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St. Paul was a missionary. In his day he used the a modern, state of the art technology to proclaim the gospel: Roman roads. He used those roads to bring his message out to the people. Today, we have other “roads” at our fingertips to proclaim the message of Jesus: the internet. As Christians we are all missionaries and through our baptism we are supposed to be out sharing the news of Jesus.
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2023
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The Journey of Hope
22nd of NovemberThe calendar year comes to an end as the Christian world prepares to go on a journey of anticipation and reflection known as Advent. It's a season of hope, expectation and spiritual preparation leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Light of Advent One of the... -
What About God's Gifts?
16th of NovemberThe Season of Advent is approaching and so is the closing of the Liturgical Year A. We have been hearing Gospel Readings from Matthew for the past year and he will end it with one of his most dynamic texts on Christ the King, “The Judgement of the Nations” (Mt.25:31-46)... -
Do As I Do
28th of OctoberJesus was confronted with evil throughout his ministry. The greatest evil was probably hypocrisy. Calling Out The HypocriteThe prophet Malachi used some very tough words in the First Reading for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Malachi 1:14b-2:2b,8-10) when he condemned the priests of his time for their infidelity. He... -
Either - Or
12th of OctoberThe Pharisees were against paying taxes to Rome, but the Herodians, followers of King Herod, supported it. Two groups with differing opinions but both agreed when it came to Jesus. The Gospel According to Matthew We can find a classic example of their plotting in the Gospel passage for the... -
Working with God
5th of OctoberWine harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere comes to an end during the first weeks of October. The precious grapes, whose quality are dependent on the weather, are carefully watched and protected throughout the year. The chateau owner of today probably doesn’t live on his vineyard. The owner has caretakers... -
Exercising Forgiveness
22nd of SeptemberAccording to the oral interpretations of the Torah, forgiveness allows for three offences and the fourth calls for action, usually a punishment. The Gospel According to Matthew Peter asks Jesus a very straightforward question in the Gospel for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mt. 18:21-35): how often should he... -
The Price of Following Jesus
29th of AugustIf we lose or misplace something, don’t we often rush around in a frantic hurry to find it? We quickly say a prayer to St. Anthony, asking him to intercede for us and before too long, what was lost is found again! We are thankful, maybe even to the point... -
Crossing Boundaries
6th of AugustJesus crossed boundaries throughout his ministry, geographically and spiritually. We find Jesus reaching out to a Canaanite woman in the gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. She is a descendant of one of the ancient enemies of Israel. Even though she is a gentile, she calls out to... -
Transfiguring Our Lives
2nd of AugustThe celebration of the Transfiguration of the Lord is rooted in Christian tradition and has historical significance. Fifth century theologian St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote that this extraordinary occurrence was observed in Jerusalem as early as the 4th century on August 6th. Historically, this date is linked to the dedication... -
God Will Make All Things Right
19th of JulyJesus continues to use agricultural themes when speaking in parables in the Gospel (Matt 13:24-43) for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Weeds among the Wheat and the Parable of the Mustard Seed. The Secret of Parables Parables are like a hidden treasure and Jesus' words are like precious gems... -
Gardening in the Kingdom of God
7th of JulyTo have a really great garden you need to have good, quality soil, the proper tools, fertiliser and of course the weather is also important. If the ground is too hard you have to break it up. If it’s too rocky, you have to pick the rocks out and if... -
Loving Jesus More
30th of JuneJesus’ conditions for discipleship can be found in the Gospel Reading for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mt. 10:37-42): “Whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me". Of course we love our parents and children, family and friends, but we are... -
Sacrificing for the Beautiful
7th of MayThe message Jesus came to share was not limited to just his disciples and those around them (Acts 8:5-8,14-17); it was to be shared with everyone. The Church recognized from the very beginning its obligation to go out and preach the Good News of Jesus. Jesus’ disciples preached with a... -
The Good Shepherd
21st of AprilThroughout the New Testament, Jesus has been compared to a good shepherd and we are his sheep. In first century Judea most people had sheep so they understood this image. Sheep rely on their shepherd, they “hear” his voice and “follow” him. Sheep are easily frightened and tend to stray... -
Understanding Easter
