Why did you create this website?
There are a couple of answers to this question. I began recording my homilies after several people asked me for written copies. Because I do not always write out my homilies, I wanted to find a way of providing them with a copy if they wanted it. As I began accumulating homilies over time, I will often refer back to them to see how I approached any given Scriptural topic and how it may have applied to the particular circumstances of the time. I want to be sure that my homilies are both relevant and remain rooted in our faith.
My hope is that people might have the opportunity to listen to these homilies and feel inspired, consoled, challenged and invited. God is a very important gift in my life and I just want to share that gift with anyone who might be interested.
How long does it take to prepare a homily?
I’m asked this question often and my immediate answer is, “As of now, about xx years.” (where xx is equal to my age.) While I say that tongue in cheek, in many ways it is the truth. I rely heavily on my life experience to inform how I read and pray about the Scriptures. I also admit that I usually begin reading the Scriptures for the upcoming weekend on Monday and begin prayerfully reflecting on them given my life experience and what I see happening in our world. As a Marriage and Family Therapist by trade, I am often invited into the struggle of many people, which also serves as a means of inspiration and passion for sharing “Good News.”
What is a Permanent Deacon and what do they do?
“In the Catholic Church, the diaconate is the first of three ranks in ordained ministry. Deacons preparing for the priesthood are transitional deacons. Those not planning to be ordained priests are called permanent deacons. Married men may be ordained permanent deacons, and single men may be ordained with a commitment to celibacy.” (Taken from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, USCCB.org) A married permanent deacon makes a promise of celibacy at the time of his ordination, which means that if his wife predeceases him, he is no longer free to remarry.
As an ordained minister, a permanent deacon is a part of the hierarchical Church. He makes a commitment to daily prayer through praying the Liturgy of the Hours. In general, permanent deacons take a promise of obedience to their local ordinary (the bishop of their arch/diocese) and serve under the supervision of a priest. The role of the permanent deacon is to serve as a “minister of charity.” He assists the bishop and priests of the arch/diocese in ministry of the Word and at Mass. A permanent deacon serves at the altar as the Minister of the Cup, reads the Gospel and may preach the homily at Mass, presides over the Sacrament of Baptism, witnesses the Sacrament of Marriage, and presides at funerals and other liturgical prayer.
A permanent deacon is not paid for the work that they do, but ordinarily must provide for himself (and if married, his family) through some form of secular employment.