Christmas at the Cathedral 2007

This Homily (13 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 8:30pm Mass. He talks about the Love of God given to all of us at Christmas. He uses a story of his visit to the San Quentin prison 30 years ago to tie it all together.

Readings: Isaiah 9:1-6; Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14.

This Homily (18 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 9:30am Mass. God is Love and that one word was spoken so that all might live for ever with God. Jesus is the refulgence of God's glory, the very imprint of God's being. May our hearts grow larger and larger in order to contain more and more of God's love to share. Could the story of the Grinch who stole Christmas gives us so clue that Christmas is much more that stuff and feasting?

Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18.

3rd Sunday Advent 16 December 2007

This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30am Mass. John the Baptist has a particular set of expectations to who the Savior will be and what the Savior will do and they prevent him from seeing Jesus in the role. Our expectations often prevent us from seeing Jesus in our midst.

Readings: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10; Psalm 146:6-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11.

2nd Sunday Advent 9 December 2007

This Homily (14 Minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30 am explores the nature of repentance as stressed by John the Baptist. The Greek word translated "repentance" could also be translated "a change of heart" or "re-ordering of our priorities." We hear Paul in the letter to the Romans say, "Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you." This is the hard work of repentance that will bear good fruit in the Kingdom. It all comes down to loving each other as Jesus has loved us, and that is no easy task. Advent is a time to rethink our priorities.

Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12.

Immaculate Conception 8 December 2007

Click here to stream This Homily (15 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise & Katy Rice at the 9:30 am Mass. We all know deep down that some thing is wrong with our world so full of sin and suffering. We long for a time when sin and suffering will be wiped away and all creation will be in right relationship with God and each other. The need for the Immaculate Conception of Mary starts in the sin of our first parents who walked away from God in arrogance and fear. In today's Gospel of the Annunciation we hear of Mary's yes to God replacing the no of our first parents. Paul reminds us that we have been chosen by God in Love. Katy, pregnant her self, reflects on what it must have been like to be Mother Mary. She notes that, "We pay for our children with vomit and blood one way or another." We can imagine Mary birthing Jesus, nursing him, caring for him in illness, and finally holding him in her arms when he was taken down from the cross. We can imagine her saying with all of her strong motherly love, "This is my body, given up for you."

Click here to down load This Homily as an mp3.

Readings: Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38.

1st Sunday Advent 2 December 2007

Click here to stream This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 8:30 an Mass. Deacon Charles explores the Social Justice aspect of the season of Advent.

Click here to download this homily as an mp3.

Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44.

33th Sunday in Ordinary Time 18 November 2007

This Homily (17 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise explores the four last things: death, judgement, heaven, and hell. How does a fear of dying keep us from fully living? The work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development was investigated under the premise that the poor know what they need to get out of poverty. See www.usccb.org/cchd for more details. The life and ministry of St. Katharine Drexel, (1885-1955) born in Philadelphia is used to tie these two themes together. St. Katharine often said, "Love is proved by deeds."

Readings: Malachi 3:19-20a; Psalm 98:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19.

32th Sunday in Ordinary Time 11 November 2007

This Homily (17 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30 am Mass explores the close relationship between Baptisms and funerals.

Readings: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5; Luke 20:27-38.

31th Sunday in Ordinary Time 4 November 2007

This Homily (13 Minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise explores the story of Zacchaeus the short tax collector who climbed a tree to see who Jesus was. Zacchaeus has a conversion experience when Jesus calls his name and comes to his house for dinner.

Readings: Wisdom 11:22-12:2; Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10.

27th Sunday of Ordianry Time 7 Oct 2007

This Homily (15 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise was given at the 11 am Mass. The followers of Jesus ask the Lord, "Increase our Faith." Jesus give the strange response that faith the size of a mustard seed will accomplish great miracles. What is Faith? Could you or I give a clear summery of our faith to a friend?



This Homily (17minutes) by Fr. Ed Penisten was given at the 5:30 pm Mass. Fr. Ed as Vocation Director of the Diocese of Juneau talk about how when our faith comes full alive there are numerous people coming forward in the Church to serve the people of God. We can all pray that the Lord increase our Faith, that we may always have ministers of the Sacraments to meet the needs of the People of God.

Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; 2 Timothy 1:6-8. 13-14; Luke 17: 5-10.

