year of Faith which ended this past November, reminding teens that, “If… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – January 19, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Sunday Says Podcast – January 19, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections Sunday January 19, 2014 Lectionary: 64 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (NAB Translation) Welcome to the Sunday Says podcast for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 19, 2013. We’re happy you’ve joined us here once again as we move through this period… [Read More]
Veiled Question: An Exploration of the Re-emergence of an Ancient Custom
The young people at St. Mary’s in College Station have a flare for making old things new again, for transforming customs and practices that could be considered old fashioned or obsolete, into fresh, passionate expressions of the uniqueness and beauty of our Catholic faith. Aggie Catholics tend to add flourish to their devotion. Several of… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – December 1, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] First Sunday in Advent Sunday December 1, 2013 (Jerusalem Translation) Liturgy of the Word (NAB Translation) Lectionary: 1 Each year we cycle through the liturgical seasons in order to contemplate God’s mysteries again and again, that over time we may gain a deeper level of understanding of these mysteries and that the insights revealed may have a… [Read More]
Part 3 of 6 – Pope Francis, Parenthood, and Questions
Another important tool for parents that we have learned from Pope Francis is the use of questions in our parenting. In his interview with an atheist, when asked a question, Pope Francis responded with a question on several occasions. We, as parents, can learn from this. Questions are frequently the best response initially to… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 27, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday October 27, Liturgy of the Word (NAB Translation) Lectionary: 150 Reading 1 Sir 35:12-14, 16-18 This week’s Old Testament reading comes from the book of Sirach also known as Ecclesiasticus (which means the Church’s book). This book of the Bible is not found in Protestant Bibles but was… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 20, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 20, 2013 Liturgy of the Word (NAB Translation) Lectionary: 147 Reading 1 EX 17:8-13 This week’s first reading from Exodus is famous battle story of Moses. This is one of those stories that the future generations of Hebrews probably enjoyed telling over and over again in memory of… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 6, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for October 6, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 141 The liturgy of the word is fairly straight forward this week, but they serve as a great reminder of the call of our lives as disciples of Jesus. Reading 1 HB 1:2-3; 2:2-4… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 22, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 22, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 135 Reflection begins at 3:30 minute mark. Reading 1 AM 8:4-7 This first reading from Amos is short and to the point. We haven’t heard from this prophet in over a year and half at Sunday… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 15, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 15, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 132 Reflection begins at 4:40 minute mark. Reading 1 EX 32:7-11, 13-14 This first reading features a conversation between Moses and God, showing an angrier side of the Father than we are used to hearing about…. [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 8, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time http://universalis.com/mass.htm Sunday September 8, 2013 Reading 1: Wisdom 9:13-18b This week’s first reading comes from the book of Wisdom. This book is generally not found in non- Catholic bibles, but is part of our Canon of scripture and was used at the time of Christ. Here the author… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 1, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 1, 2013 (USCCB NAB Readings) Lectionary: 126 Reflection begins at the 4:00 minute mark. Reading 1 SIR 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 The book of Sirach, also referred to as the book of Ecclesiasticus in some translations, is a collection of wisdom of the… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 25, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings for August 25, 2013 – Lectionary: 120 Reflection starts at 4 minute mark. Reading 1 IS 66:18-21 The week’s first reading from Isaiah doesn’t sound very new to us, but to the Jewish people, this was almost too hard to comprehend. The Jewish people rightfully thought of themselves as the… [Read More]
6 Things You Need to Do Before Mass
Going to Mass is about more than just making it in the door for Communion. My day-to-day life has changed significantly in the last few months, so I have found myself approaching Mass attendance in a whole new way. It used to be part of work. My biggest concern was getting to attend a whole… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 18, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings for August 18, 2013 – Lectionary: 120 Reflection starts at 3:30 minute mark. Reading 1 JER 38:4-6, 8-10 This first reading sounds like it comes straight from the storyline of a dama. Jeremiah is caught up in a messy scandal of politics in 7th century B.C. Jerusalem. Unfortunately, we miss… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 11, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C Sunday August 11, 2013 Reading 1 WIS 18:6-9 This week’s first reading comes from a very Catholic book. The book of wisdom comes from what is sometimes referred to as the Apocrypha, but we Catholics just say that it is part of the canon of… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 4, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C August 5, 2013 First Reading ECC 1:2; 2:21-23 This week’s first reading includes a very unique passage. It’s from one of the most difficult books to understand. In fact, this is the only time we’ll hear from the book of Ecclesiastes on a Sunday in… [Read More]
Seeing God in Creation
Whenever I am out truly experiencing nature (ie, I’m not just sitting inside my house staring out the front door at the lawn), such as amongst Texas wildflowers, in a national park, hiking in the mountains, etc, I always have a moment (or several) of “How can someone see all this and deny that God… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast: July 28, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Reflection starts at 5:30 minute mark. Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary July 28, 2013 First Reading GN 18:20-32 In the first reading we see further development of the identity and character of Father Abraham, as we have seen the pat few weeks. Here we see that he has a very personal relationship with God. The… [Read More]
Breaking Open Revelation (Review: “The Lamb’s Supper”)
I love learning. That sounds so cheesy, but I really do! My favorite learning experiences are always connected to finding out earth-shattering new information about something I thought I already knew well. I used to think that car turn signals were activated by the car (not the driver; in-car navigation systems seemed unremarkable at first!),… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast: July 21, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Reflection starts at 3:50 minute mark. Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary First Reading GN 18:1-10A This is a fascinating story that hides some supernatural details. On the surface, this looks like a very simple lesson about the importance of good hospitality, especially in contrast to the difficult times Abraham and Sarah experienced in Egypt… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast: July 14, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Reflection starts at 4:30 minute mark. 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 14, 2013 Reading 1 DT 30:10-14 In the first reading we hear Moses speaking to the people of Israel in contrasts. He compares their faith to those of the neighboring pagans and reminds them of the simplicity of their faith. Sometimes people… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – July 7, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 7, 2013 Reflection starts at 4:15 minute mark. The language in this week’s readings is colorful. If this was your first mass, and first time to hear these readings, I’m sure they would leave quite the impression, but possibly even more confusion. Some of the central themes of… [Read More]
How to Deal with Bad Preaching
I often write and talk about the role of the arts in the church today, but one of the most broadly complained about is preaching in the Catholic Church. Bad experiences with homilies has been a prominent complaint I’ve heard among former Catholics and non-practicing Catholics. Admittedly, the Church may not be converting 3,000 people… [Read More]
