Over the years parishioners have asked about the I.V.Dei after my name. It stands for Institute Voluntas Dei (Latin for God’s Will); a secular institute made up of priests, married couples and single men and women who follow a specific spirituality called “The Three Fives.” The institute is world-wide and we have a group who meet here in Massachusetts called the Bay State Team. Each of the Teams meet monthly for formation into the Institute and spiritual growth and development ...

We have been twinning with St. Gerard’s Parish in Lagaudray, Haiti for over 14 years now. We walked with the parishioners of its main parish church, St. Gerard’s, it’s three mission chapels and their first pastor, Fr. Claude Wilnes. You may remember that Fr. Claude came to visit us several years in the summer and shared with us that thanks to our financial assistance, St. Gerard’s was able to open schools at the main church and the three missions...

What happens when the pastor gets sick? This question popped into my mind when I woke up Saturday morning with little strength, a fever and body aches. On top of everything, we had a full schedule; returning to the regular 3-Mass schedule on the weekend, covenant Sunday for Faith Formation at each of the Masses, anointing of a dear parishioner at the 4:00 Mass; anointing of the sick following the 10:30 Mass and Marriage preparation at noon! How can I find a priest to fill in on short notice?

I believe you know that I am proud to be Catholic! I know for example during Hurricane Harvey that the Catholic Charities Office in each of the 194 Catholic Dioceses in the US were immediately at work assisting on the ground with aide relief in Texas and seeking how they could further assist those in need. When there is a disaster in any country Catholic Relief Services (CRS) established throughout the world is on the ground to assist in relief efforts. Our education system is worldwide as is our health care systems...