26th Sunday of Ordianry Time 30 Sept 2007

This Homily (17 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise was given at the 8:30 am Mass. Today we have the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man made two great mistakes. First, he failed to remember the teachings of Moses and the prophets. He failed to remember that he was once poor, and a refugee enslaved in Egypt, until by God's great mercy he came to the promise land. Second, he allowed a great chasm to develop between him self and the poor, numbing him self to the needs of the poor. Jesus came to help us bridge that great chasm in this lifetime between ourselves and those in need.

This Homily (16 minutes) by Bishop Michael Warfel was given at the 5:30 pm Mass. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us that we are all called to care for those in need. We may be just the one whom God is sending to help that particular person in need. Life in Christ is more than just taking care of my family and those I love. Life in Christ calls each of us to reach out to the larger human family and aid those in need as best as we can.

Readings: Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Psalm 146:7-10; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31.

25th Sunday of Ordianry Time 23 Sept 2007

This Sunday we have the opportunity to hear two different homilists examine the parable of the dishonest steward. "You cannot serve both God and mammon."

This Homily (14 minutes) by Bishop Michael Warfel was given at the Sunday 8:30 am Mass. How Much stuff is enough? How we use the goods of the earth, indicates the depth of our relationship with Jesus. This is a right to life issue, i.e.: a right to clean water, to food, to shelter, etc... Three things we can do: 1) Make an inventory of our resources (bank accounts, clothes, tools, toys, etc...) and examine how do they build up the Kingdom of God. Do they help or hinder my relationship with Christ. 2) Share some of our resources with those who are deprived and are in need. 3) Get involved locally with helping those in need. Jesus in the disguise of the poor.

This Homily (19 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise was given at the Sunday 5:30 pm Mass. Just what is Jesus doing by praising the dishonest steward's craftiness? Could this praise be seen as a lament. Jesus simply desires that we put in at least an equal amount of time into taking care of our spiritual life as we do in caring for our worldly possessions. St. John Chrysostom makes the bold claim that if we have two coats, one of those costs has been stolen from the poor. This is not easy for me to hear when I have 18+ coats. He goes on to say that riches are a loan from God that are to be deposited with the poor so that we might receive a hundredfold reward, for they will be our friends in the eternal habitations.

Readings: Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 16 Sept 2007

This weekend we had the wonderful opportunity here at the Cathedral to hear three different homilist preaching on the same four biblical texts. Especially the three parables found in the 15th chapter of Luke. Jesus tells those who are complaining that he is keeping company with sinners the parables of: the Lost Sheep; the Lost Coin; and the Prodigal Son.

This Homily (16 minutes) by Fr. Scott Settimo, OCDS, was given at the 5:30pm Saturday evening Mass. He explores the struggle that we have to understand God's Mercy and Justice.

This Homily (19 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise, was given at the 8:00am Sunday morning Mass. He explores just how do we respond to God's Justice and Mercy. Are we more like the younger brother, the older brother, or on a best day are we like the father.

This Homily (20 minutes) by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher, was given at the 11:00am Sunday morning Mass. He uses real life examples to make the parable of the prodigal son come alive, finding that God's Mercy and Justice are in fact the same.

Readings: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15

ANC Priest Retreat 10 Life Before Death Sept 2007

This Conference (16 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, explores the value of simple living. A master teacher is asked "If there is life after death?" and he only laughs. Are we really living before we die? Are we so busy with the unimportant that we are really not living now? How do I want to simplify my life to have time to do the things that are really important? The retreat finishes with a challenge to write out ten things that each of us can do in the next year in order to be fully alive.

ANC Priest Retreat 9 Life Wheel Sept 2007

This Conference (34 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, explores the importance of the Human Body in salvation history. From the Creed we pray, "I believe in the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting." My Body is so valued by God that God should choose to live there. Therefore the care for the body is a Spiritual Practice. The "Life Wheel" is introduced as a way of evaluating how well we are taking care of our bodies. There are eight sections: 1)Personal Development, 2)Physical Well-Being, 3)Fun and Recreation, 4)Work and Prosperity, 5)Food and Eating, 6)Spiritual Attunement, 7)Support System of Friends-Community-Nourishing Environments, 8)Primary Relationships. So draw a circle and divide into these eight sections and evaluate yourself in each section.

ANC Priest Retreat 8 Homily 6 Sept 2007

This Homily (11 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, explores the call of Peter the Fisherman. Jesus asks Peter to put out into the deep and lower his nets for a surprisingly large catch. How willing am I to follower Jesus' direction when I know that it does not work that way?

