Change
Processing Losses in Ministry
Father Michael Ackerman Comments Off on Processing Losses in Ministry
Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 16:24-25). These words of Jesus are challenging for any disciple, but they Read More
An Oxymoronic Church?
Father Patrick Manning Comments Off on An Oxymoronic Church?
St. John Henry Newman is often attributed to the quote, “To live is to change, and to live well is to have changed often.” Despite our almost innate resistance to change (which we often experience as disruptive, at best), change is the only constant and trustworthy sign of life. Every living organism testifies to change Read More
Change by God’s Design
Bishop-elect David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Change by God’s Design
In March of this year during the nascent stages of the pandemic, a conference call was convened by diocesan officials for the 16 of us pastors who were anticipating our respective grouping of parishes being merged on July 1, 2020. The purpose of the call was to solicit our feedback as to whether we should Read More
Feeling Stuck
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Feeling Stuck
Recently, I was called to the Family Birth Center at our local hospital to offer pastoral care to a couple. After praying with this couple, I made my way to the elevator. Because it is a secure location, the nurse had to use her key to press the elevator for me. She left and then Read More
The Other Side of a Transfer
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on The Other Side of a Transfer
One of the facts of life of being a priest is that, from time to time, we will be transferred. During the last 10 weeks, I have been living in transition. It all began with a phone call from the bishop informing me of my transfer. I am now writing to you from the other Read More
Survival of the Adaptable
Father David J. Bonnar Comments Off on Survival of the Adaptable
One expectation for us priests is that we participate regularly in continuing human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation. Many of the programs that we participate in are often coordinated by the director of continuing formation of the diocese, who is usually a brother priest. It is the responsibility of these directors to keep us growing Read More