Author Archives: Hilary
The Sacraments
The Sacraments When we think of Easter, we think of renewal – we think of our “chance” that makes everything good for us. This Easter I thought it would be good to talk about the Sacraments, after all these form an integral part of our faith. One could even argue that they are essentially…
The Beginning – Baptism
The Beginning – Baptism In thinking about the journey that we take in life and in the Church, I was thinking about how the Sacraments are indeed a journey. Baptism is the beginning of that journey. Regardless of the age when you are baptized, It is through this sacrament that you are born into…
The Baptism of the Lord
The Baptism of the Lord The Christmas season officially ends with the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. This year, this feast reminded me of the importance of the sacrament of baptism. It brought to mind my own baptism and what it means today. We can see that the institution of…
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Today we celebrate and honor Mary, the Mother of God. It is rare that we do truly consider the fact that Mary is in fact the Mother of God. For those of you who don’t know why you go to church on New Year’s Eve or…
The Sacraments – Confirmation
The Sacraments – Confirmation Confirmation and Baptism have a special linkage. Leo J Trese makes the comparison to being born and growing up. Baptism is our BIRTH in Christ, Confirmation is our GROWTH in Christ. We are baptized in order to be confirmed. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that Confirmation is…
The Sacraments – The Eucharist
The Sacraments – The Eucharist “The Body of Christ” “Amen” Whenever we receive Holy Communion, these words are spoken to us and we reply with the “Amen”. Sometimes I feel that it is at that moment that the Great Amen is truly pronounced in the Mass. I believe that what…
The Sacraments – Penance
The Sacraments – Penance I believe the Sacrament of Penance is one of the most difficult and controversial of all the sacraments. Whereas the Eucharist clearly delineates Catholics from Protestant Christians, I believe that many Catholics who are not routed in their faith do not fully understand the importance and absolute greatness…
The Sacraments – Holy Orders
The Sacraments – Holy Orders In the same way only a few are called to receive the sacrament of matrimony, there are also those who are specifically called to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, “Two other sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the…
The Sacraments – Holy Matrimony
The Sacraments – Holy Matrimony Although nearly every person wants to get married to their prince or princess and have children, I believe that very few understand the deep significance about what they are entering into. First and foremost, although many in the world today do not prescribe to this belief, Marriage is…
The gifts of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Pentecost. Attending our Parish yesterday, if you walked in and had no idea that it was Pentecost Sunday, you certainly would have left knowing very well that it was. I have never been more moved on this Feast Day than I was yesterday.…