Readings: 1 Colossians 1:9-14; Psalm 98:2-6; Luke 5:1-11.

ANC Priest Retreat 7 Seperation Sept 2007

This Conference (45 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, looks at Siddhartha's fourth messenger--Separation. We can find the imprint of Christ's Paschal Mystery in all creation. Celtic Spirituality looks to two books: the Big Book--all of Creation, and the small book of revelation--the Bible. Lets look closely at Christian Funeral Practices.

ANC Priest Retreat 6 Obituary Sept 2007

This Conference (15 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, introduces the exercise of writing our own Obituary and planning our Funeral. By writing our Obituary and Planning our funeral Mass and other arrangements is a wonderful gift that we can give to those who will be caring for us after our death. This is the powerful integrative work for this retreat. Take the time to make this gift.

ANC Priest Retreat 5 Death Sept 2007

This Conference (40 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, looks straight into the eyes of Siddhartha's third visitor--Death. How well we love as we live indicates how well we will die. In a garden everything lives and dies, everything turns toward the light. How well do I turn to the Light of Christ's love to inform my life and my death. Fr. Tom looks closely at what Cardinal Bernardine beautifully taught all of us as he died.

ANC Priest Retreat 4 Homily 5 Sept 2007

This Daily Homily (14 Minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, examines the way people experienced the healing power of Jesus in those areas of their lives that were broken. Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and then the whole town shows up to experience the power of Jesus. Do I come to Jesus in my brokenness?

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Luke 4: 31-37.

ANC Priest Retreat 3 Illness Sept 2007

This Conference (54 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, looks at Siddhartha's second lesson--Illness. How do I embrace illness when it comes my way? Can I learn to juggle gracefully those things (both likes and dislikes) that life throughs at me. Siddhartha's first realization: all is Impermanent; the second: suffering comes from Attachment. How do I daily practice letting go in little ways? This conference includes a guided meditation on receiving news of your own terminal illness.

Anc Priest Retreat 2 Aging Sept 2007

This Conference (40 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP, explores Siddhartha's fist visitor Aging. We are all subject to the law of impermanence. We all start losing abilities as we age. There is a pause half way to discuss the statement, "I am subject to aging: aging is unavoidable." How do I practice those little letting go opportunities in preparation for the big letting go of my death?

ANC Priest Retreat 1 Introduction Sept 2007

This Conference (42 minutes) by Fr. Tom Ryan a Paulist from Washington DC introduces the Anchorage Priest Retreat held at the Holy Spirit Center on the theme "Savor Life by Embracing our Mortality." Fr. Tom tells the story of how the Buddha first learned about suffering. As a young man Siddhartha is visited by Old Age, Sickness, Death, and Separation. This retreat was really great experince for me to look at how precious and often short life is. As Gahndi sumed up his life "Renounce and Enjoy."

Fr. Thomas Ryan, CSP, a catholic priest and certified Kripalu yoga teacher, coordinates ecumenical and inter-religious relations for the Paulist community in the U.S. and Canada. His nine books include Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality; The Sacred Art of Fasting; Four Steps to Spiritual Freedom; Prayer of Heart and Body; Meditation and Yoga as Christian Spiritual Practice; and Disciplines for Christian Living: Interfaith Perspectives.

21th Sunday in Ordinary Time 26 August 2007

This Homily (17 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise examines the question "Who will be saved?" Jesus said "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." (Luke 13:24) Let us each get a spiritual "work out" partner and help each other rely on Jesus to get us through that narrow gate.

Readings: Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1-2; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30.

Nativity of the BVM 9 Sept 2007

This Homily (15 Minutes) by Bishop Michael Warfel explores the Cost of Dicipleship in today's world. Today we also celebrate the Cathedral Parishes Feast Day--The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18b; Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33.

20th Sunday of Ordianry Time 19 August 2007

This Homily (12 minutes) was given Fr. Thomas Weise at the Sunday 5:30 pm Mass. In the first reading we find the prophet Jeremiah suck in the mud, and God saves him. Is my prayer life stuck in the mud? Jesus proclaims that he came to light the world on fire with the love of God and neighbor. Has the flame of my faith gone out? Am I willing to let Jesus be a catalyst for change in my life, my family, my workplace, my community? How has believing in Jesus separated me from others? How has it brought me together with others outside my normal circle?

