We gather like this every year and it is good to do so, but this, my friends, is no ordinary time.The abuse crisis is a pervasive and unhappy fact in the life of the Church, a calamity that affects your outlook and attitudes, no matter what division you work in, no matter what ministry you engage in. I’m going to guess that this crisis crosses your mind every day as you come into work and that it confronts you in one way or another during your workday. And in case it doesn’t, there are some who will remind you of it: “Oh, you work for the Archdiocese, don’t you?” Yes, you do, and I’m most, most grateful. All the more reason why it is good that we are here, for a day of refreshment. Sometimes those who run a “field hospital” need a “field hospital”.Read More

We cannot allow the shame of the devastating failings we now confront to cause us to pause or in any way delay the essential work of the church — sharing God’s love, forgiveness and healing as we work also to promote common understanding, acceptance and mutual respect in a troubled world.Read More

While he lived on this earth, [St. Martin de Porres] followed the admonition of Jesus in today’s Gospel. In the banquet of life he took the lowest seat at the table. Overjoyed to be at the banquet, he chose to sit with the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable. And, at that end of the table, he shared with his neighbors whatever he had.Read More

In these days we are reading a portion of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that exhorts us to conduct ourselves as authentic followers of Christ. At first glance, though, the rules he sets down seem strict, almost as if they are designed to take the joy out of life.Read More

An anniversary year rightly celebrates past accomplishments but it must also be a point of departure for a future full of hope. And in this moment we rightly find ourselves once again engaging in pastoral planning, focusing on the mission of evangelization, and looking at the mission priorities that will continue to make St. Isaac Jogues a vibrant community of faith, worship, and service to others.Read More