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  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day Philippians 4:5-7 Tree of Life Version (TLV) 5 Let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near.   6 Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Judith of Prussia St. Judith of Prussia (13th c.), also known as St. Jutta, was born to a wealthy family in Thuringia in what is now Germany. She desired to model her life after another noble saint from her country, St. Elizabeth of ...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 ...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Sunday 3rd (C) of Easter View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 21,1-19): Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Lake of Tiberias. He appeared to them in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas who was called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee a...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted May 5, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   May 5 2019   « May 4  |  May 6 » Third Sunday of EasterLectionary: 48 Reading 1 Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 When the captain and the court officers had...

  • Third Sunday of Easter

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

  • Max Lucado

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    One Decision Away from Joyby Max Lucado In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus promises joy nine times! But this joy is not cheap. Observe the sequence. First, we recognize we are in need… we are poor in spirit. Next, we repent of our self-sufficiency… we mourn. We quit calli...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ... 1 Corinthians 14:33   A Time to Think Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones. And when you have finished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Dear Lord God,   I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. m t...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day 2 Chronicles 7:14 Tree of Life Version (TLV) 14 when My people, over whom My Name is called, humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land....

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) (First Vespers of tomorrow, 3rd Sunday of Easter) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   i...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without end. Ame...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Florian St. Florian (C. 250-304 A.D.) was a commander in the Roman army in what is now Austria. He served during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who violently persecuted Christians. Among Florian's military duties was the org...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b  

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Saturday 2nd of Easter View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 6,16-21): When evening came, the disciples went down to the shore. After a while they got into a boat to make for Capernaum on the other side of the sea, for it was now dark and Jesus had not yet come to them. Bu...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted May 4, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   May 4 2019   « May 3  |  May 5 » Saturday of the Second Week of EasterLectionary: 272 Reading 1 Acts 6:1-7 As the number of disciples continued ...

  • Feed My Sheeo: The Hope of St. Peter's Restoration

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    May 3, 2019 Feed My Sheep: The Hope of St. Peter’s Restoration Gayle Somers During Christ’s Passion, Peter stood near the warmth of a charcoal fire and denied knowing Him. In Sunday’s readings, Jesus and Peter meet again near a charcoal fire. Why? Gospel (Read Jn 21:1-19) ...

  • Are We Living in a Post-Christian World?

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    May 3, 2019 Are We Living in a Post-Christian World? Mike Aquilina & James L. Papandrea It has been said that our world is becoming a “post-Christian” world. This means that, over the course of recent generations, there has been an observed decline in the Church’s influence ...

  • Exorcists Witness: Mary, Defender Against Demons

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    May 3, 2019 Exorcists Witness: Mary, Defender Against Demons Kathleen Beckman Catholics traditionally consider the month of May as a time of particularly deep Marian devotion. Contemplation on the exalted life, mission, role and dignity of the Virgin Mary is rich and efficacious for growth in...

  • Create In Us A Pure Heart!

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Bishop Thomas Biddinger

    Create in us A Pure Heart Oh God, And Renew In Us A Steadfast Spirit. Today Let Us Pray As We Perform The Work Of God To Be Renewed Through His Teachings, As We Fulfill What God Has Called Us To Forever Finding New Life In Christ, Always Living Before The Face Of God!For As We Live Out Our Vocations...

  • Sapphries

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Unseen Clothes Friday, May 3, 2019 In Exodus 28, the Lord gives instructions concerning the priest’s garments. These instructions covered not only the outer clothes but the undergarments as well. The undergarments were the most private and secret part of the priestly garments, ...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Your Promised-Land Life Max Lucado Think about the Christian you want to be. What qualities do you want to have? More compassion? More conviction? More courage? What attitudes do you want to discontinue? Greed? Guilt? Endless negativity? Here’s the good news. You can. With God&rsqu...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Dear Father God,   I present my body as a living sacrifice to You...   Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Go...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day Romans 12:12 Tree of Life Version (TLV) 12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in distress, persisting in prayer,   Tree of Life Version (TLV) Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Fam...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. James the Lesser St. James the Lesser (1st c.), also called St. James the Just, was one of the Twelve Apostles and the cousin of Jesus. Both James and his brother, St. Jude, began to follow Jesus in the second year of his ministry....

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones." Proverbs ...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: May 3rd: Philip and James, apostles View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 14,6-14): Jesus said, «I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me. If you know me, you will know the Father also; indeed you know him and you have seen him&...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted May 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   May 3 2019   « May 2  |  May 4 » Feast of Saints Philip and James, ApostlesLectionary: 561 Reading 1 1 Cor 15:1-8 I am reminding you, brothers a...