Readings: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10, Psalm 40:2-4, 18, Hebrews 12:1-4, Luke 12:49-53.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 29 July 2007

This Homily (14 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas at the 5:30 Sunday Evening Mass. The importance of Prayer in our lives as Christians is explored. In the First Reading Abraham pleads with the Lord that the innocent not be destroyed with the wicked. In the Gospel Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray the Our Father. Paul reminds the Colossians that all of our transgressions have been nailed to the cross of Christ and covered over in his blood. How well and how often do I pray? Do I spend the time daily to maintain my relationship with God? Who changes when I pray, God or me?

Readings: Genesis 18:20-32, Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8, Colossians 2:12-14, Luke 11:1-13

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 22 July 2007

This Homily (13.5 Minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11am Mass. The First Reading and the Gospel speak to the importance of providing hospitality to Christ at our door. To "Christ in you" as Paul says in today Second Reading. Abraham provides over the top hospitality to the Lord represented by the three angels, and his wife Sarah in her advanced age will conceive a child. Martha is busy providing hospitality to Jesus and his disciples while Mary listens to the Word of God. Martha is chastised by Jesus not because she is busy getting the meal together, but because she is "anxious and worried about many things," and she wants her sister Mary to join her. How is anxiety and worry keeping me from welcoming the Lord into my life at the greatest possible depth?

Readings: Genesis 18:1-10a, Psalm 15:2-5, Colossians 1:24-28, Luke 10:38-42

Notes On Homily Avalability

The homilies posted to this sight are recorded on my Pentax Optio33WR digital camera. They are then edited and posted to this blog. When I am traveling neither my camera or I are available for these tasks. Sorry for any inconvenience this may pose. Thank you for your understanding. Shalom, Fr. Thomas

Building Committee Update 24 June 2007

This Building Committee Update (4 minutes) by Anna-Mariah Kelly (Building Committee President) briefly discusses what has happened since January 2007. In December of 2006 Bishop Micheal Warfel approved the Building Committee's recommendation to build a new Cathedral on the current down town site. The Building Committee has been busy meeting with parishioners, reading books, visiting churches, and learning from local experts. By Fall 2007 the Building Committee will issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) in order to hire a architectural team to design a new Cathedral. Please contact Anna-Mariah Kelly or any other member of the Building Committee with your concerns, suggestions and questions.

Please visit the Building Committee page of the Cathedral website for more details.

Nativity of John the Baptist 24 June 2007

This Homily (16 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30 pm Mass explores the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist has the unique role of being the one who prepares the people to hear the message of salvation for all people. We too must be like John and prepare our selves for the coming of the Lord through prayer and study. Then we can prepare others to hear the Word of God proclaimed by how we live our lives, what motivates us. Eating locust and honey may yet be easier than repenting of our sins and turning our lives over to God's will.

Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 17 June 2007

This Homily (19 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the Sunday 5:30 pm Mass is centered around the theme "that only sinners will be saved." In today's readings King David, St. Paul, and the "sinful woman" all declare their sinfulness and are forgiven and drawn closer into relationship with God, while Simon the Pharisee wants to have nothing to do with sinners. Just as the Coast Guard only saves those who call for help, so God only saves those of us who declare our sinfulness and call out for a saviour. Will I respond to forgiveness I have received with the same gratitude as the "sinful women" and extend that forgiveness to others?

Readings: 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13, Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11, Galatians 2:16, 19-21, Luke 7:36-8:3.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 16 June 2007

This Homily (15 minutes) given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the Saturday 5:30 pm Mass. Deacon Charles is reminded of the Mary of Egypt who when ask who she was said, "I am a sinner, I am a women, and I am beloved by God." Do I have the same humble honesty about the real presence of sin in my life ballenaced with the depth od God's love for me? In today's readings King David, St. Paul, and the "sinful woman" all declare their sinfulness and are forgiven and drawn closer into relationship with God. They respond to forgiveness in gratitude.

Readings: 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13, Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11, Galatians 2:16, 19-21, Luke 7:36-8:3.

Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ 10 June 2007

This Homily (17 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise explores the mystery of the Eucharist. From the time of the first Passover Meal the Hebrew people have had a strong tradition of eating of the lamb of sacrifice in order to actualize the salvation effected by the sacrifice. Jesus is the Lamb of sacrifice effecting the new covenant. Therefor we must eat the Eucharist in order to partake in the saving work of Christ on the Cross. We then go out into the world, filled with Christ to bring God's Real Presence into our homes, schools, and places of work.