4th of AprilGrief can trigger many emotions: sadness, anger, guilt, disbelief, shock, confusion, helplessness, and numbness. The Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter is the story of “The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-35). It is a story about shared grief which turns to shared joy. Shared Grief... -
The Light of The World
10th of MarchThe Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Lent (John 9:1-41) tells the story of a man born blind. Jesus healed him on the Sabbath and the man immediately became the center of attention and controversy. Blindness, Faith or Truth? The Pharisees, who prided themselves on their observance of the law... -
A Voice From Turkey
24th of FebruaryChristianity has a 2,000-year-old tradition in Turkey. St. Paul came from Tarsus, which is in present-day Turkey as did many of our Church Fathers. Their missionary work plus the various Councils which have taken place on Turkish soil continue to shape the Church today. Christianity once flourished in present-day Turkey... -
Choosing Life for Lent
15th of FebruaryLent is a period of spiritual reflection in the weeks before Easter. Observed by many Christians, particularly Catholics, it's a time when many people choose to give up certain luxuries or habits as a form of sacrifice in order to draw closer to God.I've Got A QuestionI have often asked... -
Pass the Salt, Please
26th of JanuaryIn the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mt. 5:13-16), Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount. He preaches the beatitudes to his disciples and compares their influence on the world in his Similes of Salt and Light. Salt of the Earth Salt was a precious commodity in... -
A Year With Matthew
16th of JanuaryThere are so many messages to be found throughout the Bible, but deciphering how we can apply them in our lives today can be a real challenge. Start at the Beginning The first place to start is to turn the story around and ask what it meant for the people... -
The Lamb of God
1st of JanuaryThe Season of Christmas is over and our Readings now turn toward the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. The child has grown, become a man and spent some time in the desert fasting, praying and being tempted. Before Jesus began his ministry, he was baptized in the Jordan by John...
2022
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The Work of Christmas
21st of DecemberWhen we think of Christmas, the word “work” is not the first thing that comes to mind. Unless of course your job calls you to service on holidays. In the church, there are cards to write, decorations to organize and liturgical services to prepare. Work + Christmas Maybe when we... -
It All Begins with Longing
8th of DecemberThe basic human feeling of openness begins with longing, as described by writer and poet Nelly Sachs. Everything that is, or is allowed to become, is followed by this feeling of longing. This is my interpretation of her poem anyway. Maybe it does not coincide with Nelly’s. She wrote, “It... -
The Coming of Christmas
23rd of NovemberThe darkest time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere is during the month of December. We can trace back thousands of years when rituals and feasts throughout various cultures all over the world marked this time of year known as the Winter Solstice. The sun god One very interesting... -
Saving Yourself
11th of NovemberWe celebrate “Our Lord Jesus Christ the King” as the liturgical year ends on Sunday, November 20th. The Gospel Reading (Luke 23:35-43) pictures Jesus not as a king sitting on a throne but hanging on a cross. The rulers and soldiers insulted him as he hung for everyone to see... -
Climbing to New Heights
23rd of OctoberWe hear the story of Zacchaeus on the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. There are many different topics in this story: sinfulness, forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation and courage. The Life of Zacchaeus Zacchaeus was a short man, chief tax collector and despised by society. Jesus was passing through town and Zacchaeus... -
Humble Before God
10th of OctoberJesus targets the self-righteous in the Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 18:9-14) as he tells the parable of a tax collector and a Pharisee. The Tale of Two Men The setting for this parable is public temple worship and not private prayer. Jesus points out the... -
Our Lady of the Rosary
28th of SeptemberOctober is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary. Through the eyes of Mary we prayerfully and meditatively follow the footsteps of her Son Jesus Christ’s life. We contemplate his life, death and resurrection. Ancient Pratice Praying the Rosary can take it’s inspiration from St. Paul's letter to the community in... -
The Law of Christ
22nd of SeptemberPaul’s letter to the Galatians writes about confirmation through faith. He writes that the way of the Spirit is through works, what we do and say, not the law as the Judaizers had preached. Paul tries to explain that it is the choice between freedom, the works of the Spirit... -
Abandoned by the Galatians
8th of SeptemberIt seems that in the early days of his ministry, Paul had a close relationship to the community in Galatia. They trusted each other, so Paul must have been somewhat surprised when they abandoned him and took up with the Judaizers. Learning From Past Mistakes The tone in his letter is somewhat pleading... -
The Galatian Question: Law or Faith?
