2016 archive of FROM THE DESK OF FR. JEFF
March 6-7, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/14/16
One of our Year of Mercy observances this spring will be to offer the full devotions associated with Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday following Easter. St. Pope John Paul II added this feast to the liturgical calendar in 2000, drawing from the scripture readings already in place the ... Read More »
February 27-28, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/29/16
I'm sure that you've heard about the November Synod that is being organized by the Archdiocese. I've mentioned it a couple times in this column. Every parish has been asked to arrange for a special listening session to garner ideas and concerns about the synod topic: evangelization. I am ... Read More »
February 20-21, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/22/16
We recently heard that former pastor, Fr. Larry Zurek, has been named by Pope Francis as a Missionary of Mercy during this special Holy Year. He will be one of 100 priests sent to the United States to help spread the message of mercy. These Missionaries, all 800 of ... Read More »
February 16-17, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/15/16
The next question on our November in-pew survey that I'd like to report on concerned what I called the "country of origin." I intended this question to help us better understand the unique blend of cultures that make up our parish. I found out something different instead.
The phrase ... Read More »
February 6-7, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/15/16
Did you notice the new Information Desk in the gathering space last weekend? A generous parishioner created it for the parish. Now all we need is one or two parishioners at each of our weekend masses to assist those with questions and distribute information about parish activities. I invite ... Read More »
January 30-31, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/01/16
For the next few weeks, you'll be reading a summary of the survey we conducted last November. The first three questions were the same as the previous year's survey, and for today, I'll limit my remarks to them. If you recall that weekend, we had snow that Saturday, and ... Read More »
January 23-24, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 1/25/16
For the last year, Catholics have observed a Year of Consecrated Life to draw attention to the special vocation of living one's life in community according to the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The year concludes on February 2nd. I thought that I would mention this one more ... Read More »
January 16-17, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 1/20/16
This weekend begins a period of special prayer and intercession, promoted by the Catholic Church and known as "9 Days For Life." We carried an insert in the bulletin last week on pro-life news which made note of it. In the middle of the novena is the 43rd anniversary ... Read More »
January 9-10, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 1/20/16
This weekend closes out the Christmas season. We remember the baptism of Jesus today, the event that launches Jesus on his mission of salvation. His baptism gives us another insight into the meaning of Christmas, although now he is no longer an infant.
'Like us in all things but ... Read More »
January 2-3, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 1/07/16
As we prepare to conclude the Christmas season (next Sunday, the Baptism of the Lord, is the final act of Christmas) I want to express my thanks for the many ways you have shown your generosity, to the parish, to the poor, and to us friars who live and ... Read More »