From the Pastor - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 24, 2025

In last week’s readings, we were encouraged to remain persistent and constant in our prayer life. Today, we focus on the proper attitude of a steward at prayer.


In the Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus illustrates the humble attitude we must have as we approach God in prayer through a parable of two praying men. One is a Pharisee, a man with respected status, theological training, and all the right credentials. He marches right up to the front of the temple to speak a prayer “to himself,” thanking God for making him just a little bit superior to everyone else!


The other man is a tax collector, known by those of his day to be a cheater and a sell-out to his fellow Jews. In contrast to the Pharisee, he stands near the back and cries out to God in a simple and honest way: “Be merciful to me a sinner.”


Jesus tells us that it is the tax collector and not the Pharisee who leaves the temple justified. Why?


The Pharisee was full of self as he approached God. He felt no real need for God as he rattled off his resume of good works and spiritual practices. He was simply going through the motions of prayer. His lack of humility prevented him from entering into a real dialogue with the Father. He was not transformed by his time of prayer because he was so full of himself that He left God no space to enter in.


The tax collector, by contrast, emptied himself as he approached God. He recognized who he truly was (a sinner) and asked simply for mercy, leaving all the rest up to God. This is the kind of attitude that God can work with! This is how a good steward prays — with trust, with complete openness to God’s will, with a listening mind and heart, ready to serve as God leads. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025


Pastoral Pondering

November is the month which begins with All Saints and All Souls. It is a good time to reflect on the importance of our connection with those who have gone before us “marked with the sign of faith.” We have a special obligation (spiritual work of mercy) to pray for the dead, especially remember the souls in purgatory. Here is an outline of Catholic teaching to help us make better use of and have a better understanding of this important Catholic obligation.


Importance of Praying for the Dead in Catholic Theology

In Catholic theology, praying for the dead holds profound significance as an act of communion of saints, mercy, and **solidarity** within the Church. It is rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the Church's magisterium, affirming that the living can aid the deceased in their journey toward full union with God. Below, I'll outline the key theological foundations, biblical and historical support, and practical implications.

 

1.  Theological Foundation: The Communion of Saints

·  The Catholic Church teaches that the faithful—whether on earth (Church Militant), in Purgatory (Church Suffering), or in heaven (Church Triumphant)—form **one mystical Body of Christ** (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 946–962).

·  Death does not sever this bond. Prayers from the living can remit the **temporal effects of sin** for souls in Purgatory, a state of purification after death for those destined for heaven but not yet fully sanctified (CCC 1030–1032).

·  Why it matters: This practice underscores human interdependence in salvation. Just as saints intercede for us, we intercede for the dead, fostering charity and hope in the resurrection.

 

2.  Biblical Basis

Catholic theology draws directly from Scripture, emphasizing prayer for the dead as an ancient practice:

 

   Scripture Reference | Key Passage | Theological Insight

 2 Maccabees 12:38–46 | Judas Maccabeus offers sacrifices and prayers "for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." | Explicit endorsement of prayers and offerings for the deceased to atone for sins; foundational for Purgatory doctrine (accepted in Catholic canon).


1 Corinthians 15:29 | "Otherwise, what will people accomplish by having themselves baptized for the dead?" | Implies a custom of rites benefiting the dead, supporting intercessory prayer.


 2 Timothy 1:16–18 | Paul prays for mercy on Onesiphorus, who has died.  | Shows apostolic practice of praying for the deceased by name.

   

These texts affirm that such prayers are **pleasing to God** and effective, countering Protestant objections by highlighting pre-Christian Jewish roots (e.g., Maccabees) and New Testament continuity.

 

3.  Historical and Doctrinal Development

·  Early Church: Inscriptions in Roman catacombs (2nd–3rd centuries) request prayers for the dead. St. Augustine (Confessions, Book IX) recounts his mother Monica's prayers for his father. Tertullian (c. 200 AD) describes annual Masses for the deceased.

·  Councils: The Second Council of Lyons (1274) and the Council of Trent (1563) dogmatically affirmed Purgatory and suffrages (prayers, Masses) for the dead as meritorious.

·  Modern Teaching: Pope Benedict XVI's Spe Salvi (2007) explains Purgatory as "God's mercy transforming us," where our prayers "help complete what is lacking" (cf. Colossians 1:24). Pope Francis echoes this in Misericordiae Vultus (2015), calling it an act of divine mercy.

 

4.  Spiritual Benefits and Practices

 Aspect | Importance | Common Practices

 For the Dead | Accelerates purification; applies merits of Christ's sacrifice through the Church's treasury (CCC 1477). | Offering Masses, Rosary for the deceased, indulgences (e.g., All Souls' Day).


