Holy Family 28 December 2008

Click here to download and listen to this homily (19 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Mass.  Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  Their lives certainly were not easy or simple, yet through it all they stayed close to God in trusting even when they didn't understand, and deeply loving each other.  Let us do the same in our family.

Readings: Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Psalm 105; Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40

Christmas 2008

Click here to download and listen to this homily (14 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the Christmas Day Mass.  What is the true meaning of Christmas?  Where do we find God?  Is there any place we would not find God?  Because of the Word of God becoming flesh and pitching his tent with us all has changed.  Now we have a God who really understands what it is like to be human.  The true meaning of Christmas can be found in loving others as Jesus loves us.

Merry Christmas from all of us at here at the Cathedral.

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

Click here to download and listen to this Homily (14 minutes) given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the Midnight Christmas Mass.  The world already had a savior in Caesar Augustus, did the world need a savior in Jesus?  Absolutely!  Jesus is Truly Good News!

Readings: Isaiah 9:1-6; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:10-11

4th Sunday of Advent B 21 December 2008

Click here to download and listen to this homily (16 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Mass.  When sending out Christmas card the best we can do is send then to the last know address and hope for the best.  We often think of Churches as the best place to send God a note, and this is true.  It is true not because of the building, but because of the people gathered in them.  We can find God in one another, especially when we gather to worship.  God's last known address is you! Each Sunday as Catholic Christians we receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist. We are filled with the very Glory of God, just as Mary was pregnant with the Word of God. Let us carry Jesus out into the world as the living Tabernacles that we are. How do we do this, tell some one you love them today!

Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

3rd Sunday Advent B 14 December 2008

Click here to download and listen to this homily (16 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30 pm Mass.  Just as a character witness gives testimony in a court trial so do we give testimony to Jesus by the way we live our lives.  How is our witness to Jesus?  Does every one around us know of the Love of God for everyone by how we care for our neighbor?  Grumpy Christians are a counter witness to the Glory of God found burning brightly in each one of us.  Bishop Michael Kenny was an attractive witness to the Gospel.  May we do the same with God's help.

Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11; Luke 1:46-54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

Immaculate Conception 8 December 2008

Click here to down load and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 12:10 pm Mass.  Mary is preserved from sin from the first moment of her life.  She says yes to God's request to be the Mother of God, not knowing just that that will mean for her or her husband Joseph or her son Jesus.  She becomes a living Tabernacle of the Holy of Holies, Jesus.  Is not that also our vocation?  Do we not come forward at communion to receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus becoming living Tabernacles?  This Advent let us be ready to say yes to God and carry Jesus out to all we meet!

Click here to down load and listen to this homily (14 minutes) given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 7 pm Mass.  There can be some conversion when we read the Gospel of Jesus' conception for the feast of Mary's Immaculate Conception.  We are called to be as willing as Mary to invite God's creative life giving power into our lives.  Mary in her obedience becomes the new Eve.  The Ikon of Mary's conception shows the chaste passionate embrace of Joachim and Anna.  This Ikon is often given to newly married couples to place over their marriage bed to inspire them to welcome God's creative action in their lives.

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

2nd Sunday Advent B 7 December 2008

Click here to down load and listen to this homily (13 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30 pm Mass.  A voice cries out ready the way of the Lord.  What have we done this Advent to ready the guest room of our heart?  How full of junk is it?  What have we done or what will we do to take down the mountains of arrogance and prejudice?  What have we done or what will we do to build up the valleys of low self esteem? Both arrogance and low self worth will make it more difficult for the Lord to come to us and we to go to the Lord.

We commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Thomas Merton this Wednesday 10 Dec 2008.  He visited Alaska and spent a few days in Juneau in September of 1968.  For more info on Thomas Merton visit our parish Library and/or visit www.mertoninstitue.org 

Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8

1st Sunday of Advent B 30 November 2008

Click here to down load and listen to this homily (18 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30 am Mass.  In this homily I share the process of Lectio Divina that I use when reading the scriptures and preparing homilies.  Simply stated Lectio Divina can be summarized down to four moments each starting with R: Reading, Reflecting, Responding, and Resting.  What does it mean to be clay in God the potter's hands?  What does it mean the our parish community lack no spiritual gift?  What does it mean to be watchful and alert to the Lord's coming?

Homework:  Take some time to practice Lectio Divina with the word of God this Advent.

Readings: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7; Psalm 80; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37.

Thanksgiving Day 27 November 2008

Click here to download this homily (11 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise.  Only one of the ten persons with leprosy returns to give thanks to Jesus for the healing he had received.  How often does our own familiarity with our abundant blessings cause us to at least appear ungrateful?  How wonderful the rain is to those suffering a drought, yet I hear the rain in the morning and I just want to go back to sleep.  As we gather for the Eucharist (Greek for thanksgiving) let us call to mind our many blessings.  

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Homework:  Make a list to ten things you are grateful for each night before bed in your journal.

Readings: Sirach 50:22-24; Psalm 113; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19.

Our Lord Jesus Christ the King 23 Nov 2008

Click here to download this homily (17 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Mass.  In the final section of Matthew 25 that we hear today we see the sheep separated from the goats at the last judgment.  Our goal in life is to be sheep under the one shepherd who is Christ the King.  Sheep go to heaven because they took care of Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor and those in need.  To gain the Kingdom of Heaven at the end of our lives we need to put our faith into action and care for those in need by performing the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, cloth the naked, welcome the stranger, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.  "If you think going to church makes you  Christian, you probably think sitting in a garage will make you a car." ~ Garrison Keillor

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Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 16 November 2008

Click here to down load This Homily (20 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Mass.  In the parable of the talents we are each challenged to look closely at how well we are using the talents that God has entrusted to us to help others.  How much time do we waist wishing we had different talents? When we share the Spirit of God which is love with another the love grows exponentially.  When we  fail to share this love with others we loose what little we may have had.  The only way to hold on to God's love and remain filled with the Spirit is to learn to give ourselves away at the service of others.

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Readings: Proverbs 31; Psalm 128; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 2514-30.

Dedication of Lateran Basilica in Rome 9 Nov 2008

Click here to download This Homily (14 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise that was given at the 5:30 evening Mass. How well do I live out Paul's claim that "You are God's building. ... Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"  Do people meet the love of God when they meet me?  When they meet you?  Our call is to be the life giving waters that flow out from the temple making all this fresh (Ezekiel 47).  How do we do this?  When we come to communion and receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior we are filled once again with the Glory of God.  Then we hear, "The Mass is ended go in Peace."  We are sent out as living Tabernacles of the Lord, and we are to carry that presence home with us and then on to work or school.  Go get some one wet with the love of God that fills you to overflowing!

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Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46; 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22.

29th Sunday Ordinary Time 19 October 2008

This Homily (18 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Mass.  "Thus says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus..." says Isaiah about the king of Persia.  Cyrus sent the Israelites home from Babylon to Jerusalem.  He did God's will even though he was not Jewish.  Who have we discounted because they are not one of us?  "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."  We understand that the Government printed the money so it is clearly not ours, but what is not God's.  Everything that I have and everything that I am is God's.  Let us instead live the Gospel with power and the Holy Spirit.

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Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b; Matthew 22:15-21

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time 12 Oct 2008

This Homily (13 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30 am Mass.  Let's not sing the theme song they sing in Hell, "I did it My Way."  Instead let us learn to cooperate with the building up of the Kingdom which involves being satisfied when we are well provided for or when we are in want, because "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me," teaches Paul.

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This Homily (16 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 11 am Mass.  Are we ready to accept the invitation of God to come to the Feast, or are we busy with other things.