Readings: Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:1-4, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 9:11b-17.

Holy Trinity Sunday 2 June 2007

This Homily (14 minutes) given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher examines the mystery of the Trinity not as a problem to be solved but profound relationship of love to enter into. Like the love of a parent or grandparent for a child or grandchild. The invocation of the Trinity in the Sacrament of Matrimony is a stepping off point for this look at the interconnected love of the Trinity. God is Love and love calls us to will the good of the other as other following the example of the Trinity.

Readings: Proverbs 8:22-31, Psalm 8:4-5,6-7,8-9, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15

Pentecost Sunday 27 May 2007

This Homily (9 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise examines the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the early Church as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John. We need to receive the Holy Spirit often to live our Christian Faith. In the Gospel Jesus breaths the Holy Spirit on the disciples in order that they can forgive sins. May we all be quick to forgive others. Three children received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at this 11am Mass. Come Holy Spirit.

Readings: Acts 2:1-11, Psalm 104:1,24,29-30,31,34, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13, John 20:19-23.

Pentecost Sunday 27 May 2007

This Homily (13 minutes) given by Bishop Michael Warfel examines what is means to learn the new language of Faith. Count on an inspiriting homily directed to the whole Body of Christ. May we continue to put our faith into pracitce and learn the new laguage(s) we need to live our witness to the Gosple. Come Holy Spirit!

Readings: Acts 2:1-11, Psalm 104:1,24,29-30,31,34, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13, John 20:19-23.

Confirmation May 26, 2007

This Homily (11 minutes) by Bishop Michael Warfel given at the great Vigil of Pentecost address those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and the whole church. Our skills and abilities are built up and improved with practice, and so is our faith. Come Holy Spirit.

Ascension Sunday May 20, 2007

This Homily (18 Minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise given at the 5:30 pm Mass celebrates our Lord Jesus Christ's Ascension to the the right hand of the Father in Heaven after encouraging his disciples for forty days after the Resurrection. We have in Jesus a powerful intercessor who knows the whole of our lives being both fully human and full Divine. We have been commissioned to be Witnesses to the life and teachings of Jesus starting at home and going out to the ends of the earth. We are to wait on the Holy Spirit which is the promised gift of the Father, given to the Church on Pentecost.

Readings: Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9, Ephesians 1:17-23, Luke 24:46-53

Priest Retreat #10 May 2007 Sacrament of Reconciliation & The Litugical Year

This Conference (38 Minutes) by Fr. Paschal Cheline, OSB, examines and helps remove the negative image the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) may have for many Catholics. Sin is a negative response to the call to holiness. Going to Christ the Healer in this sacrament draws us into holiness and wholeness. Honest humility before God brings healing and strength. The regular practice is so important for growth in holiness. Fr. Paschal finishes off the retreat by looking at the Liturgical Year. It is in celebrating the great mysteries of our faith throughout the week and year that we keep Jesus as the absolute centrality of our life.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this retreat. I hope that this close look at the sacraments has help you grow in love with God and the Grace that is given to us through the Church. Please let me know how I can better serve you. Peace be with you...

Priest Retreat #9 May 2007 Holy Orders (Cont.) Anointing of the Sick & Matrimony

This Conference (40 Minutes) By Fr. Paschal Cheline, OSB, continues to look at the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He examines six challenges in the priesthood: remaining faithful to prayer, chaste celibacy, ongoing education, self care (eat, sleep, recreation), staying connected, and loving the Church. There are also many joys in the life of a priest. Next there is a short discussion of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, not just for those who are dying. Lastly there is a look at the beautiful sacrament of Matrimony. Through this sacrament a couple invites the Pascal Mystery into their relationship. They are give the Grace (the life energy of God) to accomplish the enormous challenge of living lives of love and mutual respect until death do they part.

Priest Retreat #8 May 2007 Sacrament of Holy Orders

This Conference (47 Minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, explores the great mystery, the incomprehensible gift from God that is the Priesthood. The Sacrament of Holy Orders brings the Paschal Mystery to life. Priests are called to serve the Body of Christ. To continue the saving mystery of Christ on Earth. Priests are called to be an ICON of Christ: Priest, Healer, Teacher, to the local community of believers and to the world. They are also called to teach and empower the Laity to be an ICON of Christ in the home, school and workplace.

