Monthly Archives: March 2016

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Teachers as Mentors

Here is a superb witness from the winner of the Fr. Joseph McGee Award for an outstanding Catholic educator, Kathleen M. Willenbrink.  Ms. Willenbrink, who teaches at St. Leonard School, received this award at the annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner.  With such fine teachers, our Catholic schools are in great hands: 

Thank you very much for this privilege to be here tonight to receive the Fr. Joseph McGee Award.

Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Kurtz, I am truly blessed and humbled to […]

2016-03-29T12:44:39-04:00March 29th, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

I Give You A New Commandment: Love One Another As I Have Loved You

This homily for Holy Thursday at the Cathedral of the Assumption was written by Fr. Tony Olges.  Because of his hospitalization at the last minute, Fr. Jeff Nicolas delivered it. In light of the theme of our mission from Jesus to love one another and the special circumstances, I believe it well worth reading and reflecting during this Easter Octave.

Aware that other Gospel writers had already detailed Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist, John takes care to bring out the story […]

2017-10-13T15:52:52-04:00March 28th, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

March 2016 Conversations, Segment 3

Conversations is a monthly, 30-minute television show in which I participate in an ongoing conversation about the Archdiocese of Louisville, my involvement with the larger Church (both nationally and globally), and issues of faith in general. In the third segment from our March 2016 episode, Chancellor Dr. Brian Reynolds and I talk about Holy Week and the Triduum.

 

2017-10-13T15:52:52-04:00March 24th, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

The Jubilee Crucifix: the Reality of Jesus on the Cross

On Palm Sunday, I was privileged to be the principal celebrant for the noon Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption.  Fr. Jeff Nicolas, pastor of the Cathedral, delivered this fine homily on the body of Christ on the cross and its meaning for Holy Week and for our lives.  Here is the text for your reflection as Good Friday nears:

MercyCrossCathedralThis Passion Sunday my thoughts turn to our Jubilee year of […]

2017-10-13T15:52:52-04:00March 23rd, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

Alfombra at Annunciation Parish

Today, Father Mike Tobin, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Shelbyville and St. John Chrysostom Parish in Eminence, sent me some images of Holy Week preparations at Annunciation.  The parish has adopted the Hispanic devotional practice of Alfombra (the Spanish word for carpet). The carpet you see below that lines the central aisle of the historic chapel at the Church of Annunciation is hand made with sawdust and other decorative natural materials and remains through Holy Week for clergy to cross carrying the […]

2017-10-13T15:52:52-04:00March 22nd, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

March 2016 Conversations, Segment 2

Conversations is a monthly, 30-minute television show in which I participate in an ongoing conversation about the Archdiocese of Louisville, my involvement with the larger Church (both nationally and globally), and issues of faith in general. In the second segment from our March 2016 episode, I interview Deacon James Turner, Pastoral Administrator of St. Martin de Porres and St. Augustine Parishes.

2017-10-13T15:52:53-04:00March 21st, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

Cherishing Holy Week

Hard to believe but Holy Week is almost here!  For me, it will be the 70th time that I walk with Jesus in His final days on earth, not just to remember what happened over 2,000 years ago but also to remember, cherish and allow His presence to enter my life more deeply.

I imagine, like most children raised Catholic, my first experience was the Easter basket full of chocolates waiting to be devoured.  We got to take the first taste […]

2016-03-18T09:52:50-04:00March 18th, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

March 2016 Conversations, Segment 1

Conversations is a monthly, 30-minute television show in which I participate in an ongoing conversation about the Archdiocese of Louisville, my involvement with the larger Church (both nationally and globally), and issues of faith in general. In the first segment from our March 2016 episode, Chancellor Dr. Brian Reynolds and I talk about the Lent and the practice of almsgiving.

2017-10-13T15:52:53-04:00March 15th, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

Lent and the Jubilee of Mercy

Below is my homily for today’s 7:30 a.m. Mass (Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent) in the crypt chapel of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Attending the Mass were the members of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as the faithful who were gathered for Mass at the Shrine this morning:   

The Word “jubilee” is traced to the Hebrew word for a ram’s horn, yobel, blown to announce […]

2016-03-09T08:51:50-05:00March 9th, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|

How to Be a Good and Faithful Citizen

During these days of presidential election primaries, the media is filled with information.   We hear talk about politics, often in raw and polarizing forms, but not so much about being a good citizen.

When I am asked to speak about our faith in public life, I often recall the four “Cs” of courage, compassion, civility, and calm.  Each is important and, while they are not completely self-explanatory, most of us understand the concepts and the implications.

One of the “Cs” that particularly […]

2017-10-13T15:52:54-04:00March 4th, 2016|Archbishop's Blog|