From the Pastor – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

March 4, 2019

From the Pastor – 8 th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s readings exhort us Christian disciples to form ourselves — mind and heart — in imitation of Christ so we can better reflect His goodness in our daily lives.

The first reading from Sirach offers timeless counsel: “the fruit of a tree shows the care it has had: so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind. Praise no one before he speaks.” Jesus uses the very same analogy in today’s Gospel reading from Luke: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.”

Everything we have is a gift from God to be used for His honor and glory. This includes the gift of speech and, even more broadly, all forms of modern-day communication — email, text, Twitter, Facebook and the rest. What comes forth from our mouths, or keyboard, or phone, is a reflection of what is in our minds and hearts. Our ability to communicate with each other is itself a gift which we must steward well.

In the same Gospel passage, Jesus reminds us, “No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” The more time we spend with Jesus, our teacher, through regular prayer and a strong sacramental life, the more we will become like Him. Then all that we do and say (and tweet and post) will bring others closer to Him. This is the life’s work of the Christian steward. It is privileged work indeed.

Pastoral Pondering

The reflection above provides a good modus operandi for the Christian. We should not say something on social media that we are not willing to say to someone face-to-face. Sadly, in our culture the norm has become the opposite.

When someone believes they have been aggrieved in some way, they feel free to say whatever they like, oftentimes thinking they are hiding behind the anonymity of a “secret” Facebook page or some other media platform. The reality is once something is on social media, it has very little chance of being secret.

Unfortunately, we often see those who identify themselves as having some connection with Christ, the Church, or one of her institutions who say things on line that are certainly no reflection of the Gospel. The Covington Catholic debacle is a great example of everyone jumping to false conclusions. While that incident received national attention, we all can think of examples of bad behavior that we’ve seen on social media.

We Catholics are called to be authentic wherever we are and in whatever we are doing. We are called to bear good fruit wherever we find ourselves. As we begin Lent this coming Wednesday, it is a good opportunity for us to examine ourselves by looking at our words and actions and asking what kind of “fruit” am I producing by my interaction with others? Is it good fruit that lifts people up, offers charitable correction, and constructive criticism, or is it bad fruit that destroys people, tears them down and belittles them to stroke our own egos? If its more of the former than the latter, what are you willing to do to change and be a better reflection of Christ?

Diocesan Support Appeal – Thanks to those who have already pledged or donated to this year’s DSA. Our most recent report from the Diocese indicates that 280 families have donated with $59,105.31 already received and $41,847.00 in outstanding pledges. This leaves $211,626.69 still outstanding. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge, please go to charlottediocese.thankyou4caring.org/DSADonations

Queen of Heaven Painting – A number of folks have asked about the new painting in the back of the nave of the Church. Even though there was information about it in a previous bulletin, it never hurts to provide more information. The painting is on loan from the artist but can be sponsored for permanent placement in the church. One of Mr. Guidetti’s goals is to provide artwork to beautify our churches. He is hoping to be able to do a portrait of St. Joseph to compliment this painting of Our Lady.

Stained Glass Windows – I hope that everyone has had a chance to enjoy the Agony in the Garden which was recently installed. Our artist at Dixon Studios is working diligently on each of our windows and will continue to install as new windows get finished. Here is the current information for the remaining windows: St. Peter (Clergy Window) $10,135($11,865); the Coronation (Parishioner Window) $12,145.42($9,854.58); the Assumption (Sponsored by KofC) $16,261.30($5,738.70); and the Scourging at the Pillar (Sponsored by F3) $3,600($18,400). Thanks to all who have been so supportive of this project.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 31, 2026
Today’s readings should inspire the Christian steward with deepened gratitude for our God, who loves us with both fierce and tender love. We must make an intentional response each day, returning love for Love. In our Second Reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ. No anguish, distress, persecution, famine — and we might add illness, financial hardship, family struggles, or uncertainty about the future — nothing can keep our God from loving us. God holds us securely in the palm of His hand. And yet, this reassurance is only the beginning of God’s gifts to us. Our Gospel from Matthew recounts the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. This miracle foreshadows the gift of the Eucharist, where Christ feeds us not simply with bread, but with His own Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Notice how the Gospel begins. "His heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick." What generous and compassionate love our Lord shows. But even that is not enough for Him. He remains with the people, teaching and ministering to them until evening. When the disciples suggest sending the crowds away to find food, Jesus instead invites them to become part of His plan. He tells them to feed the people, then miraculously multiplies the few loaves and fish they offer. What a privilege it was for the disciples to participate in Christ's work. That same privilege is ours as Christian stewards. Let us respond with grateful hearts to such amazing love. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants,

From the Pastor - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 31, 2026
The stewardship way of life could be described as a daily pursuit of the Kingdom of Heaven. In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus uses a series of parables to help us understand the incomparable value of that Kingdom. First, He reminds us that living for Him and for His Kingdom will require sacrifice. Yet the joy that comes from following Christ makes any sacrifice worthwhile. Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” He then compares the Kingdom to “a merchant searching for fine pearls." When the merchant finds a pearl of great price, he gladly sells everything he has to obtain it. In both parables, the Kingdom is something precious that must be sought and recognized. We must intentionally look for it amid the distractions and noise of the world. Yet Jesus also reminds us that the Kingdom is meant for everyone. He compares it to a net cast into the sea that gathers fish of every kind. At the same time, He reminds us that each of us will one day be judged. The angels “will separate the wicked from the righteous.” It is a powerful reminder that our choices matter. Let us pray for the wisdom to recognize the Kingdom of Heaven in our midst and to pursue it above all else. There is no greater treasure, and no greater source of joy, than a life lived as a faithful disciple of Jesus. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering I enjoy books generally. I like to hold them, look at them and, of course, read them. I also enjoy audiobooks because they are a good way to pass the time with all the driving that I do. I like a wide variety of books, but I generally try to avoid things that are strictly political. Hence, I was a little hesitant when the book Communion by J.D. Vance was recommended to me. However, what I discovered is that it is an excellent read and has nothing to do with politics. Rather, it is the story of the Vice President’s return to the Christian faith that eventually resulted in his becoming Catholic. I suppose “conversion” stories attract me because of my own background. And while I did not grow up in Ohio coal country as he did, there are many similarities to his family, described in Hillbilly Elegy, and my dad’s family from the mountains of North Carolina. This particular book, in some ways, is a sequel to Hillbilly . It discusses his chaotic childhood and exposure to Baptist and Pentecostal churches, his drift into atheism as a young adult, following the death of his grandmother, and his gradual return to faith which culminated in his conversion to Catholicism in 2019. The title refers to the Eucharist, and the author explores what it means to be Christian across life stages – as a child, young man, husband, father and public figure – while reflecting on the role of religion in public life and American society.  This memoir mixes spiritual autobiography with broader commentary on faith, politics, family values, and societal problems. While some have criticized it as more of a cultural manifesto, I appreciated the honest assessment of one man’s journey from his childhood faith to an adult faith which led to full communion with the Catholic Church. Granted, it may not be to everyone’s liking, but it shouldn’t be dismissed simply because the author is the current Vice President. I enjoyed it, and if you want something to pass a lazy summer afternoon, I’d recommend it.