  • National Day Of Prayer

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Bishop Thomas Biddinger

    Today As We Celebrate The National Day Of Prayer; Let Us Pray For The Following Intentions: 1. World Peace And Harmony. 2. An End To Abortion. 3. For Vocations To The Priesthood And Religious Life. 4. For All Whom Are Sick And Terminally Ill. 5. For An End To All Violence Throughout The World. 6. Fo...

  • Motherhood Proclaims the Ressurection

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    May 2, 2019 Motherhood Proclaims the Resurrection Éline Landon In the the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is the first to witness the risen Jesus. She comes very early to Jesus’ tomb and cries. Let us think for a moment about Mary’s tears. This woman is very distressed. She ...

  • Holocaust Remembrance Day  

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Tony Villari

      With the state of our educational system in the U.S. today, it is a wonder our children learn anything, especially when there are those who would change history for "political correctness."  For instance, an African-American helping to raise the flag at Iwo Jima.  Never happened, b...

  • Sapphries

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Law Of Trees Thursday, May 2, 2019 In Leviticus 19:23, Israel is given what could be called “The Law of Trees”. The Scripture, in a fascinating use of words in the original Hebrew, tells the Israelites to consider the fruit of the tree “uncircumcised and untouched&r...

  • Solemn Blessings

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Bishop Thomas Biddinger

    May Almighty God Bless You And Keep You, May He Make His Face To Shine Down Upon You And Give You Peace; May God Bless And Bestow Upon You His Most Divine Blessings, Graces, Love And Healing, May Christ's Thoughts Be Your Thoughts, May Christ's Vision Be Your Vision, May Christ's Words Forever Be Up...

  • The Mind Is a Cruel Prison

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Tony Villari

    What happens when you live a full life and come to the end?  What if you approach that end, fearing the judgment of the omnipotent, only to find the sentence has already been read... and you're not dead?  What cruel irony exists when one finds hell in a living body with a mind which impris...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    There's a Better Way by Max Lucado Anxiety weighs down the human heart (Proverbs 12:25 NRSV). But there’s a better way. Invite God to speak to the problem. “Capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NCV).   Slap h...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7   A Time to Think Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask.–Reverend Billy Graham, author, and evangelist ...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Today is The National Day of Prayer in the USA and millions of people will gather in churches, businesses, city halls, schools, neighborhoods and other places for public prayer. In one voice, they will lift a single prayer request to God, that we would "Love...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day1 John 5:14-15 Tree of Life Version (TLV)14 Now, this is the confidence we have before Him—that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have the requests we have...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Athanasius of Alexandria St. Athanasius (296-373 A.D.) was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to noble Christian parents. He received an excellent education in theology, philosophy, rhetoric, and law, which he directed to the service of Go...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. ... Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to othe...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Thursday 2nd of Easter Saints May 2nd: St. Athanasius , bishop and doctor of the Church View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 3,31-36): He who comes from above is above all; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth and his words, too, are earthly. The One who come...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   May 2 2019   « May 1  |  May 3 » Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the ChurchLectionary: 270 Reading 1 Acts 5:27-33 When the c...

  • Meditations

    Posted May 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "When needed, Mary provides for the defense and salvation of her children extraordinary graces and wonderful miracles. What wonders have caused, sustained, spread everywhere, a confidence among Christian people! What striking proofs of her protect...

  • Effective Evangelization Starts With the Family

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    May 1, 2019 Effective Evangelization Starts With the Family Greg Schlueter Compared to decades ago, we have been blessed with unprecedented numbers of wonderful “programs” in the Catholic Church. Praise God for the undeniable impact these programs and groups have had. But tell me...

  • Have Passion for Jesus

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    May 1, 2019 Have Passion for Jesus, the Ultimate Hero Fr. Nnamdi Moneme, OMV Whether we are interested in watching it or not, we cannot help but notice that the movie, Avengers: Endgame, is showing now in theaters around the world. It is also raking in millions of dollars and genera...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Anvil Time by Max Lucado On God’s anvil. Perhaps you’ve been there.   Melted down. Formless. Undone. Placed on the anvil for…reshaping? (A few rough edges too many.) Discipline? (A good father disciplines.) Testing? (But why so hard?)   I ...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7   A Time to Think In a world where you can be anything, be kind. —Seen on a bumper sticker in Northborough, Massachusetts   A...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Dear Father in Heaven,   As I think back through the years, I am thankful for the times and the places where I have met with others to worship You.   God, Your house should be a safe haven from the world, a sacred and special pl...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day Hebrews 11:6 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) 6 And without trusting, it is impossible to be well pleasing to God, because whoever approaches him must trust that he does exist and that he becomes a Rewarder to those who seek him out.   Com...

