From the Pastor - Epiphany of the Lord

January 3, 2025

Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. For centuries we as Catholics celebrated this Feast on Jan. 6, but the decision was made several years ago (at least in the United States) to celebrate the Epiphany on the Sunday which falls between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8.
 

“Epiphany” means “manifestation.” It is on this day that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is revealed as the light of all nations. Officially Christmas is not over. In fact, the recommendation of the Church is that on this day those who display a crèche, a nativity or manger scene, should replace the shepherd and sheep with the Magi and their likely animals on which they traveled as well as their gifts. However, that is all secondary to the real meaning of this day.
 

At Christmas the Messiah Jesus was revealed to the shepherds, who were Jewish. But on this day the Lord is revealed to all nations and to the Gentiles (represented by the Magi). We are all familiar with the star the Magi followed, but we need to understand all that is happening and what it means. This all represents the Light of Christ, a Light which today we honor and commemorate. We are called to be the Light of Christ right now to those around us and those with whom we come in contact. That way we can be the disciples Christ wants us to be.
 

The poet William Cullen Bryant captures the significance of the star the Magi followed very well when he wrote, “O Father, may that Holy Star, Grow every year more bright, And send its glorious beams afar, To fill the world with light.” © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2024

 

Pastoral Pondering

This past week there was a school shooting in Madison Wisconsin. The female, teen shooter, after shooting a number of students and teachers, turned the gun on herself. While there are plenty of folks that opine about the reasons for such senseless things, there seems to be a consensus that many adolescents today are plagued by various forms of social anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

 

A number of books have been written about the topic. One of those, The Anxiety Generation by Jonathan Haidt, posits several reasons that have contributed to this trend. His main insights include:

  1. Social Media and Technology: Haidt argues that the advent of smartphones and social media has dramatically reshaped the way young people interact with the world. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat foster a culture of comparison and cyberbullying, increasing feelings of inadequacy and isolation among adolescents.
  2. Changes in Parenting and Education: Haidt identifies shifts in parenting practices, such as the trend toward overprotectiveness and "helicopter parenting," as contributing factors to anxiety in young people. This "safety culture" has resulted in reduced opportunities for children to experience adversity, leading to poorer coping mechanisms when faced with challenges.
  3. Cultural Shifts: The book highlights the growing emphasis on emotional well-being and the changing societal attitudes toward mental health. Haidt suggests that the culture has shifted from one that encouraged resilience and personal growth through adversity to one that prioritizes safety and emotional comfort. This has created a generation that is less prepared to deal with life's inherent challenges.
  4. Political Polarization and Social Justice Movements: Haidt also discusses the role of increasing political polarization and the rise of social justice movements, which he believes have contributed to a culture of victimhood. These movements, he argues, encourage the perception of a society filled with oppression and injustice, which exacerbates anxiety and division among young people.
  5. Psychological and Societal Impacts: Haidt explores the mental health crisis in detail, noting the sharp rise in rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents, particularly in the years following the widespread adoption of smartphones. He underscores the importance of social connection, physical activity, and real-world engagement in combating these trends.

 

Haidt concludes that the anxiety crisis among young people is not just a result of individual factors but is deeply intertwined with broader societal and technological changes. He calls for a cultural shift back toward resilience-building, real-world experiences, and healthier relationships with technology to mitigate the harmful effects of modern life on mental health.

 

The more we can learn about these things the better we can respond holistically and, hopefully, move the culture in a different and more life-giving direction.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 5th Sunday in Lent

By John Putnam • March 20, 2026
At this point in our Lenten journey, it is tempting to grow weary of the spiritual disciplines we have taken on. Today’s readings inspire us to remain faithful, in grateful response to a God who loves us so much. In our first reading, the prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s own words to us. “I will put my spirit in you that you may live… I have promised and I will do it, says the Lord.” Our God wants to be so closely united to us that we are one with Him. And He has promised He will do it. But only if we make room for Him by making Him THE priority of our lives. Putting God first is a grateful response that is very pleasing to Him. How can we do this? Our second reading, from Romans, tells us. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh… you are in the spirit if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.” The disciplines of Lent and a stewardship way of life are wonderful gifts that free us from too great an attachment to “the flesh.” The sacrifices we make as Christian stewards are not meant to restrict our freedom and joy. Quite the contrary. They are tools to help us find the real freedom and joy that only come when we make room in our lives for God. As we journey closer to the Passion of our Lord, let us intensify our Lenten resolutions and our stewardship way of life, inviting the Holy Spirit to take over more and more of our lives. By Easter, we will be freer to rejoice in Him and truly pleasing to God. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering On September 29, 1916, the Angel of Peace appeared to the three shepherd children in Fatima. During this encounter, the Angel shared with the children the following prayer: "Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I adore thee profoundly, and I offer Thee the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the same son Jesus Christ, present in the Tabernacles of the world, in reparation for all the sacrileges, outrages, and indifferences by which He Himself is offended. And by the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners." In keeping with the theme that I began last week, about reviewing the basics, I thought it might be useful to address the importance of Eucharistic reverence and devotion. In the prayer given by the Angel, sacrileges, outrages and indifferences are specifically mentioned. Perhaps looking at each of these is a helpful way to address this.