12th of AugustPaul seems irritated with the Galatians as he begins the third chapter of his Letter: “O stupid Galatians!” He was not accusing them of being senseless, he was warning them of the danger in deserting their salvation. Faith in Christ is all that is required to be righteous in God's... -
The Confrontation of Paul & Peter
1st of AugustThe Catholic and Orthodox Churches celebrate the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. Both apostles died for their faith in Jesus, yet these two men were very different. The Fisherman & The Scholar Peter, a fisherman, followed Jesus but out of fear he denied knowing him. Paul... -
Destination: Galatia
23rd of JulyLocated in the middle of Central Anatolia in Turkey, is the ancient region of Galatia. In the early years before Christ, Celtic tribes occupied Galatia as they did throughout most of Europe The Mighty Roman Empire In 25 BC, Rome had begun their great rise to reign and Galatia became... -
Reading Paul for the Summer
7th of JulyThe long summer days invite us to recline and indulge in a good book or two. For my summer reading, I plan to include the letters of St. Paul the Apostle.Biblical HistoryThe first words written about Jesus come from Paul (51-58 A.D.). In the New Testament, the gospels come before... -
Early Christian Mission Statement
22nd of JuneIn the Gospel for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20), we learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This section of Luke’s Gospel is titled, “The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke’s Travel Narrative.”Travel Plans Jesus sends out his followers to all of the... -
Carry Your Cross
11th of JuneFollowing the feast of Corpus Christi, the church readings enter into Ordinary Time. Beginning with the Gospel on the 12th Sunday in OT, (Luke 9:18-24) we enter into a new phase in the life of Jesus. The Wandering Preacher His ministry had taken him through all of Galilee and soon his... -
Stoned for Faith
2nd of JuneIn the weeks following Easter, we hear from the second volume of Luke’s biblical history, The Acts of the Apostles. It describes how the salvation promised to Israel was extended to the Gentiles. Luke recounts the experiences of the early Christians. The Gospel According To Luke Luke’s narration on the... -
Identifying a Christian
10th of MayOne of the purposes of Jesus’ ministry was to make disciples of all people. With this in mind, we too are disciples and therefore must go out and share his message. The Gospel According to John In the Gospel for the fifth Sunday of Easter (John 13:31-33) Jesus said his... -
Believing Without Seeing
18th of April“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Thomas sounded quite defiant in the Gospel (John 20:19-31) for the 2nd Sunday of Easter. See It To Believe ItThomas had... -
The Upper Room
5th of AprilIn the southern part of the Old City of Jerusalem, one can find the traditional site of where Jesus held his Last Supper, the Upper Room. It is here where the Gospels say that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. It is here that Jesus gave the gift of himself to... -
Repent or Parish
12th of MarchWe all have an image of Jesus: Jesus the comforter, Jesus the peacemaker, Jesus the Good Shepherd or Jesus the healer. In the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent Jesus is the challenger. Luke's GospelIn Luke’s Gospel (13:1-9), Jesus challenged those who were around him. Some of them believed that... -
Need - Don't Need
18th of FebruaryChristmas is celebrated by a fixed calendar date, while Easter is a movable feast and observed by calculating the date from a lunar calendar, using the first full moon after the spring equinox. The gospels agree that Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, meaning the Friday before the... -
He Calls Us
11th of FebruaryWe are at the beginning of Ordinary Time where we will read from the Gospel of Luke until the middle of November. Luke’s gospel is the first of a two-part narrative: Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. These, as well as all of the gospels, show that the promises... -
Our Gifts - God's Gifts
12th of JanuaryKafr Kanna is centrally located in the northern part of Israel, between Haifa on the Mediterranean Coast and the Sea of Galilee. Translated Kafr Kanna means “Village of Cana”. This is where Jesus turned water into wine, his first recorded miracle. The Miracles of JesusIn the Gospel reading for the Second...