For the Living | Purifies our own sins via charity; gains plenary indulgences (e.g., visiting cemeteries Oct. 1–8). | November's Month of the Holy Souls; Eternal Rest prayer ("May they rest in peace").


Communal Impact | Strengthens parish unity; reminds us of judgment and heaven's reality.| All Souls' Day (Nov. 2) Masses; Book of the Dead in parishes.

   

Key Prayer Example: Eternal Rest – "Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen." Recited after Masses or privately.

 

5.  Addressing Common Objections

·  “Purgatory isn't biblical": While the term "Purgatory" is post-biblical, its reality is inferred from 2 Maccabees, 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 ("fire will test... works"), and Matthew 12:32 (forgiveness "in the age to come").

·  “Why pray if salvation is by faith alone?": Protestants reject it, but Catholics affirm faith *works through love* (Galatians 5:6); prayers apply Christ's merits, not "earn" salvation.

·  Evidence of Efficacy: Miracles (e.g., St. Gregory the Great's Mass freeing a soul) and near-death experiences reported in Catholic lore reinforce its reality.

 

In summary, praying for the dead is essential to Catholic soteriology (theology of salvation), embodying hope in God's mercy and the interconnectedness of salvation history. It transforms grief into active love, urging Catholics to "remember their mercy" (Sirach 7:33). For deeper study, consult the *Catechism* (CCC 958, 1030–1032) or Vatican documents like Indulgentiarum Doctrina (1967).

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Solemnity of Corpus Christi

By John Putnam • June 5, 2026
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity — the central mystery of our faith. Though the Trinity is a profound mystery, it also reveals something very practical for us as Christian stewards. The Trinity is a communion of Persons who give themselves completely to one another. This self-giving love is at the heart of the stewardship way of life. In our Gospel, we hear, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” God gives Himself to us out of love. We are called to respond in the same way — by giving ourselves back to Him and to others. The more we give of ourselves in love, the more we experience “the grace of the Lord, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” within us. This Triune God invites us into a deeper relationship with Him — one that grows as we live a life of gratitude and self-gift through the stewardship way of life. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026 Pastoral Pondering In light of the blessing of the ordination of ten new priests for the Diocese of Charlotte and the 34 th anniversary of my own ordination (May 30 th ), I thought it would be good to reflect on the importance of the ministerial priesthood in the life of the Church. The Catholic priesthood (ministerial priesthood) is essential to the Church's life, mission, and sacramental reality. It flows directly from Christ's own priesthood and enables the Church to continue His saving work until the end of time. Rooted in Christ's Priesthood Catholic teaching holds that Jesus Christ is the one eternal High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-10, 7-10). The ministerial priesthood does not replace or compete with His but participates in it in a unique way. Priests are ordained to act in persona Christi Capitis ("in the person of Christ the Head")—especially in the sacraments. This differs essentially (not just in degree) from the common priesthood of all the baptized , by which every Christian offers spiritual sacrifices, lives a holy life, and witnesses to the Gospel (1 Peter 2:5, 9). The ministerial priesthood exists *for the service* of the common priesthood, to build up the Church as the Body of Christ. Key Roles and Importance Priests exercise a threefold ministry (teaching, sanctifying, and governing), called the three Munera, that mirrors Christ's: Sanctifying the People of God : Priests are the ordinary ministers of several sacraments, above all the Eucharist . Through them, Christ's one sacrifice on the Cross is made present in the Mass. Without ordained priests, there would be no valid Eucharist in the Catholic understanding. They also forgive sins in Confession, anoint the sick, baptize (in ordinary circumstances), and celebrate other sacraments. This makes divine grace accessible in a tangible, ecclesial way. Proclaiming the Word : Priests preach the Gospel, teach the faith, and guide consciences. They are "co-workers" with bishops in shepherding the faithful. Governing and Serving : As spiritual fathers, they lead communities, counsel, perform works of mercy, and foster unity. They do this not by their own power but as instruments of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "In the ecclesial service of the ordained minister, it is Christ himself who is present to his Church as Head of his Body, Shepherd of his flock, high priest of the redemptive sacrifice, Teacher of Truth." Apostolic succes sion ensures continuity: Bishops ordain priests through the laying on of hands, tracing back to the apostles. This sacramental character is indelible—permanent. Why It Matters to the Church The Church cannot fully be the Church without it in Catholic doctrine. The priesthood guarantees the valid celebration of the Eucharist (the "source and summit" of Christian life) and the other sacraments that nourish faith. It maintains the Church's hierarchical structure for unity and ordered mission. Priests enable the laity's priestly vocation by providing the sacraments and pastoral care that empower everyday Christians to live out their baptismal calling. Historically and theologically, the priesthood fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant priesthood, making Christ's mediation present across time and place. Vatican II's Presbyterorum Ordinis (Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests) emphasizes that priests are "taken from among men and appointed for men in the things that pertain to God" (Hebrews 5:1). Their celibacy, obedience, and life of prayer are oriented toward total availability for the Gospel and the flock. In short, the Catholic priesthood is not an optional "clergy class" but a divine gift by which Christ continues to shepherd, teach, and sanctify His Church. Catholics believe that through faithful priests, grace flows to the world, making salvation accessible and the Church a living sacrament of Christ's presence.  Let’s thank God for the gift of our newly ordained priests and ask the Lord to continue to send workers into the vineyard.

