We Shall Perish Without Penance

February 22, 2026By

1st Sunday in Lent 2026
We see in this Gospel account, not only how easily Our Lord overcame the devil, but also how we are to respond when faced with trials and temptations.  God permits us to be tempted in those areas where we are the weakest.  Although Christ did not feel the pull to commit sin, He was nevertheless assaulted by the evil spirits.

Christ told us, “Unless you do penance, you shall all perish,” and we make a firm resolution to do penance every time we make the Act of Contrition.  Penance is an infused virtue which inclines a man to hate his sins because they offend God.  We see the example of true penance in St. Mary Magdalene, who bears the title of “penitent.” 

After the fall of Adam, all of creation turned against him.  All evil in the world is the consequence of sin.  We are all bound together through the solidarity of the human race, and we cause others to suffer, directly or indirectly, due to our own sins.  We must first turn away from evil and then we must do good.

The works of penance include the reception of ashes, the admission of our sins, and the acceptance of death as a punishment.  Our other works are prayer, fasting, alms, and study.

In the temptation of Christ, the devil first attempts to cause doubt in God’s help.  The devil attempts to make Christ compromise for power here on Earth.  There is no compromise with evil if we wish to enjoy a clear conscience and the happiness of Heaven.
#20260222

Listen Now

In the Steps of Heroes

February 15, 2026By

Quinquagesima Sunday 2026
Reading the lives of the saints reminds us that we too can become saints. Lent is about to begin, and we should be looking for ways to pray, fast, and give. We should go to Mass more often, pray the Rosary daily, and practice spiritual reading to learn about the God we wish to love.
We have been under the guidance of St. Paul, and he has told us that we are called to conquer ourselves. The only thing that counts in the end is sanctifying grace and our sanctification. Charity is the motive for everything we do during this season. This week’s great patriarch is Abraham, the patriarch of faith, because coupled with our charity we must believe. If we live correctly this Lent, we will be able to truly mean what we say when renewing our baptismal vows this Easter.
#20260215M

Listen Now

Thou Art Just, O Lord

October 5, 2025By

Sermon From
17th Sunday After Pentecost 2025
The people of the world do not care for our eternal welfare.  If only one of us hears the message of Our Lord and takes it to heart, he will lift up everyone with him.  At this Mass we ask that God protect us from the defilements of the devil.  When we fall into sin the two consequences are guilt and punishment.  We are freed from guilt through the sacrament of Penance.  The debt of punishment may be removed through good works such as prayer, alms, fasting, as well as the indulgences granted by the Church.  We ask God to help us despise the things of this Earth, so we may rejoice in His heavenly gifts.  We must pray for the enemies of Christ especially during the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary.
#20251005M

Listen Now

Pray In My Name

May 25, 2025By

5th Sunday after Easter 2025

Although Memorial Day is a secular holiday, every Catholic should remember those who courageously gave their lives in service of our country and pray for them on that day.

This Mass commands us to pray in the name of Our Lord, and we fulfill this command through the liturgy.  We should pay special attention to the prayers of today’s Mass.  The maniple was not originally a vestment of the priest.  In ancient times, so many priests needed a handkerchief during the liturgy, because they were moved to tears, that the handkerchief became an official vestment.  St. James the Less reminds us to be a doer of the word, not a hearer only.  He was the cousin of Our Lord, and he is chosen to teach us the truths of the Faith during Paschaltide.  We remember this month that the Blessed Mother is Queen of Heaven and Earth, let us treat her as such.
#20250525M

Listen Now

The Support of the Church

May 18, 2025By

4th Sunday after Easter 2025

The Church would not be able to distribute its spiritual blessings to us without our support.  A Mass stipend is not a payment for the Mass, but merely a gesture of gratitude and a donation for the daily sustenance of the priest.