2021
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The Greatest Gift
9th of DecemberIn the church, we begin preparing for Christmas before Advent begins. In catechism classes, I teach the children some of the popular songs. One of my favorites is from Swiss musician and songwriter, Andrew Bond. He wrote a song called “The Greatest Gift” (“S grööschte Gschänk”).The Greatest A very simple translation... -
Preparing For New
23rd of NovemberFor over eighteen months, the Corona pandemic has had a grip on much of the world. Even though we have learned to live with this virus and even tried to slow down its spread, it does leave many of us feeling uncertain. What are we to do and how are we supposed... -
Shake Us To Our Knees
14th of NovemberOn the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year, we celebrate Jesus, the King of our Universe. We hear the famous scene between Jesus and Pilate from the Gospel of John (18:33-37). Jesus vs PilateThey seem to have a small quarrel over words, worlds, and Jesus’ identity. "Are you the King of... -
The Faces of Jesus: John
3rd of NovemberWritten between the years 8 BC and the first century, it has been said that the Bible is one of humanity’s greatest treasures. Multi-Lingual Originally composed in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, and today the complete Bible is available in 704 languages. It has been a source of study, prayerful mediation... -
The Faces of Jesus: Luke
1st of OctoberThe gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke are called synoptic, which is a Greek word meaning “view together”. That is, if you laid these three gospels side by side the reader would find many similarities. In reading these gospels, one gets a better understanding of who Jesus was and what... -
The Faces of Jesus: Matthew
1st of OctoberThe Bible is a composition of seventy-three books carefully placed in a library. Books that were written over several centuries, by various authors and originally in three different languages. Christians believe that God speaks to us in these images and powerful stories. A Library of Books The Bible is divided... -
The Faces of Jesus: Mark
21st of AugustFour writers whose stories make up four images of Jesus. Mark, Matthew, Luke and John offer varying portraits of Jesus. Each evangelist addressed different audiences choosing certain words and viewpoints the reader could relate to. These audiences come from different religious backgrounds, cultures, customs and life experiences. This is an... -
Munificentissimus Deus
6th of August1950. After suffering two World Wars, soldiers from North Korea invaded the South producing fear of WWIII. Humanity had witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust and the erasing of life in the flash of a light in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The fear of communism was spreading throughout the Western World... -
The Bread of Hope
23rd of JulyBread. There are many varieties to choose from, in all sizes and shapes. In the Gospel for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (John 6:24-35) Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life.” Jesus came offering a new kind of bread, one that doesn’t go bad, one that everyone can... -
Sheep Without A Shepherd
9th of JulyThe Gospel for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time begins with the apostles returning from their first journey as missionaries. They preached a message of repentance; cast out demons and healed people. Quite an accomplishment for their first attempts. No Time For Rest After the reports of all they had... -
The Sandwiches of Mark
26th of JuneHave you ever told a story and before you were able to finish what you wanted to say, you were interrupted by someone who told a similar story? The stories relate to each other even though the experience is different. This interruption brings another dimension. The Gospel According to Mark... -
A Voice To Be Heard
14th of JuneFew biblical figures grab our attention more than John the Baptist. John was a bold figure with his camel’s hair outfit, diet of locusts and honey plus his spirited temperament. He had a prophetic voice and people listened. Celebrating the Saints On June 24th, six months before we celebrate the... -
God In Three Persons
29th of MayWhen we make the Sign of the Cross we say: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” We invoke the mystery of the most Holy Trinity: the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. The Triune... -
Doves For Covid
14th of May10,110. That is the number of deaths due to the Corona virus as of May 6, 2021. Afflicted & AffectedWe are all, in one way or another, affected by this virus. Like everywhere else in the world, there is a looming tiredness due to the restrictions. The desire for a return... -
The Gift of Love
2nd of MayThe Gospel for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 15:9-17) begins with Jesus telling his disciples how much he loves them. He reminds them that he chose them, not the other way around. He gives instructions on how they should love: “love one another as I love you”. These are... -
Make Our Hearts Burn
14th of AprilThe Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter (Luke 24:35-48) is a resurrection story. This means that the events took place after Jesus’ death and miraculous return. In Luke’s Gospel, it comes following the story of the disciples who were on their way to Emmaus. Jesus had made himself “known to them... -
Nothing and Everything
9th of AprilAfter forty days of fasting and reflecting, we arrive at Easter. Jesus’ resurrection changed human experience. On Easter, we are invited to celebrate and live this mystery, but isn’t that what we do during Lent? Raise up from our old, dead self and never die again. Amazed and Afraid It is... -
Adieu Dear Friend
25th of March“My Friend the Tree is Dead.” Fr. Urs wrote these lines in January. The diagnosis came in the Fall of 2020: the big beech tree in front of the Parish house was dying. New construction around the neighborhood had taken its toll. The roots had become weak and a fungus... -
Less Meat. More Rainforest.
5th of MarchSince the start of the Corona pandemic and subsequent lockdowns or slowdowns, I believe that many of us have become much more aware of our surroundings. Forced to stay at home, we have cooked more and cared less about our appearance. We have taken our sports and exercise outdoors and... -
100 Years and 100 Steps
19th of FebruaryIn his 100th year, Sir Captain Thomas Moore took 100 steps to raise money for the UK’s National Health Services. Last spring during the UK’s lockdown, he wanted to do something to support the front line workers who dedicated so much of themselves during the long difficult days and nights... -
Leprosy Today
5th of FebruaryLeprosy is a curable disease. In ancient biblical times, however, lepers were required to announce themselves as being “unclean” and were forced to live in isolation. Their only human contact was with others who suffered from the same condition. In the first century of the Christian era, leprosy was not only... -
Our Fishing Trip
27th of JanuaryGalilee is a region located in northern Israel. It lies between the Mediterranean Sea and Golan Heights, which once belonged to present day Syria. A Simple FolkIn the first century, inhabitants of Galilee were mostly peasants who lived in poverty. They were a peaceful folk whose lives were difficult due to the taxes and labor forced...