From the Pastor - 4th Sunday in Lent

By John Putnam • March 13, 2026
Today’s readings for this Fourth Sunday of Lent are filled with powerful contrasts — God’s vision versus human vision, the light of Christ versus the darkness of sin, and spiritual blindness versus spiritual sight. Embracing a stewardship way of life frees us from spiritual blindness, helps us see as God sees, and allows us to reflect Christ’s light in our daily lives. In our Second Reading from Ephesians, St. Paul reminds us, “… You were once in darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Through Baptism, the very life and light of the Blessed Trinity dwell within us. Yet amid the busyness and challenges of daily life, it is easy to forget this truth. We may even struggle to recognize whether our actions truly reflect Christ’s light. A stewardship way of life — with its intentional and grateful use of our time, talent, and treasure — provides a daily guide to help us live as children of the light. It encourages us to make choices that reflect Christ in the way we serve, give, and love others. In today’s Gospel from John, Jesus restores sight to a man born blind, and the man simply testifies that Christ “opened my eyes.” During these Lenten days, we too can ask Jesus to open our eyes — to help us see areas where spiritual blindness may still linger, especially in how we use the gifts entrusted to us. As we continue our Lenten journey, let us renew our efforts wherever our vision has grown dim, so that by Easter we may truly live as children of the light. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering It is always good to be reminded of the fundamentals of our faith. Recently, I have become more aware that some Catholics do not realize or understand the necessity of assisting at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. With that in mind, hopefully the following will be of assistance. As Catholics, we are called to make the Eucharist the “center” of our spiritual lives. Attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is not merely a tradition or a good suggestion—it's a fundamental precept of the Church that helps us fulfill God's command and grow in faith. The Biblical and Divine Foundation The importance begins with the Third Commandment: "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day" (Exodus 20:8). For Christians, Sunday—the Lord's Day—replaces the Jewish Sabbath because it commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central event of our salvation. The early Church gathered on Sundays to break bread (the Eucharist) in memory of the Lord's passion, resurrection, and glorification (see Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "the Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life" (CCC 2177). Sunday Mass is the "foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice" (CCC 2181). By participating, we obey Christ's command at the Last Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Why the Church Requires It The Church, guided by the authority Christ gave the apostles (Matthew 18:18), has established this as a precept to help us fulfill the moral law of worshiping God. Canon Law states: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (Canon 1247). Deliberately missing Mass without a serious reason (such as illness, caring for infants, or other grave circumstances) constitutes a grave sin (CCC 2181). This obligation extends to Holy Days of Obligation, which highlight key mysteries of our faith—events in the life of Christ, Mary, or the saints that are so central they call the whole Church to gather in worship. These days remind us of God's saving work and invite us to pause our daily routines to give thanks and receive grace. Benefits for Our Spiritual Life Attending Mass regularly: Unites us with Christ in His sacrifice, allowing us to receive the Eucharist, our spiritual food and source of strength. Builds community: We gather as the Body of Christ, supporting one another in faith (CCC 2182). Sanctifies our week: It sets aside time for rest, reflection, family, and mercy, helping us avoid habits that harm our relationship with God. Testifies to our faith: Public participation shows our commitment to Christ and His Church. Holy Days of Obligation serve a similar purpose, celebrating core truths like the Incarnation, Mary's role, or Christ's Ascension. In the United States, these typically include (in addition to all Sundays): January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Ascension Thursday (transferred to Sunday in our Diocese) August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (may be abrogated if it falls on Saturday or Monday in some cases) November 1: All Saints' Day December 8: Immaculate Conception December 25: Christmas A Joyful Invitation, Not a Burden The Church's precept isn't meant to restrict us but to free us for what truly matters: encountering the risen Lord. As one reflection notes, Sunday Mass reorients our lives toward God, reunites us in love, and pours out grace for salvation. It's the "sweetest obligation ever imposed" because it draws us into the mystery of God's love. If scheduling conflicts arise, speak with your pastor—exceptions exist for serious reasons. But let's embrace this gift: make attending Mass a priority and let it transform your week and your life.  May the Eucharist strengthen us all as we journey together toward heaven!