Sunday Homilies

from Father Kevin Laughery, Troy St. Jerome and St. Jacob St. James Parishes, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Note: Comments from this page do not reach me; instead, email: kl@kevinlaughery.com

The Podcasts

It's not enough to be acquainted with our God; we must enter into the challenge of relationship with the author of our being.  The challenge will feel like discipline, so we must be careful to recognize that discipline is for the sake of growth, not shame.

Direct download: KML_2010-08-22_945am.MP3
Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 4:10pm CDT

The Diocesan Adult Enrichment Conference will be held in Decatur on November 7 and 8.  For the upcoming edition of this biennial conference, I especially recommend the presentations by Father Paul Turner on the new English translation of the Roman Missal.

http://www.dio.org/catechesis/diocesan-adult-enrichment-conference.html

Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 11:47am CDT

It amazes us to think that the strange imagery of Revelation and other apocalyptic literature was part of the purpose of encouraging people!  But in fact, this writing is for the sake of comforting people under persecution.  They are invited to recognize the cosmic significance of their own sufferings.  The woman was given a place of refuge in the desert; this is a fitting image of Mary's assumption into heaven.  Recorded at Sacred Heart, Franklin.

Direct download: KML_2010-08-15_800am.MP3
Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 11:38am CDT

The Assumption of the Mother of God calls to mind the presence of the Son of God in this world.  Awareness of the presence of God focused, among the people of Israel, upon the Ark of the Covenant.  The title "Mother of God" is literally translated "God-bearer."  Recorded at St. Sebastian, Waverly.

Direct download: KML_2010-08-14_605pm.MP3
Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 11:34am CDT

I already noted Alveda King's visit to Springfield.  There is another event to tell you about.  Alveda King will be the featured speaker at Springfield Right to Life's annual benefit dinner, to be held this year on Friday, September 24, 6:30 pm, at Northfield Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield.  Reservations: adults $50, students $25.  Anyone who is interested in attending may contact me by Thursday, September 2.

The feeling dimension of our lives is of the greatest importance.  I invite you to take a look at some materials I've prepared: http://www.kevinlaughery.com/feelings.html

Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 3:11pm CDT

Effective Sunday, August 22, the Sunday Mass schedule will be: 8:00 am at Sacred Heart; 9:45 am at St. Mary.  Again, my thanks to all parishioners who offered ideas.

Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 12:15pm CDT

A consideration of the concrete experience of faith.  This was recorded at the end of my current weekend schedule, at New Berlin St. Mary.

Direct download: KML_2010-08-08_930am.MP3
Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 12:09pm CDT

Thanks again to all Sacred Heart parishioners who worked at Vacation Bible School.  Franklin can be very proud of its ecumenical spirit.  Next year is Sacred Heart's turn to provide a director for VBS.

Here is more complete information on the Franklin Christmas musical.  An initial meeting will be held this Wednesday, August 11, 7:30 pm, at Franklin Christian Church.  The contact for further info. is Nita Reese, 675-2221.

Our diocesan Social Concerns Office has helped to organize a couple of pro-life events involving Dr. Alveda King, a niece of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  More info.: http://mm.dio.org/aug_10/item08h.pdf

Recently I was captivated by an image connected with an ecumenical event in Germany.  You can see it too.  Go to my home page, kevinlaughery.com, and click on "Walking on Water."

Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 12:41pm CDT

I can now announce my decision regarding the Saturday Masses.

Effective Saturday, August 14, Mass will be at Visitation at 4:20 pm, and at St. Sebastian at 6:05 pm.

I want to take one more week to consider two possibilities for the Sunday schedule.  We could have 8:00 am at Sacred Heart and 9:45 am at St. Mary; or, we could flip the schedule, with the earlier Mass being at St. Mary.

With thanks to all who have offered their ideas.

Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 10:18pm CDT

I recorded this homily at the beginning of my weekend schedule, at Visitation BVM Church in Alexander, an unincorporated community on Old U.S. 36 between Springfield and Jacksonville.  We hear from Ecclesiastes the word "vanity," which perhaps for you and me is better rendered "foolishness."

Direct download: KML_2010-07-31_430pm.MP3
Category:Sunday Homilies -- posted at: 11:24am CDT