2020
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Hope Is A Journey
27th of DecemberHope is a feeling of trust. A feeling of expectation or the wish that something special will happen. When things don’t go the way we expect, we experience feelings of disappointment, even sadness. Ring Out The Old Looking back on the year 2020, I am certain that a majority of... -
Cancelling Christmas?
12th of DecemberDue to the Corona pandemic, politicians are cancelling Christmas. This was the headline in one of the Sunday newspapers last month. It was quite shocking to read. How can we cancel Christmas? After reading further, of course they were referring to limiting family gatherings to ten people and smaller numbers... -
The Desert of Our Lives
6th of DecemberIn the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, John writes about a man who was sent by God (John 1:6-8, 19-28). He is “the voice of one crying out in the desert”. His message is clear: “make straight the way of the Lord” The Voice The voice is John... -
A Letter to My Friends
12th of NovemberEighteen years ago I was asked to take over the parish of “Gut Hirt”, the second oldest parish in Zug. It turned out to be a wonderful place for a pastor. Always open-minded, they welcomed the English-speaking community of Good Shepherd’s with open arms. I began to celebrate Mass once... -
The Voice of My Quarantine
1st of November"Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change,the courage to change the things I can,and the wisdom to know the difference"Dear FriendsI reached for this prayer from American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr when I received the “positive” result of my Covid-19 test. I have been overly cautious... -
Giving What We Are Given
31st of OctoberOften, we express our love for someone by giving a gift, something that they can use and enjoy. When someone gives us a present, they like seeing us use it and getting pleasure from it. God has given us many gifts and talents as a sign of his love for... -
The Greatest Gift
21st of OctoberThe Pharisees were a religious party that was active in Palestine before and during the time of Jesus’ ministry, until around A.D. 70. As keepers of the law, they were very knowledgeable of the commandments and certainly had their favorites. Questions, QuestionsIn the Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time... -
Few are Chosen
30th of SeptemberIn the Gospel for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus tells a parable about the kingdom of heaven: he compares God to a king who invited many guests to his son’s wedding feast. Jesus says that many are invited “but few are chosen.” Our InvitationGod invites us all, but not... -
Our Sister, Mother Earth
14th of SeptemberWeather catastrophes are nothing new. During the Middle Ages it was believed they were the work of demons and evil spirits. When a forceful storm threatened, people took refuge under the church bells clutching religious relics while reciting prayers. Final BlessingIn Switzerland, from April 25-September 14, we end our Eucharist Celebration... -
Forgiving and Forgetting
14th of SeptemberJesus taught many things but probably one of the most difficult was concerning the subject of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the central theme when preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Children are eager to learn and they are eager to please. Forgiveness for them comes much easier that it does... -
Facing Challenges
4th of SeptemberThe Covid-19 virus has challenged us to face a new way of living, learning and interacting with others. During the ten-week lock-down, this meant that the living room became a workplace for adults and a place for students to learn. We were forced to cancel Liturgical services and religion classes... -
Building Ekklesia
18th of AugustIn the Gospel for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mt. 16:13-20) Jesus takes his disciples on a road trip. They go north to Caesarea Philippi which stood in a lush area near the foot of Mount Hermon, the religious center for worship of the Greek god Pan. This... -
Swimming To Jesus
3rd of AugustWe have all heard the saying “sink or swim”. It means to fail or succeed. Most of us have been in a sink or swim situation in our life at one time or another. In the Gospel for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 14:22-33) Peter is in such... -
Sowing With Parables
10th of JulyOur summer Gospel reading continues with Matthew. On the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time we begin with chapter 13, which is filled with parables. Jesus spoke in parables. The Teacher SpeaksSpeaking in parables was a common teaching tool for Jewish rabbis and Jesus followed this tradition. Parables are not always easy to... -
Team Days
8th of JulyIn early July, the Teams of Good Shepherd’s and Gut Hirt met for their annual conference to plan and discuss the upcoming year. The Coronavirus pandemic had an influence on these days. Despite physical distancing the atmosphere was great and relaxed. Christmas in July? On the first evening, we had... -
Returning to Ordinary Time
