2017 archive of FROM THE DESK OF FR. JEFF
March 25-26, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/27/17
We've reached the half-way point of Lent, and I hope that you are in the rhythm of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As I've mentioned already, this Wednesday evening is our reconciliation service. I hope that your evening is clear to join us for an experience of our Lord's mercy. ... Read More »
March 18-19, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/20/17
It is not to early to set a date for an encounter with our merciful God. The sacrament of reconciliation gains much prominence during the Lenten season, and rightly so. What we pledge on Ash Wednesday (to repent and believe in the Gospel) is effectively carried out through the ... Read More »
March 11-12, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/20/17
Every year we host two missionary speakers, one through our Franciscan missionary cooperative, and another from national organizations such as Bread for the World. On the weekend of April 22-23, the organization Unbound is sending Fr. Greg Schmitt, a Redemptorist priest from Chicago, to speak on behalf of this ... Read More »
March 4-5, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/06/17
Lent always begins with a packed Ash Wednesday mass and a surge of good intentions to make this the best Lent ever. We had overflowing pews at our noon mass, and our supply of ashes is greatly diminished. The same is true of every parish around the world. I'm ... Read More »
February 25-26, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/27/17
I picked up one of the last copies of "The Word Among Us" which we made available to the parish last weekend. Many of you are already preparing to enter into the spirit of Lent with great enthusiasm. I am eager to walk with you through these forty days ... Read More »
February 18-19, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/27/17
You will soon be seeing our Lenten schedule in the bulletin, since Ash Wednesday, March 1, is only a week and a half away. If our noon mass does not fit in your work schedule, please come to our evening Mass. Ordinarily we have adoration on the afternoon and ... Read More »
February 11-12, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/27/17
Since last Tuesday our country has been celebrating National Marriage Week; it will end this Tuesday on Valentine's Day. It is a week dedicated to strengthening marriages. Today let us pray for all who are married, especially for those who are in the early years of marriage, that ... Read More »
February 4-5, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/27/17
Isaiah's prophecy in our first reading today is so timely as the recent executive orders on immigration and a wall on our southern border stir controversy in the USA and beyond. These initiatives have drawn comment from our own archbishop as well as other church leaders. In case you ... Read More »
January 28-29, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 2/27/17
Is the winter cold and flu season taking its toll on you? Come back next weekend for the blessing of throats. After the closing song, form lines as we do when you receive communion and receive a blessing for your throat "and for all other illness." This is one ... Read More »
January 21-22, 2017
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 1/23/17
One of my favorite parish events is just around the corner: our adult volunteer appreciation dinner on February 3rd. We have been reminding our volunteers to sign up for the past two weekends. I am always thankful for you who expand the ministry of the parish through your hard ... Read More »