Father Jim 
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —Winnie the Pooh Leave it to Winnie the Pooh to say something so simply and so wisely! Here we are entering into the Second Week of Advent—rushing, it seems, towards Christmas. We’re busy about so many things: Christmas shopping, decorating, office parties, … Read more
Like St. Francis, I have always loved the Holy Season of Advent, but this year Advent has an even deeper meaning for me, as I grieve my mom and try to manage the chaos and pressures of our world to stay joyful for my children. Just a few months ago, as we welcomed our third … Read more
My oldest came home from school and asked when we were going to put up our Christmas tree. (Apparently, a fellow student was talking about how her family already decorated and put up a tree.) A staff member asked when they could begin to decorate the halls (deck the halls?) for Christmas in our school. … Read more
Well, I did it. I finally met a family that I had to refuse membership at Saint Miriam. It has been 16 years as pastor now and I have never once rejected any membership request until now. In truth, I once had to explain to someone who was attending (and often under the influence of … Read more
This coming Sunday is the anniversary for my ordination of becoming a deacon. There have been a lot of years since that day and so much has happened that as I sit and reflect. I can remember so much good, and there’s been some bad; there’s been a lot of unexpected experiences, and yes, sadly, … Read more
It is no secret that we lost parishioners since the pandemic. We are about 40% lighter than prior. It is a miracle we are still here when over 4500 churches closed during the pandemic. This rapidly accelerating trend is reshaping the religious landscape in the United States and us here at home. And, it should … Read more
It’s almost ironic that just a week ago in my last blog to the parish I spoke about the need for peace. I spoke about my own experience as a pastor and as a priest and how all I want is peace. I also spoke how elusive peace can be in a world that doesn’t … Read more
All I Want is Peace. I was asked the other day how I was doing. I told my therapist, “All is want is peace.” Then, I began to cry. It isn’t easy being a pastor today. It certainly isn’t made an easier by the concerns over COVID and returning after a 3-year pandemic. It isn’t … Read more
[Editor’s Note: Father Liam is away in Assisi, Italy on an extended pilgrimage retreat. This is his reflection.. We are grateful for his sharing.] Today we walked with our retreatants/pilgrims/seekers to the Santuario della Spogliazione—which means stripping or undressing. This is the bishop’s residence and courtyard where Francis’ father brought Francis before the bishop to … Read more
I know, right? When was the last time the church, or a priest, or anyone for that matter, said those words? There really isn’t enough of us taking ownership of our own mistakes. So, let me be the first: I was wrong; WE were wrong! We noted the drop in attendance and sat and pondered why? … Read more
In all my years as a priest I have learned that religious leaders can only lead you to where they themselves have once been. If they have faced their own shadow, darkness, demons- whatever you want to call it- then, and only then, are you in good company. If they have not, proceed with caution. … Read more
This fall is a very busy one! We will soon post and announce so many new events at our webpage and at our Facebook page, but we will excitedly begin with this Sunday’s new church organ blessing and recital! This will be our first post-pandemic year where we will open fully. We will bring back … Read more
Dear Friends, Welcome Summer! It is no secret that we have been the object of scandal and laughter and ridicule from the days of inception. Some just wish to destroy a place that loves with wild abandon, opens its heart to everyone, and serves as well and as many as we do. Some would say … Read more
On our way home the other day, Katelyn and I made an impromptu stop to get the car washed in Fort Washington. Jameson and Caleb were in the backseat and unaware of what was to come! We pulled in and soon the car was covered in water and soap and wax in multicolors! As we … Read more
As I watched the donkey watch us last year on Palm Sunday, I was reminded of simpler things and things less fancy. I noted the shadow of the cross on his back. It was in his expression that I knew this year needed to be different. This Holy Week was meant to be different. This … Read more
[Editor’s Note: Father Jeff Hood is an advocate for the condemned on death row. He is a voice for those without voice and without compassion. Father serves at Saint Miriam as our Chair for Faith, Justice, and Humanitarian Efforts and works closely with our team to ensure we remain vigilant and on target to continue … Read more
Poverty comes in many forms. It isn’t just financial. Trust me, as a priest I find the poorest people have the largest bank accounts and the weakest spirituality. The love of things that will pass drive people to insanity as they chase the elusive dream of happiness through objects of little permanence. True giving is … Read more
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.’” – Matthew 6:9 It’s no secret that I despise the phrase “prayers ascending”. It has become an almost trite way for people to offer some form of support to those who request prayer in the immediacy of some event or tragedy or sadness, … Read more
We gained a parishioner after my letter regarding abortion went viral! Yay! We lost a parishioner after my image to honor Pride Month was posted! Oh no! We are a fickle bunch, aren’t we? We certainly are, at the very least, used to a more commercial cafeteria church where we want what we want and … Read more
As I watched the donkey watch us at our Palm Sunday blessing of palms outside this year, I was reminded of simpler things and things less fancy. It was in his expression that I knew this year needed to be different. This Holy Week was meant to be different. This Holy Week will not be … Read more