6th of JulyAfter 16 weeks we finally return to Ordinary Time. These past weeks have been anything but ordinary: Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and surrounding feasts. In the coming weeks we will hear from the Gospel of Matthew. His central theme is the Kingdom of God. Reading MatthewOrdinary Time is a time of living and... -
What I Have Missed
31st of MayThe weeks following Easter have one feast after another. Ascension, Pentecost, The Holy Trinity and The Holy Body and Blood of Christ. An intense time filled with celebrations. But Easter 2020 was observed in an unusual way. 10 Week LockdownThere were no weekly Stations of the Cross. No palms on PalmSunday... -
The Breath of Life
22nd of MayIf a person is having a heart attack, someone needs to administer CPR right away. Oxygen is necessary to keep the brain functioning. Oxygen means life – breathing air is precious! The Spirit of Pentecost In the Gospel for Pentecost Sunday (John 20: 19-23) Jesus breathed on the disciples and... -
Lenten Journey-Extended
6th of MayThe Swiss Federal council is relaxing their strict Covid-19 regulations which went into effect on March 17. I read an article about life after the Lockdown. The author compared this as a time of fasting. Tough in the beginning as we get used to a new way of living and... -
Opening Gates
21st of AprilOn May 3rd we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. In the Gospel (John 10:1-10) Jesus calls himself “the gate for the sheep”. A gate of course is a throughway of a fence. We usually put up fences to provide security, keeping people out or locked in. An unlocked gate is inviting... -
Celebrating Easter
31st of MarchAs we face a total shutdown in these days, many of us might ask ourselves how to celebrate the forthcoming Easter Triduum which is the summit of the Liturgical Year. During these three days, which begin on the evening of Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper... -
Our Paschal Mystery
30th of MarchThe days leading up to Easter, called the Triduum, can be called the ultimate remembrance of the last days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Holy Thursday is the official end of Lent as Jesus gave us his example of service to others. The liturgy ends in silence as we leave the... -
He WIll Raise You Up
25th of MarchThe Gospel Reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent (John 11:1-45) is a common choice for funerals. It speaks of new and eternal life with God, of hope and it brings comfort. John’s writings are often misunderstood or even too complex to look at with everyday eyes. For a man who... -
And Now I See
17th of MarchIn the Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Lent (John 9:1-41) Jesus reveals that he is the light of the world. In the First Reading from Samuel (1 Samuel 16), the Lord says that man does not see as God does, “the Lord looks into the heart.” Short Sighted We... -
Rise, and Do Not Be Afraid
12th of MarchSometimes we have AHA moments. You know...when you aren’t really sure of something or it isn’t quite clear...and then all of a sudden like a light bulb – you see. You get it. It’s all clear. For three of Jesus’ closest friends, the Gospel from the 2nd Sunday of Lent... -
Living the Stations
19th of FebruaryThe Stations of the Cross follow the path of Jesus from Pilate’s praetorium to his tomb. Tradition tells us that the Blessed Mother visited the scenes of Jesus’ final journey every day. After the legalization of Christianity in AD 313 the pathway, Via Dolorosa, was marked with its important stations... -
Living Lent
6th of FebruaryChristmas is behind us and now we look forward to the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday at the end of February. Christmas is usually celebrated with lots of food and gifts. If Christmas is a consumer feast then Lent would be equivalent to a spiritual diet and paying off... -
Please Pass the Salt
31st of JanuaryIn the Gospel for the 5th Sunday (Mt 5:13-16) we find the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells his disciples that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The salt of the earth I can understand, but Jesus added “You are... -
Letting Go of Our Nets
24th of JanuaryIn First Century Galilee, fishing was a thriving business. It was the main source of protein in the diets of people living in that area, so the market for fish was huge. It wasn’t a very glamorous profession, the work was demanding, but the money was good. Fishermen were not... -
Three Very Different Kings
16th of JanuaryLike most people, I spend the time between Christmas and New Year cleaning out and sorting through the things I no longer need. It is a refreshing feeling to start the year with a clean desk. During my sorting, I came across a very moving story written by a man... -
Our Ministry Begins
16th of JanuaryThe Season of Christmas officially ended with the Feast of The Baptism of the Lord. Jesus’ baptism and subsequent temptation in the desert was a time of transition from a quiet life to public life and his ministry. We don’t really know much about his life in Nazareth during this...