This week we recall the lives of Saints Bernadine of Siena and Rita of Cascia.  St. Bernadine fought tirelessly against the vice of gambling, as well as witchcraft and sins of impurity, while St. Rita lived a life of heroic virtue as a wife, mother, widow, and Augustinian nun.  She is the saint invoked for impossible causes.

In the Epistle for today’s Mass, St. James speaks of the source of our consolation and reminds us that we are the greatest creation of the Holy Trinity.  We must remain pure and meek as we cast out all evil from our lives.
#20250518K

Listen Now

The Real Battle

February 14, 2024By

Ash Wednesday Evening 2024
Our heart should remain forever in the chapel with Our Lord.  Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the great practices of Lent.  The words that were spoken by God to Adam and Eve after the Fall are repeated for us today with the distribution of blessed ashes.  We are reminded of our mortality and the passing glory of this world.  If we always remember our mortality, we will certainly avoid sin.  When we fast it not only makes us weak, but it also brings us closer to God.  Christ came to Earth to suffer and die for our sins, and without His suffering we would not be saved.  How much do we owe Him in penance; how much do we owe Him in love?
#20240214S

Listen Now

True Affection For The Dead

November 2, 2023By

All Souls Day Evening 2023
Our bodies at the time of death are separated from our souls and undergo corruption.  All the souls of the departed will hear the voice of the Son of God at the Last Judgment.  It is an ancient practice, and one that is natural to man, to pray for the dead.  We must be punished for our sins.  Even if our guilt is removed in the sacrament of Penance, we must still make up for our sins.  Purgatory is a place of mercy, and we have the ability to aid the souls detained there.  Our Faith is based on worshiping God and the salvation of our souls.
#20231102K

Listen Now

Lent Is A Season Of Joy

March 2, 2022By

Ash Wednesday 2022
Septuagesima season has prepared us for this time of removing sin from our lives.  This should comfort us as we begin this time of penance.  When examining our conscience we should not look at self but at Our Lord crucified to realize the effects of our evil on Him.  Lent is the bond of unity in the Church when we all struggle together. By  Penance we understand different things.  It is the sacrament, a moral virtue and the acts flowing from it.  Ashes are given today because they are one of the three major sacramentals in the Church and remind us powerfully of death which is the consequence of Adam’s sin.  Finally, practical suggestions are given to help us choose and practice spiritual exercises which will make Lent truly beneficial for us.
#20220302

Listen Now

All Souls Day Conference

November 2, 2021By

All Souls Day 2021
Having a day to pray for the souls of the faithful departed began in the monasteries where the deceased monks were remembered in Masses, the Divine Office and by reciting 150 Our Fathers.  Souls in Purgatory are often permitted to visit family, friends and the altars where they assisted at Mass.  At death a person’s soul leaves his body and is judged instantly.  His decision at that time can never change because without his body to provide new information the soul’s choice at the moment of death is irrevocable.  Those in grace but not yet perfect are purified in Purgatory where the fires purify their souls by humbling their pride.  There is peace and joy there also because the Holy Souls know that they are saved and will see God.  We should pray, fast and give alms to assist them.
#20211102

Listen Now

Stand With Christ And Pray

October 24, 2021By

22nd Sunday After Pentecost 2021
Still in the month of the Holy Rosary, we are reminded of the 15 Promises Our Lady made concerning those who recite it.  The Mass texts today emphasize prayer which is essential as we approach the day of the Lord, whether in the particular or general judgments.  Equipped in this way we join in St. Paul’s joy while in chains.  The Gospel shows Our Lord exposing the malice of His enemies who attempt to set a trap for Him about paying taxes to Caesar.  Christ our King adds that we must render to God what is God’s.  We must all practice fortitude by praying.
#20211024M

Listen Now
×
Your Cart
Cart is empty.
Shop our collection of religious items
Go to our Store
$0.00
Final shipping & taxes re-calculated at checkout
$0.00
Checkout
$0.00
View Cart
Keep Shopping