Fr. Jim's Blog

Someone gave me a copy of a great new book by Sherry A. Weddell. It's called "Forming Intentional Disciples — The Path to Knowing And Following Jesus". I highly recommend this book. It gives you a lot to think about and how we need to get back on track with the mission of the Church. Here's a quote from Pope Benedict XVI which is in the book: Faith is above all a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, and to experience his closeness, his friendship, his love; only in this ways does one learn to know him ever more, and to love and follow him ever more. May this happen to each one of us. 

I have been listening to Channel 64 "Praise Gospel" a lot while driving in my car. I tagged a song by Destiny Praise called "His Will". Shazam is sure a neat app to have on your SmartPhone. Here is the video for the song: We have our Advent Concert in a little while. I am only singing with a group for 2 songs so I should be able to enjoy the rest of the music without having to worry about my part. We're supposed to get quite a storm tonight. I have my flashlights and radio ready to go.

I have posted the homily from today's 10AM Mass. You can listen to it by clicking here.

A Fiery Apostle

I am not sure what kind of virus I picked up last week, but it sure knocked me for a loop. It didn't cause any cold-like symptoms such as a runny noise, cough, or chest pain. I know it wasn't the flu because the doctor tested me for that. It is on the way out, but I still feel tired and drained and will probably sleep a lot tomorrow after daily Mass. I was drifting through the television stations tonight and found someone singing a song called "Where No One Stands Alone." I wasted no time in downloading it from Itunes. It has great lyrics about wanting to be in that place where no one stands alone. I found a YouTube video of the Gaither Vocal Band performing it. There were all kinds of other artists (including Elvis Presley) who have performed it, but I liked the Gaither version the best.  Have a great week. The video is below. 

I have posted all of the presentations from last weekend's retreat in the Resources section of the website. A special word of thanks to the staff at the Palisades and to all the participants for their inspiring faith and willingness to examine issues of fear in their lives. It was a privilege to join you all and I was doubly blessed! in Christ Fr. Jim

When I was a kid I used to love to watch Looney Tunes. I couldn't believe it when I found out that one man did all of the voices for the characters. Mel Blanc was a  genius! Below is part of an episode with Bugs Bunny, Witch Hazel, and Hansel & Gretel. It hilarious how Hansel & Gretel are portrayed with their German accent and all. Make sure to catch their last line to Witch Hazel. Funny stuff in my humble opinion.