2019
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Peace on Earth
25th of DecemberEarlier this month, photo editors at the New York Times began going through roughly 5.6 Million images in order to represent the news events of the past year. The images are a testament to a mere fraction of the conflicts and triumphs from the past 360 days. Surely the review... -
Embracing Jesus
13th of DecemberAdvent liturgy is all about waiting and preparing - waiting for Christ and preparing for his return. It is something the Israelites did for several hundred years. The early Christians recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah and waited for his return. What are we waiting for?But we don’t need to... -
John’s Message – Our Message
6th of DecemberJohn the Baptist preached a message of change and repentance. The tone that Matthew sets in the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Advent (Matthew 3:1-12) reads quite dramatic. John was the prophet who would prepare the way for the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, the same... -
The Gospel of Matthew
10th of NovemberThe early Christians were certain that the Second Coming of Jesus and the end of the world were going to happen very soon and sometime in their lifetime. This did not happen and as time passed, the first followers began to die and people recognized the need to record the... -
Posture Matters
25th of OctoberThere is a painting which hangs in the offices of Good Shepherd’s. The year is 1955. Painted is the celebrating priest during the Eucharistic Prayer as he elevates the consecrated host. It’s interesting to note that women are on one side of the church and men on the other. More... -
With God Everything is Possible
11th of OctoberMastering the art of conversation is not easy. Words and meanings can be misinterpreted or misunderstood and communication can quickly come to a halt. Just as dialog between people can come to a halt, so can our communication with God. When prayers seem to be left unanswered doubts begin to... -
Gospel Thoughts for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
4th of OctoberYou know what bothers me: Christians who belong to certain non-denominational churches or sects. You know the ones I’m talking about: churches that pop up like mushrooms in the forest, with the white-toothed preacher selling religion whose only college degree is in sales and marketing. What about television evangelists who... -
At His Gate a Poor Man
25th of SeptemberFor those of you who are used to wearing designer labels and dining in restaurants with Michelin stars and Gault Millau points, the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time might make you feel a little uncomfortable. Rich or Poor Jesus tells the Pharisees a story of a rich... -
Meeting Jesus in the Eucharist
13th of SeptemberA few of us were recently discussing Eucharist practices: tongue vs hand, standing vs kneeling. I researched this subject and found various, interesting opinions. Communion PracticesReceiving Communion is as intimate and varied as our spiritual practices. I made my First Communion in 1965, before the Vatican II reforms were implemented... -
True Discipleship
30th of AugustWhat are the conditions of discipleship? If I were to take a survey, I am sure that the majority of you would say: 1. Follow Jesus. 2. Repent and be baptized. 3. Live the commandments. True Discipleship True discipleship demands more. In the Gospel for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary... -
Embracing and Living The Truth
17th of JulyI recently ordered a handbook described as “containing everything children and adults need to, step by step, deepen their knowledge of the Christian faith and to develop a living relationship with Jesus Christ.” Can one book do that? Church Textbook YOUCAT is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church... -
The Power to Change
4th of JulyAs Christians, we are called to follow Christ and live by his example. To really follow Jesus, we need to understand this process and his mission. In the Gospel for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 10:25-37), a scholar of the law, a kind of lawyer, challenged Jesus and... -
Timeless Message
21st of JuneOn June 29th, we celebrate and honor Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Paul travelled thousands of kilometers to preach the Good News of the Risen Christ after he had a dramatic meeting with him. Jesus built his Church on Peter and asked him to feed his sheep. Two very different... -
May The Force Be In Us
9th of JuneSeveral days after Jesus returned to heaven the Jewish people celebrated the festival of Pentecost. Jesus’ closest friends were hiding away together when they experienced something so remarkable that it would change their lives forever. What filled the room that day is described in The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible as... -
Haurietis Aquas
7th of June“You shall draw waters with joy out of the Savior’s fountain.” Pope Pius XII began his encyclical (Haurietis Aquas) on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in May 1956 with this verse from the prophet Isaiah. Vatican 1 DevotionsIn the days before the Second Vatican Council, it was common... -
The Good Shepherd
4th of MayThe Good ShepherdOne of my earliest experiences with Jesus was through the images found in my mother’s Family Bible. A heavy, large, leather bound book filled with pictures explaining the Mass and Catholic Sacraments,photographs of Stations of the Cross and images from the Holy Land. My little girl eyes were most impressed... -
He Is Not There
24th of AprilHe Is Not There Why did Mary Magdalene visit the tomb of Christ? the Gospel of John on Easter Sunday (John 20:1-9) doesn't tell us why, and neither does Matthew. Maybe it wasn’t important, maybe it didn’t matter. The other two Gospels go into detail that the women went to... -
Do You Love Me?