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Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time 5 October 2008

This Homily (22 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Mass.  We are called to produce and abundant harvest in the Vineyard of the Lord.  We are reminded that we are but tenant farmer, stewards of God's bounty, not owners and we need to learn to share.  St. Paul says "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God."  When we can live free from anxiety we are truly available to build the Kingdom of God.  Paul continues by recommending that we focus our attention and efforts on the good, the true, and the beautiful.  

Homework:  For one week, before going to bed make a list of the ten things you are grateful for each day.  I have been doing this for several years and it really helps me live free from anxiety.

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Readings:  Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4:6-9; Mathew 21:33-43

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 28 Sept 2008

This Homily (23 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11am Mass, using all three readings, yet focusing in on Paul's letter to the Philippians.  Paul gives us the secret to living in peace and harmony with everyone as we grow in holiness.  Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.  Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.  Wow!  I know I fall way short of this, yet through Centering Prayer I am learning to empty myself so that God can live large in me.

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Readings (Ezekiel 18:25-28, Psalm 25, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32

25th Sunday Ordinary Time 21 Sept 2008

This Homily (13 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11am Mass. In the parable of the vineyard owner all the workers are given the same daily wage no matter how late they came to work. This may get under our skin a little, but why are we envious of God's generosity. Should those who come late to the faith only get one eighth of salvation?

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Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a; Matthew 20:1-16a

Exaltation of the Holy Cross 14 Sept 2008

This Homily (18 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30 am Mass. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that all who look upon what injures them will be saved. Just like the alcoholic who admits they are powerless over alcohol in there life, seeks help from their higher power and joins AA receives freedom; when we look at what most injures us and invite Jesus in there no matter how shameful it may be we receive freedom and new life.

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Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17.

Parish Feast of the Nativity of Mary 7 Sept 2008

This Homily (14 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise is a celebration of the Cathedral Parish Feast Day. We explore the real suffering and joy that Mary experienced as a young engaged mother, who gives birth to a son in a stable then flees her homeland with Joseph to protect their son as political refugees, who losses her child in the capital city, and finishes raising Jesus as a single mother after Joseph's death, then after following his public ministry closely to see him sentenced to death in his thirties. The intention is to make Mary and the Holy Family more available to us ordinary people.

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Readings: Micah 5:1-4a, Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 31 August 2008

This Homily (14 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise. The embracing the cross is the key to following after Jesus. Desiring God's will more than wanting to be free of suffering. When we walk with Jesus the most burdensome cross becomes light.

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This Homily (15 Minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher. Being conformed to this age maybe easy, and maybe every one is doing it, but it is not what we are called to do as Christians. Following Jesus and choosing the good involves suffering because the world does not support us in doing what is right and pleasing to God.

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Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 17 August 2008

This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise. Jesus learns an important lesson about the wideness of God's Mercy from the Canaanite woman. Expanding his mission to the gentiles. Who do we exclude from the table? What prejudices do we still hold?

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Readings: Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm 67; Romans 11:13-15,29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10 August 2008

This Homily (19 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise. Our God is found in the silence. Elijah does not find God in the storm, earth quake or the fire, but in the tiny whispering voice of love. When we loose our focus on this tiny small voice of God we sink into the stormy seas as Peter did.

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Readings: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a; Psalm 85; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 3 August 2008

This Homily (16 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher. Jesus tell the disciples to feed the hungry themselves when they ask Jesus to send them away. We are called to do the same in the face of a world food shortage. As Paul says: Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

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Readings: Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 145; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21

17th Sunday Ordinary Time 27 July 2008

This Homily (9 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the Saturday evening Mass. Jesus says the the Kingdom of God is like a buried treasure or a pearl of great price. Are we willing to sell all that we have to obtain the Kingdom? What do you and I have to let go of in order to take up the Kingdom?

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Readings: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Psalm 119; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-52.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 6 July 2008

This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30pm Mass. He explores the Beginning of the 8th chapter of Romans. We are filled with the Spirit of God and when we live by the Spirit everyone we touch is lifted up and is better off for having met us. When we live by the Spirit our burden is light and the yoke is easy.

