Holy Orders

In these weeks when spring gives way to summer, many celebrate the ordinations of new priests — new shepherds who, in these difficult days, commit the rest of their lives to the sacred service of God and the people of God. It is also the…

Many years ago I edited a book titled Now That You Are Catholic by Fr. John J. Kenny, an introduction to Catholic customs for the newly initiated. While the book offered great advice for Catholic neophytes, it did not touch on the many…

Years ago I was working as a wine manager for a large wine retailer. One of my main responsibilities was to teach the salespeople at my location how to sell wine that would yield the highest margin of profit for our company. It was both…

The Easter season and spring means celebration of sacraments, particularly the Easter sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Many men are ordained to the priesthood or diaconate during this time, as well. Catholic Digest …

Upon witnessing the Baptism of my first grandchild, I once again heard the threefold description in our call to holiness. After the Baptism comes the anointing with sacred chrism oil, wherein the priest or deacon prays these words:  As…

It’s just after 5 p.m. and the parishioners are filing out of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish in Windham, Maine, following the Saturday Vigil Mass. As they go through the church doors, Fr. Lou Phillips is waiting to greet them.…

Prayer for newly ordained priests O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear our humble prayers on behalf of your priests, Father ___. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope, and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of…