We were blessed to have a new pastor come to our north-central Arizona parish about a year ago. He announced that he was going to pretty much leave things as they are for at least a year. During that …
RUA Mugwump?
Have you ever heard of the word Mugwump? It’s a noun which is defined from a dictionary as a person who remains aloof or independent, esp. from party politics. But in a more literal or common use …
It’s Time For a Catholic Resurrection
Belated and blessed Easter prayers. It's time for a Catholic resurrection. Excuse starting a Catholic Family Podcast with a reflection that starts with me... but I want to start with a story -- …
Continue Reading about It’s Time For a Catholic Resurrection
Minimalism: Heaven Bent This Lent?
I live in a parish with a predominately older population. Like many or most parishes, there are the daily Mass attendees... mostly gray haired... often coming for the rosary before Mass and then the …
Job Openings – Seeking Catholic Mandelas
(This column is scheduled for January publication on the Catholic Mom website. Deacon Tom feels that this topic is worth sharing on other venues, and he welcomes your thoughts and feedback) Two …
Continue Reading about Job Openings – Seeking Catholic Mandelas
An Irish Curmudgeon & Growing the Faith
A week ago Saturday, I went to a new priest for confession. The priest turned out to be an Irish curmudgeon. Do you know what a curmudgeon is? The dictionary says a curmudgeon is a bad tempered or a …
Continue Reading about An Irish Curmudgeon & Growing the Faith
What To Say to Boy Scouts ??
What to say (or preach) to Boy Scouts? That’s the question I gave to our local Bible study group when we gathered to pre-read the Scriptures for the Mass of the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time. I asked …
Welcome Back, Easter Catholic
The following is the 'heart' of Deacon Tom's EASTER HOMILY given at his parish in north central Arizona. A bit of it has been modified for the readers at the Catholic Family Podcast site. Dear …
Lent With a Difference
Dear wife Dee and I were visiting in Missouri - a babysitting trip we make to take care of our younger ‘grands’ in Springfield suburb. Our daughter, a single mom has a mandatory annual business …
Christmas Miracle: A Deacon Hears A Confession
End of Advent greetings and graces. Merry Christmas! May your days be filled with prayer, and holy and happy times. I remember reading postings from dear Allyson about visiting an elderly woman …
Continue Reading about Christmas Miracle: A Deacon Hears A Confession