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Readings: Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 145; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

This Homily (19 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11am Mass. Today with the Feast of Peter and Paul we begin the International Year of Paul. Looking at the lives of Peter and Paul it is easy to see the God was able to work in their brokenness and bring about good, because they were open to the Holy Spirit. We we be open as well.

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Readings: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19.

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8 June 2008

This Homily (12 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30 Sunday Evening Mass. Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow him and he does. Jesus is even known to eat meals with known sinners. Jesus reminds the Pharisee in all of us that "God desires Mercy, not sacrifice."

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Readings: Hosea 6:3-6; Psalm 50; Romans 4:18-25; Matthew 9:9-13.

9th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 June 2008

This Homily (14 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise. In the conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus asks us if we are building our faith of sand, or on rock. Sand is made up of mountains that have eroded away. Do we settle for little bits of truth, never doing up stream to find the source?

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Homework: Read the entire sermon on the mount, Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.

This Homily (16 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher. Our accomplishments, experiences, and possessions are not the true measure of our lives.

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Readings: Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32; Psalm 31:2-4, 17, 25; Romans 3:21-25, 28; Matthew 7:21-27.

Corpus Christi 25 May 2008

This Homily (13 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise. We celebrate today the great gift of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ left to us as an everlasting sign of God's love of the Human Family. Jesus in the Eucharist brings us hope, healing and strength.

Homework: Read the 6th Chapter of John's Gospel in its entirety.

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Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a; Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20; 1 Corinthians 10: 16-17; John 6:51-58.

Most Holy Trinity Sunday 18 May 2008

This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise. The Trinity is a communion of persons in loving life giving relationship with each other. We have been made in the image and likeness of the Trinity are called to be in the same loving and life giving relationship with each other.

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Readings : Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Psalm: Daniel 3:52-55; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18.

Pentecost Sunday 11 May 2008

This Homily (16 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise was given at the 5:30pm Mass. With the coming of the Holy Spirit we continue the efforts of Jesus and Him ministry. Jesus was particularly interested in healing, teaching, and especially in the forgiveness of Sins. The Holy Spirit allows us to forgive those who have sinned against us.

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Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Psalm:104; 1Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13; Veni Sancte Spiritus; John 20:19-23

Ascension Sunday 4 May 2008

This Homily (16 Minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 11 am Mass. The feast of the Ascension may be under appreciated, yet it has tremendous importance for all of us. Jesus goes to the Father to be our Hope and our Glory. He carries the very wounds we gave him into the inner life of the Trinity make a new creation of all of it.



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This Homily (9 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30 pm Mass. Jesus' Ascension is our Hope and our Glory. Where he has gone we hope to follow. Let us open the eyes of our hearts to see Jesus walking with us every day. Come Holy Spirit.

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Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20.

6th Sunday of Easter 27 April 2008

First Communion and Confirmation Homily (10 minutes) give by Fr. Thomas Weise and Katy Beedle Rice at the 11 am Mass. These two powerful sacraments of initiation come together in today celebration. The Holy Spirit comes down on us at Baptism and this indwelling relationship is deepened and made more active at Confirmation. The Eucharist unites us as a family when we come together at the table.

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This Homily (14 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30 am Mass. Peter says "Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. but do it with gentleness and reverence." We are to be ready to tell others why we so enjoy being Catholic Christians.

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Readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:14-21

4th Sunday in Easter 13 April 2008

This Homily (28 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11am Mass celebrating Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day for Prayer for Vocations. A vocation to service in the Kingdom of God is born of: (1) the individual listening for that still small voice of God calling each of us by name, (2) the support of that vocation coming from the community. With the median age for the 42k priests in the US at 68, that means 21k priests are well passed retirement. By 2017 there will be more deacons than priests in the US, at 26k. We are a church in crisis. Vocations come from families. What will we do to encourage a vocation to service in the Church?