From the Pastor - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

By John Putnam • May 29, 2026
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity — the central mystery of our faith. Though the Trinity is a profound mystery, it also reveals something very practical for us as Christian stewards. The Trinity is a communion of Persons who give themselves completely to one another. This self-giving love is at the heart of the stewardship way of life. In our Gospel, we hear, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” God gives Himself to us out of love. We are called to respond in the same way — by giving ourselves back to Him and to others. The more we give of ourselves in love, the more we experience “the grace of the Lord, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” within us. This Triune God invites us into a deeper relationship with Him — one that grows as we live a life of gratitude and self-gift through the stewardship way of life. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026 Pastoral Pondering In light of the blessing of the ordination of ten new priests for the Diocese of Charlotte and the 34 th anniversary of my own ordination (May 30 th ), I thought it would be good to reflect on the importance of the ministerial priesthood in the life of the Church. The Catholic priesthood (ministerial priesthood) is essential to the Church's life, mission, and sacramental reality. It flows directly from Christ's own priesthood and enables the Church to continue His saving work until the end of time. Rooted in Christ's Priesthood Catholic teaching holds that Jesus Christ is the one eternal High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-10, 7-10). The ministerial priesthood does not replace or compete with His but participates in it in a unique way. Priests are ordained to act in persona Christi Capitis ("in the person of Christ the Head")—especially in the sacraments. This differs essentially (not just in degree) from the common priesthood of all the baptized , by which every Christian offers spiritual sacrifices, lives a holy life, and witnesses to the Gospel (1 Peter 2:5, 9). The ministerial priesthood exists *for the service* of the common priesthood, to build up the Church as the Body of Christ. Key Roles and Importance Priests exercise a threefold ministry (teaching, sanctifying, and governing), called the three Munera, that mirrors Christ's: Sanctifying the People of God : Priests are the ordinary ministers of several sacraments, above all the Eucharist . Through them, Christ's one sacrifice on the Cross is made present in the Mass. Without ordained priests, there would be no valid Eucharist in the Catholic understanding. They also forgive sins in Confession, anoint the sick, baptize (in ordinary circumstances), and celebrate other sacraments. This makes divine grace accessible in a tangible, ecclesial way. Proclaiming the Word : Priests preach the Gospel, teach the faith, and guide consciences. They are "co-workers" with bishops in shepherding the faithful. Governing and Serving : As spiritual fathers, they lead communities, counsel, perform works of mercy, and foster unity. They do this not by their own power but as instruments of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "In the ecclesial service of the ordained minister, it is Christ himself who is present to his Church as Head of his Body, Shepherd of his flock, high priest of the redemptive sacrifice, Teacher of Truth." Apostolic succes sion ensures continuity: Bishops ordain priests through the laying on of hands, tracing back to the apostles. This sacramental character is indelible—permanent. Why It Matters to the Church The Church cannot fully be the Church without it in Catholic doctrine. The priesthood guarantees the valid celebration of the Eucharist (the "source and summit" of Christian life) and the other sacraments that nourish faith. It maintains the Church's hierarchical structure for unity and ordered mission. Priests enable the laity's priestly vocation by providing the sacraments and pastoral care that empower everyday Christians to live out their baptismal calling. Historically and theologically, the priesthood fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant priesthood, making Christ's mediation present across time and place. Vatican II's Presbyterorum Ordinis (Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests) emphasizes that priests are "taken from among men and appointed for men in the things that pertain to God" (Hebrews 5:1). Their celibacy, obedience, and life of prayer are oriented toward total availability for the Gospel and the flock. In short, the Catholic priesthood is not an optional "clergy class" but a divine gift by which Christ continues to shepherd, teach, and sanctify His Church. Catholics believe that through faithful priests, grace flows to the world, making salvation accessible and the Church a living sacrament of Christ's presence.  Let’s thank God for the gift of our newly ordained priests and ask the Lord to continue to send workers into the vineyard.