Our parish office staff and volunteers consist of dedicated deacons and lay men and women who do so much for our parish and our parishioners.

Pope Francis clearly appreciates those who work in some capacity for the Church.  As reported in the publication, “Catholic News Agency,” Our Holy Father stated, “The mission of the Church in the world proceeds through the contribution of those who are part of it.”  He also commented that, “Some think that there are only bishops, the bosses, and then there are workers.  No, the Church is all of us, everyone, each person has their role in the Church, but we are all the Church.”

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for various workers in the Vatican when his schedule permits.  He also prays for those with whom he works, and when possible, interacts with them.  He wants them to feel that they are integral to the mission of the Church.  At Saint Catherine, we strive to follow the example of Pope Francis by emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the important work that is being done.  We have Masses throughout the year for our staff personnel and ministries. (Read more…)

This week we are celebrating Word of God Sunday, instituted by Pope Francis, to remind us of the importance and value of Sacred Scripture for Christian life. as well as Respect Life Sunday.

I wonder how many of those children would have grown up to be doctors, priests, teachers … Could one of those children have been the scientist to cure Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, or cancer? Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta said that: “Probably the scientist who would have cured AIDS was killed through abortion.”

What a tragic time we live in. (Read more…)

I want to say a big thank you to everyone who worked so hard in decorating and preparing our church for Christmas.  Many people have told me how much they enjoyed the Christmas Service.

Thank you to Pat Prakopcyk, Lisa Sforza, Nancy Coletti, Debbie Erling, Glenn Ricketts, our Youth and Adult Choirs, and our musicians who make our services and liturgies throughout Advent and Christmas so special and prayerful for all of us.

Thank you to Sandra Kopka and all the children for a beautiful Children’s Pageant. (Read more…)

Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. This is one of the Feasts of the Manifestations of Christ to others after His birth. But the manifestations were accepted by those who were witnesses. And those witnesses would give witness to others. Our world today is in great need of people who will witness for their faith in Christ.

When we leave Church on Sundays we are called to go home and “make known” what we have heard, seen, and received. (Read more…)

As we know our Christmas Season continues, and today we celebrated the feast of the Holy Family, the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the family that makes this Season possible. Our Holy Father Pope Francis has a great love for the family unit. He has challenged us to strive for spiritual unity and for the strengthening of families by following the example of the Holy Family.

He stated, “Dear Families, you know very well that the true joy which we experience in the family is not superficial; it does not come from material objects, from the fact that everything seems to be going well. (Read more…)

Many of you took “Oplatki” or “Christmas Wafers.” Sharing the Oplatki on Christmas Eve Dinner is a millennia old tradition that began in Poland, Slovakia, and Lithuania.

At the Christmas Eve Meal one of the wafers or, a part of one, are placed on each person’s plate. Before the meal, a prayer is said and then beginning with the father and mother of the house, a Sign of Peace is exchanged in the same manner and the wish of a Happy Christmas. (Read more…)