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Readings: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10

3rd Sunday of Easter 6 April 2008

This Homily (17 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30 evening Mass. The Gospel story is about the two disciples who were walking away from their faith Easter morning on their way to Emmaus. Jesus searches them out and walks with them, opens the scriptures for them, and they recognize him in the breaking of the bread.

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This Homily (18 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 11am morning Mass. Pope Gregory the Great, preaching on this gospel passage said: "Let anyone who wishes to understand what he has heard be quick to fulfill in action what he has already been able to understand. The Lord was not recognized when he was speaking, but he deigned to be recognized when he was being fed." We are called to hospitality and Christian charity.

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Readings: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35

2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) 30 March 2008

This Homily (17 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas at the 8:30 am Mass. Thomas the Apostle finds proof of Jesus' Resurrection and New Life in the wounds that have become a sign of God's Glory. This can be a lesson for each of us. Life is messy. Each of us, in our our way, is broken, flawed, and wounded. It is probably safe to say that not one of us is completely happy with the choices we have made, nor the hand we have been dealt. And yet the miracle of the Resurrection ensures us that alongside all the ugliness and hurt, the sufferings and disappointments, dwells a loving God who lives in us and is glorified by the good we are able to do even in our brokenness. Maybe Thomas can challenge us to do recognize the Lord in the imperfections in ourselves and others.



The Divine Mercy image shows Gods unfathomable mercy flowing from the wounded side of Christ the Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.



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Readings: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Easter Moring 23 March 2008

This Homily (11 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30 Sunday Morning Mass of the Lord's Resurrection. Isn't great to be alive?! Even when life drags us down, isn't it great to be alive. Because of the Lord's Resurrection we have become new creations. Our God loves us and desires us to be better than we are, we a called to live fully alive in God. The great witness is the empty tomb. We have many empty tombs in our lives, recovery from depression, etc... Jesus is risen, isn't it great to be alive! Happy Easter!

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Readings: Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9.

Easter Vigil 22 March 2008

This Homily (12 minutes) was given at the Easter Vigil Mass by Fr. Thomas Weise. On this night wait in vigil for the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. We remember the great love affair our God has with the human family down through history to today. We remember our own baptism in the the death of the Lord, so that we might rise with Him! In our remembering we are united to the saving work of Christ. Jesus Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

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Readings: Genesis: 1:1-2:2; Psalm 104; Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 16; Exodus 14:15-15:1; Isaiah 54:5-14; Psalm; 30; Isaiah 55:1-11; Isaiah 12; Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Psalm 19; Ezekiel 36:16-28; Psalm 51; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-10.

Good Friday 21 March 2008

This homily (26 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher after the reading from the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John at the Good Friday evening service. As we remember the Passion of our Lord we are witnesses to God's unfathomable love for the world. It is "good" because we remember that it was this day the Jesus saved us from our worst selves. Nailing all our sins and brokenness to the cross. How will love others with the same passion that Jesus loves us?



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Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 31; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42.

Holy Thursday 20 March 2008

This Homily (12 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 7 pm Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper. It was this night that our Savior instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of his body and blood, and yet the Gospel of John connect the last supper with service in the scene of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. How will we act as servants for those in need so that we might make a thanksgiving to God? Our homework is to read the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John.

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Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15.

Archbishop Francis Hurley's 38th 19 March 2008

This Homily (14 minutes) was given by Bishop Emeritus Francis Hurley on the 38th anniversary for ordination as a bishop. He was first ordained as the auxiliary bishop to the empty See of Juneau, with the charge to investigate if the Diocese of Juneau should remain an independent diocese. He recommended that it should, and continues to recommend that the Diocese of Juneau remain a Diocese and not be absorbed into the Archdiocese of Anchorage. He thanks the people of the Diocese of Juneau for training him how to be a bishop. Lots of good history of the Diocese of Juneau here, especially the being absorbed by anchorage issue.

