Blog & Pastor Letters

A man recently told me he was losing patience with the Church. "It's supposed to be God's Kingdom on earth," he said, "but it's full of contradictions and hypocrisy. Why can't the Church just be better?" That last word landed with a judgmental thud. It hurt. Because at times the Church can look painfully ordinary, even disappointing.

For more than 100 years, the faithful of St. Mary have gathered to celebrate the Eucharist, to grow in faith, and to serve our community. Each generation has responded to the needs of its time with prayerful reflection and thoughtful action.

Hello St. Mary's -

St. Mary Roman Catholic Church Happy Easter! May the joy of the Risen Lord be with you!

On this most joyous of days know first of all that you are in my prayers daily and that it is truly a joy for me to be here with you serving you and helping facilitate an encounter with Christ in word and sacrament. On this most glorious of days, we can reflect on one of the Gospels (Matthew 28:1-10), the journey of Mary Magdalene and some other women to the tomb of Jesus.

The Rite of Election was held at St. Mary’s on Sat, Mar 7, with catechumens and candidates from St. Mary’s (Kingman), St. Margaret Mary (Bullhead City), and Our Lady of the Lake (Lake Havasu City). Fr. Matthew Lowry, our diocese’s Episcopal Vicar, joined us from Flagstaff to celebrate the event. We welcome and pray for all the candidates, catechumens, and sponsors as they journey deeper into the Catholic Faith!

Vacations can be great times for refueling the body and renewing bonds within a family and between friends. No matter how good the vacation was, it is almost always good to get home when it is over. Sleeping in our own bed, taking a shower in our own bathroom, and resting on our own couch are some of the aspects of home we can miss while on the road. That’s why encountering truly gracious and hospitable people while we are away is so important.

Paul reminded the Corinthians, “We proclaim Christ crucified.” Christ’s weakness is stronger than any human strength. The power of the cross is greater than anything the world or evil has to combat it.

The Lenten season is one of repentance, self-denial, almsgiving, and prayer. Many in our modern world do not see any wisdom in denying themselves anything. Those swept away in a consumer culture want more and they want it faster, bigger, and better. They also are looking for easy and quick satisfaction, unwilling to wait long.

When my children were younger, they could make me laugh and sometimes cry. I would have conversations about animals, nature, outer space, and so many amazing things in life. I would play with them one day and then work to bandage a boo-boo the next. There were so many dynamics to our relationship. However, one aspect was my favorite. It was when one of them would snuggle up next to me on the couch silently, often leading to sleep. There was no better feeling, and I didn’t want to move for anything. It is crazy to think of all the things we would do together, and my favorite was when we essentially were doing nothing.