Priest Retreat #7 May 2007 Liturgy of the Eucharist

This Conference (39 Minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, explores the second half of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This great high point of our faith is about Transformation. Bread and Wine are brought from the Assembly--gifts of creation and the work of human hands. We are placed symbolically on the Altar that we might be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit called down on the Bread and Wine. We come forward to receive what we are the Body of Christ and experience Communion with God and with one another. I accept the mission of Christ into my self. I die to my selfishness and live for others. We are sent forth from Mass to continue the work of Christ in the world.

Priest Retreat #6 May 2007 Confirmation & Liturgy of the Word

This Conference (41 Minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, explores how our Baptism is strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation makes us public Christians that we may proclaim the faith, in our homes, schools and work place. This sacramental grace causes a person to be strong and bold while also being gentile and quite. This Conference also explores the first half of the Mass with the Introductory rites and the Liturgy of the Word. The story of God's love of the human family is retold again and again when the scriptures are read and the Gospel is proclaimed in the midst of the assembly. The Homily is first preached by how I live my life, then with words at Mass. I often preach the very words of encouragement and conviction that I need to hear.

Priest Retreat #5 May 2007 On Baptism

This Conference (47 Minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, explores the great initiation sacrament of Baptism. We are Baptized into the three fold mission of Jesus: Priest, Prophet, and King. Baptism is not a 20 minute event that happened a long time ago, it is a call to personal holiness and progressive wholeness that lasts a life time. To be Baptized is to be a live in Christ. We are to put on the mind of Christ, and then think and act like Christ. We are to love like Christ. Love always means going out to others. To live our Baptism well is to live a life of conversion. How often do I hit the spiritual gym and strengthen my Baptismal Promises?

Priest Retreat #4 May 2007 The Big Picture Continued

This Conference (35 minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, is continuing the quick look at the Big Picture, all of salvation history. The great work of the Holy Spirit that guides the Church. The mission of the Holy Spirit is to continue the saving work of Jesus Christ in the World. In the Liturgy the Church gives glory to God and Sanctifies the World. What is Liturgy? All seven Sacraments and the Liturgy of the Hours. The Liturgy is our contact point with God. The Liturgy celebrates and develops our Faith. The Liturgy gives us Hope. Every Liturgy commissions us to Love. Faith, Hope, and Love are the fruits of the Liturgy.

Priest Retreat #3 May 2007 The Big Picture Salvation

This Conference (36 minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, is quick look at the Big Picture, all of salvation history. The great work of the Church is the Liturgy. We come to know the Lord in the Liturgy and in Prayer. In the Liturgy we enter into the Paschal Mystery (the Passion, Death, Resurrection) of Jesus, the work that our Lord accomplished in order to save us. We are drawn into the Trinity as beloved children of God. Christ Blood offered on the Cross is the new covenant. We are more closely related to each other through baptism in Christ, then we are to our own siblings.

Priest Retreat #2 May 2007 On the Importance of Joy

This Conference (55 minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, is on the Importance of Joy in the Christian Life. We need Joy. We need to be joyful people. Our life witness must be joyful. A joyful believer is the greatest form of evangelism. Saints are not sour sad people of faith. Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God, and was seen in the lives of the saints. Joy shows itself as a quite inner enthusiasm for life.

Priest Retreat #1 May 2007 Introduction

This Conference (11 minutes) by Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB, is an over all Introduction to the Juneau Priest Retreat on Salvation History, the Seven Sacraments, and the Liturgical Year. The retreat was held the second week of May 2007 at the Shrine of St. Therese with all the priests of the Diocese of Juneau in attendance. The retreat Master was Fr. Pascal Cheline, OSB. He has been a Benedictine monk of Mount Angel Abbey, OR, for fifty years come this September. He has been teaching at Mount Angel Seminary for nearly all those years. His specialty is the Theology of the Liturgy. This was a great retreat for the priests of the Diocese and we hope it will be for you as you listen in. Please post comments through this website.

Sixth Sunday of Easter 13 May 2007

Today's Homily (19 minutes) is about the radical inclusive nature of the Holy Spirit and the early church's strugle to be open to the working and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Fifth Sunday of Easter May 6 2007

Today's Homily is about the new comandment that Jesus gives us to Love on another.

Fourth Sunday of Easter April 29 2007

Today's Homily is about Good Shepherd Sunday.

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time Cycle B

Today's Homily is about God creating the Human Family as Male and Female.

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time Cycle B

Today's Homily is about the welcoming of the Least.