Bishop Richard F. Stika’s Blog
Posted in columns on Apr 21st, 2011
God gives a home to the forsaken when we open our heart to others.
Of the many memories I have from my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, one remains particularly vivid: the image of a tiny infant in the loving arms of an elderly religious sister from an orphanage we visited in Bethlehem. I keep [...]
Posted in columns on Apr 5th, 2011
The Gospel of life includes even those guilty of horrible crimes.
“He deserves to die. . . . ‘Crucify him!’” (Matthew 26:66; 27:22). Every Palm Sunday and Good Friday, the only days of the year when part of the Gospel is proclaimed in chorus by everyone, we find ourselves echoing the words of a death sentence. We [...]
Posted in columns on Mar 15th, 2011
Our earthly labors should be an expression of Christ’s work of redemption.
“Is this not the carpenter?” (Mark 6:3). These simple words of Scripture remind us that the Gospel was first proclaimed by a man of work. Given the current debate over worker rights and unions, which is only worsening in its lack of civility, [...]
Posted in columns on Mar 1st, 2011
Contemplating Christ’s passion is the key to becoming a gift to others.
Is the glass half full or half empty? Although this question highlights the difference between an optimist and a pessimist, it also reminds us that our perception of things is important. With Lent beginning March 9, we can likewise ask ourselves, is this [...]
Posted in columns on Feb 15th, 2011
Humility and forgiveness keep our spiritual backpack light.
Losing weight is never easy. That’s why there’s no shortage of weight-loss products available promising quick results with the least amount of effort. But if we are to lose weight and keep it off, a certain discipline is required, and this can often require the help of a [...]
Posted in columns on Feb 1st, 2011
How time flies. It’s hard to believe we’re already at the halfway point between the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of another season: Lent. Although many people anticipate and prepare for Christmas weeks in advance of Advent’s official start, that’s not usually the case with Lent—and no, preparations for Mardi Gras don’t [...]
Posted in columns on Jan 19th, 2011
Every vocation is a call to be an ambassador of the extraordinary.
Snow days! It amazes me how easily snow can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary by slowing everything down. As we settle into the new year and our typical routines, we would do well to take note of nature’s lesson and learn to recognize [...]
Posted in columns on Jan 4th, 2011
Under the guise of Planned Parenthood, he has gained access to schools.
What does the new year hold for us? Although we hope for peace and happiness and make resolutions to accomplish what we hope for, the future remains a mystery. Given the many problems in our world, we don’t find it easy to be free [...]
Posted in columns on Dec 21st, 2010
As protector of the Holy Family, St. Joseph is a sure guide on life’s journey.
The Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” has always been a favorite of mine because of the hope and anticipation it expresses so beautifully. But as Advent gives way to the joyful celebration of the Christmas season, we can once [...]
Posted in columns on Nov 16th, 2010
Advent reminds us that there is hope for overcoming addictions.
Advent is often a time when I, like many, am faced with situations where I must say no to the many foods and drinks that would be easy to enjoy beyond moderation. As a diabetic, I know how important it is to be able to discipline [...]
