Today’s gospel message of the rich young man who dines on fine foods, wears beautiful linen robes and lives the life of luxury as Lazarus lies dying on his doorstep—without food, without water, without the concern of those around him—is understood by some as an ancient warning to the audience of yesteryear—to those who lived during the time of Christ. But this gospel is directed at us. Make no mistake about it, this Gospel of Luke is meant to be heard by those of us—and I include myself—who live comfortable lives right here in West Simsbury. It is meant to be heard—and heeded—by those of us who do not wonder where our next meal will come from or if our houses will be warm this winter or if our sheets are Egyptian cotton with at least 400 thread count. It has been said that Jesus came “to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable.” That would be this gospel. PLEASE CLICK TO READ MORE!!!

Last Saturday after the Vigil Mass our newly created parish Welcome Committee hosted an Ice Cream Social to welcome our newest families—and our returning families—to our parish for the fall start -up. It was a wonderful event and I am pleased to have met so many of our new families. A big welcome to all of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish family and I hope you not only feel welcomed here but that you also feel “ownership” in our parish family. PLEAS CLICK TO READ MORE...

Do you know someone who is no longer active in the practice of their Catholic faith? Do you wish there was something you could do? Are you looking for an opportunity to become more active in the practice of your own Catholic faith? PLEASE CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM....

It is awesome to hear our parishioners singing! I have never been in a parish with more vibrant congregational singing, and it is truly heartening for myself and our musicians. Your participation is so important in all aspects of the Mass but I am so happy you know that your singing is important too. That being said, I now know there are a LOT of talented singers in the pews from children to adults. We are getting ready to start all of our groups this month and each group would love more singers. PLEASE CLICK TO READ MORE...

You have heard me mention over the last few weeks about our “going out into the deep,” to quote Pope John Paul II, with regard to our spiritual journey as a parish and as individual modern Catholics. What does this mean? We are talking about how we relate to God in prayer and worship as well as in the actions of our everyday life. What we say, what we do—is formed by what we know and how we utilize that knowledge. PLEASE CLICK TO READ MORE,,,,

Renounce all your possessions...or you cannot be my disciple. Hard words to hear this Sunday from our Lord and Savior. Does Jesus want us to be “poor” in possessions? Does He not want our talents and gifts to produce luxuries—or even essentials of living in the modern world? Does He want ME to give up my things? Why would God have created a world replete with so many pleasures, so many good things, if He does not want me to enjoy them in this life? How can I live without my Keurig? Let’s slow down and really consider what the Lord is saying and how it is meant to impact “my” life in the modern world. PLEASE CLICK TO READ MORE...