  • Devotion of the Month

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Devotion of the Month Month of Our Lady In addition to the myriad feast days honoring Our Lady under her many titles and virtues, the entire month of May is especially given to her praise. In the words of Pope Paul VI, May is "a month which the pi...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Joseph the Worker St. Joseph (1st c.) was born in Bethlehem in Judea and later settled in Nazareth. By Divine command he became the husband of the Virgin Mary and adoptive father to God Incarnate. We know from Scripture and Traditi...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:14-15  

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Wednesday 2nd of Easter Saints May 1: St. Joseph, the worker View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 3,16-21): Jesus said to Nicodemus, «Yes, God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal life. God ...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted May 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   May 1 2019   « April 30  |  May 2 » Wednesday of the Second Week of EasterLectionary: 269 Reading 1 Acts 5:17-26 The high priest rose up and all...

  • Ten Ways the Eucharist Can Increase Holiness in Us

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    April 30, 2019 Ten Ways the Eucharist Can Increase Holiness in Us Fr. Ed Broom, OMV All of us were created to make it to Heaven; and all of us should have an ardent desire to arrive there safely. In this essay we would like to present the short-cut, or if you like, the easiest way to make it ...

  • The Blessed in Heaven Are with Us

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    April 30, 2019 The Blessed in Heaven Are with Us Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, O.P. The bonds of love that the Trinity have formed among us on earth do not end at death, nor do those we have loved on earth abandon us when they die. They are still with us, and more dearly than ever. We can speak to the...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day Pope Saint Pius V Pope St. Pius V (1504–1572) was born as Antonio Ghislieri to a poor yet noble family in Bosco, Italy. He worked as a shepherd until the age of 14, after which he joined the Dominican Order and was ordained a pri...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15  

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Tuesday 2nd of Easter View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Jn 3,7-15): Jesus said to Nicodemus, «Because of this, don't be surprised when I say: ‘You must be born again from above’. The wind blows where it pleases and you hear its sound, but you don't know ...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   April 30 2019   « April 29  |  May 1 » Tuesday of the Second Week of EasterLectionary: 268 Reading 1 Acts 4:32-37 The community of believers was...

  • Meditations

    Posted April 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "The soul, who is lifted by a very great and yearning desire for the honor of God and the salvation of souls, begins by exercising herself, for a certain space of time, in the ordinary virtues, remaining in the cell of self-knowledge, in order to ...

  • Christian Perfection

    Posted April 29, 2019 by Bishop Thomas Biddinger

    As We Strive Like The Saints To Strive For Christian Perfection Within Our Lives, And As Many Times As We Fall; I Can Picture Christ Laughing Asking Himself When We'll Ever Lean The Lesson Which He's Attempting To Teach Us. I Know As He Laughs He Is Also Celebrating In The Effort We Put Forth In Ser...

  • Wipo of Burgundy: Our Easter Template of Ordinary Discipleship

    Posted April 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    April 29, 2019 Wipo of Burgundy: Our Easter Template of Ordinary Discipleship Richard Becker When I left the Easter Saturday Mass, the alleluias were ringing in my ears. It had been an exhilarating way to round out the Octave, with lots enthusiastic singing and pervasive joy — alleluia ...

  • Our Bodies Long to Be in Heaven

    Posted April 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    April 29, 2019 Our Bodies Long to Be in Heaven Stephen Beale What does our body crave? Most people might say food, air, warmth, sleep, and sexual pleasure. But there is something more, an even deeper longing. Our bodies crave eternity.   Here is how Henri Nouwen puts...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted April 29, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    God's Vision in God's Landby Max Lucado Joshua 21:45 says, “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.”  Joshua and his men went from dry land to the Promised Land, from manna to feasts, from arid deserts to fertile ...

  • Sapphries

    Posted April 29, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Paper-Like A Knife Monday, April 29, 2019 A piece of paper is one of the weakest and most flimsy of substances. But paper can be dangerous. Have you ever had a paper cut? How can something as fragile as a piece of paper cut you as if it were a knife? It’s because the edge of the pa...