Browsing the 2019 archive of Thoughts from Fr. Bob
How do we pray?
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/23/19
How do we pray? Do we pray only once a week when we come to weekend Mass? Maybe once in a while when something important comes up? Or do we pray regularly and purposefully? Do we try to listen to what God is telling us? Do we find prayer ... Read More »
Eucharist = Thanksgiving
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/08/19
As we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, let us not forget that the word “eucharist” means thanksgiving. This Greek word is used to describe what Jesus did before sharing his body and blood at the Last Supper. Today, as always, we give thanks to God for all the blessings ... Read More »
Respect Life
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/08/19
Today on Respect Life Sunday, we hear Jesus use the image of a mustard seed. The mustard seed is so tiny, not much larger than a grain of sand, yet when planted and nurtured, grows into a large, strong tree. This takes time though. As we look around today, ... Read More »
St. Francis of Assisi - Pet Blessing
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/25/19
The memorial of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated Friday of this week and is a customary day to bless animals. Join us October 5 at 10:00 AM to have your pet blessed.
What comes to mind with the rise of importance of animals in our culture is how ... Read More »
Rummage Thank You and Weekend Parable
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/18/19
Let me begin with words of gratitude on the success of another Rummage Sale fund-raiser. First, and foremost, to Bernie Bellin and all his co-workers for the many, many hours they put in toward the great outcome we had. Secondly, to those who brought items for the bake sale. ... Read More »
Lost Sheep
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/18/19
Today’s gospel, the 15th chapter of St. Luke’s gospels, is one of my favorites! It speaks of God’s great mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. And who is not in need of that? Who is not a sinner? We can speak about degrees, serious matter kind, and frequency of sins, but ... Read More »
A new school year has just begun
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/05/19
A new school year has just begun. What an appropriate time to act as a student, eager to learn what it takes to follow the Lord. What does it take to be a disciple of Jesus? A couple of weeks ago, we learned it takes discipline, a word derived ... Read More »
Labor Day
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/05/19
We gather around the table of the Lord on this Labor Day weekend to share a meal. Everyone is invited, regardless of race, gender, culture, background, class identity, income or any other unnecessary source of division. We join together to celebrate the Eucharistic banquet. As we listen to Jesus ... Read More »
“Are only a few people going to be saved?”
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/20/19
Our Gospel today asks a very important question that is probably on all our minds. “Are only a few people going to be saved?” And better yet, “am I going to be saved?” When the people who asked the question, it would certainly be on the assumption that the ... Read More »
Fire
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/20/19
As some of you may know I was a firefighter for the City of St. Francis for four years while I was in the seminary. After I was ordained a priest, I was the chaplain for the Milwaukee Fire Department for 27 years. So when I hear our Lord ... Read More »