Readings: Proverbs 31: 10-13,19-20, 30-31; Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25: 14-30 Preacher: Sr. Barbara Moore Today, we can make connections between the words from the Book of Proverbs and our lived experiences.  Our first reading from Proverbs praises  “the worthy side” of a wife.  She uses the gifts she has been given and “extends her arms to the needy.”  The author says,… read more →

Readings: Wisdom 6:12-16; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 Preacher: Sue Howard I write this reflection on the eve of the mid-term elections. Elections that could determine the political landscape for the next 2 to 3 years or more. The right of women to vote, included in the Constitution barely over 100 years ago, is in peril as there is a movement by… read more →

Readings: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12a Preacher: Deni Mack 55 years ago, as our fourth baby cuddled in my lap, I said to our scripture sharing group, “I feel these beatitudes are way beyond reach.  How can anyone make peace 24/7?  As those words fell out of my mouth I sensed the fulsome comfort of God. God… read more →

Readings: Exodus 22: 20-26; 1 Thessalonians 1: 5c-10; Matthew 22: 34-40 Preacher: Irene Goodwin In Charles Dickens book, A Tale of Two Cities, Madame Defarge sat before the guillotines and knitted as people were executed. While she is just a character in the book, there were women who did sit and knit at public executions during the French Revolution.  They were… read more →

Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1: 1—5b; Matthew 22: 15-21 Preacher: Nancy DeRycke We have heard these readings many times:  I am with you whether you know it or not (Isaiah)…give God glory (Psalm 96)…the Holy Spirit comes in power (Thessalonians)…and of course (Matthew) ,Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what belongs to God. I asked my… read more →

Readings:  Isaiah 25: 6-10a; Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22: 1-14 Preacher: Sr. Joan Sobala When we really want to celebrate someone or something special, we most often come together around a meal. Meals are central to our way of thinking and acting when important moments arise. When we need to welcome someone home, celebrate a milestone, honor a union, form a bond, marry and bury, remember and renew, we gather at… read more →

Readings: Isaiah 5: 1-7; Philippians 4: 6-9; Matthew 21: 33-43 Preacher: Sr. Karen Dietz The Season of Creation, as declared by Pope Francis and affirmed by Pope Leo officially ends today, October 4th. This is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and this year marks 800 years since his death. The readings for today are replete with images of the… read more →

Readings: Ezekiel 18:25-28, Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32 Preacher: Grace Adams My parish growing up in the Hudson Valley, held a practice that I have yet to see in a parish since. During communion, the line would start with the pews at the very back of the church, with the front pews being the very last to receive… read more →

Readings: Isaiah 55: 6-9; Philippians 1: 20c-24, 27a; Matthew 20: 1-6a Preacher: Gloria Ulterino A new school year begins!  What will it be this year?  A struggle?  A great learning experience?  A time for making new friends?  And/ or growth in friendships already begun?   This weekend’s readings brought back so many memories of my years in school.  Good memories, for the… read more →

Readings: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Romans 14:7-9; Mt 18:21-35 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler “Wrath and anger are hateful things,” Sirach says. “Yet the sinner hugs them tight.” Yikes! That’s a very strong censure, isn’t it? This reflection on the deadly nature of anger is part of Sirach’s advice for living a moral life. Yet, if we’re honest, isn’t it sometimes a temptation to… read more →