Visit Hershey, Pennsylvania and you know you’re going to experience chocolate “up close and personal.” The town makes that easy for you by providing a large emporium called simply “Hershey’s Chocolate World.” The first time I walked into that place I was amazed by the variety of ways the company packages the delightful brown confection. […]
At times, in all the churches I have been assigned to in the eighteen years since my ordination to the priesthood, unfortunate events happened that caused parish property to be damaged. During the afternoon or early evening of Sunday, August 18, the votive candle stand in the vestibule was damaged by an unknown person or […]
People who change the world aren’t always who you expect. They are housewives, repairmen, teachers, and the military to name a few. Ordinary people who believe in a better world. Readers’ Digest magazine recently chose what they called “15 people who changed history.” Among them were Rosa Parks, who wouldn’t give up her seat on […]
On Thursday, August 15, Holy Mother Church will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. Approaching the solemn day from another perspective, each of us have an opportunity to be recharged through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass by the Word of God in the readings […]
The unknown wag first said it, likely hoping to appeal to a wide audience. This is what he said: “Money isn’t everything but it’s way ahead of whatever is in second place.” You can certainly smile at that, and I suppose many of us feel that way at certain times, especially when we face a […]
We all remember—perhaps fondly—those multiple-choice tests we had to take from time to time during our school days. If we knew our subject, we could whiz through the test and finish well below the allotted time. If we were not so knowledgeable, there was always the chance we took with an educated guess. Those educated […]
Many thanks to you for the warm welcome in my first couple of weeks here at Our Lady of the Valley since my arrival on June 27. Your kindness and hospitality are most appreciated. As I get to serve all of you, there will be many graced moments as I strive to bring you closer […]
In October 1961, a Broadway musical premiered called “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Six years later came a film version of the show, followed in 1995 by a revival; another revival in 2011; and a short run in 2014 in Philadelphia. The story follows the fortunes of a certain J. Pierrepont Finch, […]
As I conclude my time as pastor, I would like to thank everyone for the prayerfulness, hospitality, creativity and support for the last three and a half years. Being in a small rural parish is very encouraging, for the people here are very prayerful, and energetic. As with other rural parishes, people here know each […]
We all remember—perhaps fondly—those multiple-choice tests we had to take from time to time during our school days. If we knew our subject, we could whiz through the test and finish well below the allotted time. If we were not so knowledgeable, there was always the chance we took with an educated guess. Those educated […]