The Seed

Mass Matters, continued
Posted by Erin Elking
The Mass is the Source and Summit of our Faith. As the source, the Mass strengthens and gives life to our faith; it’s where faith begins because it is the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, in whom we place our faith. The Mass is “the primary and indispensable ... Read More »

Mass Matters
Posted by Erin Elking
The Second Vatican Council, in its constitution on the Sacred Liturgy reminded us that the Mass “is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 2). It is ... Read More »

Good Laws Make Good Citizens
Posted by Erin Elking
For any society to function well, there needs to be a good system of just laws by which citizens can order their lives. This is true in civil society, but also in the society of the Church. The Church is a society – it is God’s Society, His Kingdom ... Read More »

Eucharist-centered Living
Posted by Erin Elking
Today the Church celebrates what is her official Eucharistic Solemnity, her “official act of homage and gratitude to Christ, who by instituting the Holy Eucharist gave to her greatest treasure” (Parsch, The Church’s Year of Grace, v.III, 17). The Eucharist is for us the never-ending fulfillment of Christ’s promise ... Read More »

Fathers in Faith
Posted by Erin Elking
We reflect upon mothers and motherhood in May, and in the same way, I think we can reflect upon fathers and fatherhood during the month of June. There is much evidence that fatherhood is in a crisis today: there are many homes in which the father is absent, and ... Read More »

The Sacred Heart and Christian Living
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
June is a special month in the Church set aside for devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. While this and many other devotions have become less prominent in recent decades, “the Church has always valued, and still does, the devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus so ... Read More »
Gratitude, Heads up, and Congratulations
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
Gratitude
Our porch chats at the rectory went very well. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to the prairie for socializing, conversation, and growth in mutual understanding and affection. When it centered on changes in the parishes, our conversation was “lively” at times, but charity prevailed and ... Read More »

Pray for Priests
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
This weekend, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati ordained 7 men to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ. I was in seminary with them and know them to be good, faithful men pursuing the call to holiness; it is a blessing for the Church that they have said “yes” to Lord. ... Read More »

Family Council
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
I know “Beacons of Light” is becoming a bit of a “bad word” and we may be tired of hearing about it, but it is one of the primary challenges standing before us today, one that has great potential if we maintain a spirit of hope. Recently, I reiterated ... Read More »

To Jesus Through Mary
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
In May, the Church gives us a yearly opportunity to give special attention to our Blessed Mother. While she should never be far from our minds and our hearts, in May (and in October as well), we look to her more intently as our mother, our teacher, and our ... Read More »