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Passion (Palm) Sunday 16 March 2008

This Homily (22 minutes) is a the reading of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ from the Gospel of Matthew and a 50 second reflection on that. We can go to Mass every Sunday for our whole life and yet go to Hell for how we live our life on Monday.

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Readings: Matthew 21:1-11; Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66.

Chrism Mass 13 March 2008

This Homily (30 minutes) was given by Archbishop Francis Hurley. Thirty-seven years ago Francis Hurley was ordained the Bishop of Juneau, so this was a blessed homecoming. He talks about the Renewal of Priestly Service and the blessing of the oils. Priests are called to serve the people of God, to spend themselves in their service without counting the cost. The people of God are called to pray for the priests and their bishop. The oils are a rich and lasting sign of God's love and care for the People of God.

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Readings: Isaiah 61:1-3, 6, 8-9; Psalm 51; Revelation 1:5-8; Luke 4:16-21.

5th Sunday of Lent 9 March 2008

This Homily (22 minutes) by Fr. Thomas Weise was given at the 5:30 evening Mass. Today Jesus raises Lazarus from the tomb. We are called to examine the graveyards of our own lives where we have buried our ex-friends, failed dreams, etc... Jesus calls us out of these tombs. He also needs our help calling those who are no longer active in their faith by to church. If we do not find our Sunday celebrations interesting and life challenging enough to invite others to them, then we all need to work on that. Let us together with Jesus "Roll away the Stone, and see the Glory of God!"

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Readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45.

3rd Sunday in Lent 24 Feb 2008

This Homily (23 Minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Mass. In it he explores the story of Jesus and the Samaritan women at the well. She thirsts for water and love and inclusion. Jesus thirsts for her soul and her faith. Am I already so full of myself that I no longer thirst for God? What do I thirst for... Do I come to my time of prayer empty and thirsting for God? Only the living water that Jesus offers will well up within us to eternal life.

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Readings: Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42

2nd Sunday of Lent 17 February 2008

This Homily (16 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 5:30 evening Mass. This homily by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher reflects on our preparation to renew our baptism into Christ at Easter through the Lenten penitential and ascetical practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in the light of the transfiguration of Jesus. Just as Christ was trasfigured on the mountain top we were transfigured at our baptism.

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Fr. Scott Settimo's homily was not recorded. Here is a short summery of his homily.

The Israelite people were called to be “a people peculiarly [God’s] own.” Just so, in his letter to Timothy, St Paul affirms God’s invitation “to a holy life.” In the transfigured appearance of Christ on Mount Tabor, Matthew’s Gospel shows us, quite literally, what holiness (or sanctity) looks like. Even in our day, we are sometimes privileged to see the glory of the eternal “breaking through” into our world. We should see it, at least with the eyes of faith, in the Mass.

Readings: Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22; 2 Timothy 1:8b-10; Matthew 17:1-9.

1st Sunday of Lent 10 February 2008

This Homily (15 Minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11 am Sunday Mass. When looking at the temptation of Jesus we must remember that he has just spent 40 days meditating on what happened at his baptism. The heavens were opened, the Holy Spirit came down, and the God the Father said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased." Starting from that place, Satan challenges Jesus to use his special status and powers to meet his own needs. Jesus counters with a refusal to use his gifts and talents for his own ends. As God beloved he will follow God's will that the whole of creation is built up into the Kingdom of God. Knowing who you are as beloved helps us resisit the temptation to selfishness.

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Readings: Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11.

Ash Wednesday 6 Februray 2008

This homily (9 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at 7pm Mass. Paul notes that, "We are Ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us." The time of Lent is ambassador school for Christians. We are to learn through Prayer, Fasting, and Alms Giving how to represent God's Love to a World that so needs it. We are to be open and vulnerable to God, in fact broken hearted, "rend your hearts, not your garments."

