FOR GRANDPARENTSMost loving Father, we thank and praise you on this occasion as we remember and give thanks for the gift of Grandparents.We remember our Grandparents who have gone before us into eternity and pray that they already rejoice with you in heaven.We remember our Grandparents who are nearing the end of their days. Provide […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Thursday, June 30th was an important day in the life of our parish and especially for two long-time members of our staff: Rose Marie Woodruff and Kimberly Williams, who retired on this mid-point of the calendar year. When Rose Marie arrived here at SVdP 20 years ago, she already had 25 years […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, I would like to take this opportunity for a frank discussion of a few points regarding Eucharistic reception and practice here at St. Vincentâs. While the reception of Holy Communion is intensely personal, it is not merely a personal devotion. It is a communal act of worship and service that requires a priest […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Though I try to avoid being too topical in my homilies and letters, there are current events that cannot be ignored. The event now, of course, is the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which is best left without further description. Our prayers are with those little angels and those who love them; […]
Pastorâs Desk Dear Fellow Parishioners, Other than the celebration of the Sacraments, the most important thing I do as pastor is the hiring and coordination of parish staff. We are not so much a staff as a church family dedicated to the service of this parish. After more than 25 years as our Director of […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Some years ago, I joined the tens of millions of Americans who have GPS navigation systems in their cars. Within a month, I didnât know how I ever survived without it. Itâs the perfect âback-seat driver:â silent (if you turn off the audio), nearly invisible, and gives directions without critique. Before long, […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Motherâs Day is one of the very few, if only, observances celebrated throughout the world. It is truly transcultural. The vast majority of these celebrations take place either on the second Sunday in May, or on another day in Spring, the season of new life. (Consistent with this logic, Argentina celebrates Motherâs […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Last Sunday was a busy day, not only in Petaluma, but also on the church calendar. The Second Sunday of Easter has been celebrated under several titles over the years. Some of us remember when it was known as âLow Sundayââ not because it was seen as a big letdown after Easter […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, I had no idea how many people to expect for the Lenten Reconciliation Service. It had been three years since our last Lenten service, and the Advent Reconciliation Service a few months ago was decently, but not heavily, attended. (The masking mandate was still in place.) This time, we had nine priests hearing confessions. […]
Dear Fellow Parishioners, I knew that Palm Sunday was coming when I found the rectory fridge crammed with palms. (There isn’t room left for a tub of yogurt or a Diet Pepsi!) Not content with that, we ordered 200 more, to be sure we had enough for anyone who may want them. Blessed palms will […]