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Reading: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6ab, 13-14, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time 3 February 2008

This Homily (17 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 11am Mass. Paul notes, "God chose those whom the world considers absured to shame the wise. He singled out the weak to shame the strong. He chose the low and despised, who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God." The Beatitudes are God's guide to holiness and wholeness, yet we resit being humble and lowly.

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Readings: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13; Psalm: 146: 6-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12a.

T'ai Chi Chuan First & Second Third Cheng Man-Ch'ing Short Form

This audio recording (9 minutes) is of Annie Geselle talking through the first third of the short form of T'ai Chi Chuan. Master Cheng Man-Ch'ing introduced t'ai chi to the West in the early 1960's. While in college Annie Geselle learned from one on Master Chang's advanced students. She now teaches T'ai Chi through the Canvas Community Art Studio in the REACH building in downtown Juneau, AK. Visit www.canvasarts.org for more details on T'ai Chi classes.

Click here to stream this recording of the first third .

This audio recording (17 minutes) is of Annie Geselle talking through the first and second thirds of the short form of T'ai Chi Chuan. It was recorded in order to help those learning and practing the 37 move Chang Man-Ch'ing form of T'ai Chi Chuan.

Click here to stream this recording of the first and second third.

Fr. Thomas Weise is a T'ai Chi student of Anne Geselle and an Advisory Board Member of the Canvas Community Art Studio.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 27 January 2008

This Homily (16 Minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30pm Mass. After the Baptist's arrest Jesus goes to the Pagan territory to begin his ministry. As the Light of the World he goes to that part of Israel that was most in darkness. While there he calls his first four fisherman to be his first disciples. He calls them because fisherman are people of Hope. May we let the light of Jesus shine into those parts of our life that are darkness and bring us hope.

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Readings: Isaiah 8:23-9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 20 January 2008

This Homily (11 minutes) was given by Fr. Scott Settimo at the 11am Mass. In the beginning of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians there is a cure for the individualism of our modern society. Paul is called by the will of God to be sent out as an Apostle and sped the Kingdom of God.
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This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30pm Mass. Not until the Holy Spirit comes down on Jesus does John the Baptist recognize him as the "Lamb of God who, who takes away the sin of the world." Let us pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit we might recognize Jesus as out Lord and Savior.
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Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm: 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34.

Baptism of the Lord 13 Jan 2008

This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 8:30am Mass. For Jesus and for each of us at our Baptism the Heavens were opened, the Holy Spirit came down, and God calls us beloved. Might the grace of our baptism be sitting in the bottom of our soul like chocolate syrup and need a little stirring up so that it can flavor our whole life.
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This Homily (15 minutes) was given by Deacon Charles Rohrbacher at the 5:30pm Mass.
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Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10; Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17.

Epiphany 6 January 2008

This Homily (15 minutes) given by Fr. Thomas Weise at the 5:30pm Mass. The magi come from the east representing all the nations coming to worship the new born king of the world. They offer gifts of Gold-for a king, Frankincense-for a priest and God, and Myrrh-for the lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world. Let us pray that we may have the same eyes of faith that the magi have to see in the infant born to poor parents the savior of the world. When we can see Jesus in the poor, the political refugee, and the very people the dominate society considers the least, then we can see Jesus in everyone. The Lord has made manifest his presence among us.

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Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12.

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God 1 January 2008

This homily was not successful recorded due to technical difficulties. Fr. Thomas Weise explored the four areas of right relationship found in the biblical understanding of Shalom--Peace. The first area is right relationship with God--Lets us follow the will of God closer and closer through prayer, study, and worship. The second area is right relationship with self--Lets us know of our own belovedness as God's precious children. The third area is right relationship with others in the human family--Let us love one another and our enemies with the same infinite love that God loves us with. The forth area is right relationship with all of creation--Let us be good stewards of creation and live simply so that others might simply live. All of this will be possible if we like Mary treasure Jesus in our hearts. Lets us continue our prayer and action for Peace.

Readings: Numbers: 6:22-27, Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21.