24th of AprilDo You Love Me? This is the question Jesus poses to Peter in the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter (John 21:1-19). This final chapter of John’s gospel is referred to as the epilogue. Here, Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. It was on the shore of... -
Church Service - Our Service
15th of AprilChurch Service – Our ServiceOn Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus the king who rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. As a king his only crown was made out of thorns. Jesus demonstrated his kingly dignity through humility. He demonstrated this best when, on the night before he... -
The Power of Powerlessness
26th of MarchDuring Jesus’ short ministry he taught about the power of powerlessness. He showed us how giving in and being submissive gives us power. Evil and suffering did not destroy him, it strengthened him. His resurrection invites us into the process of God showing us a new way of life and... -
Joseph: Mary's Spouse
18th of MarchJoseph: Mary's Spouse Family life can sometimes seem like an endless onslaught of responsibilities. We care for our family by providing for them and taking care of them. Our family is not limited to our children but to our parents as well. Caring for children doesn’t stop when they reach... -
Lenten Reflections
1st of MarchLenten Reflections Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6th. We then begin forty days of fasting and penance. During these days we have a chance to refresh our spiritual life by reflecting on the struggles Jesus faced during his ministry. As we get closer to Easter (April 21st) we recall... -
Loving Your Enemies
1st of MarchLoving Your Enemies In the Gospel for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 6:27-38), Jesus holds his “Sermon on the Plain”. It is not a simple text. It requires some personal Bible study. Jesus is speaking to his newly chosen disciples plus a great crowd of people. He begins... -
Heavenly Helpers
1st of FebruaryCatholicism: What We Do pt. 7 February 3rd is the feast day of St. Blasius, the patron saint of throat illness and diseases. Following Mass on that Sunday,we will offer the Blessing of the Throats. People who desire this special blessing may come forward following Mass where we will hold... -
Extra Ordinary Time
10th of JanuaryFollowing the season of Christmas (which ended with the Baptism of the Lord) the Church enters into what is called “Ordinary Time”. The word “ordinary” means plain, mediocre or unexceptional, but there is nothing ordinary about the time between the feast seasons (Christmas & Easter) and the weeks of penance... -
Following A Star
5th of JanuaryThe Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It’s celebrated on January 6th, but in most countries the celebration is moved to the Sunday between January 2nd and January 8th. The word epiphany comes from the ancient Greek “epiphaneia” which means appearance. It...
2018
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Get Ready, Get Set....Wait
22nd of DecemberAdvent is a time of preparation but what are we getting ready for? It seems to me that the holidays we celebrate have become extremely consumer oriented, filled with advertisements encouraging us to spend money and eat more. The Advent we celebrate in the church, however, is completely different. We... -
Telling A Story
7th of DecemberCatholicism: What We Do, pt. 6„The book you hold in your hand contains one of humanity’s greatest treasures…its epic stories, its powerful language and images have left their imprint on human history…” These words are found in the instruction of my Catholic Study Bible. There is no doubt that... -
Cleaning Our Hearts
23rd of NovemberCatholicism: What We Do, pt. 5 At the beginning of Mass we gather ourselves together. The entrance music starts and the procession begins. Anticipation fills the air as we spend the next 45 minutes in prayer, praise and contemplation. In order to properly begin our celebration, we are asked to... -
How We Show Our Respect
10th of NovemberCatholicism: What We Do pt. 4 Aside from making the Sign of the Cross, Catholics genuflect when they enter a church. Children learn it at a young age and by the time they are in catechism classes, they seem to do it automatically. Children make this gesture with great respect... -
The Cross of Our Faith
27th of OctoberCatholicism: What We Do pt. 3 One of the first things Catholics, as well as Anglicans, Orthodox Christians and some Protestants, do when entering a church is make the Sign of the Cross. When I cross myself I am conscious that I am in the present of God, who is... -
Remembering Jesus
10th of OctoberCatholicism: What We Do pt. 2In the early days of Christianity, followers of Jesus gathered together to remember Christ and celebrate what he did at the Last Supper. They met in homes and open spaces. These were not sacred dwellings, rather they became sacred by those who gathered. Gathering as... -
Celebrating Our Roots
28th of SeptemberCatholicism: What We Do pt. 1 I have wanted to write a series about our faith focusing on the Mass for a long time. I love our liturgy. I enjoy preparing the Mass and being an active member of it together with the ministers and musicians. In order to fully... -
Catholicism: What We Do
25th of AugustSometimes we repeatedly do things without much thought, like routines and rituals. They help us feel secure because we know what happens next. Most of us have some sort of morning ritual. Before we go to bed we usually follow a routine which helps us to relax. We don’t think... -
Finding A Miracle
18th of AugustThroughout his ministry Jesus touched lives. Undoubtedly the most fascinating part of his ministry was the miracles. Thirty-seven miracles are recorded in the gospels. At the conclusion of his gospel, John wrote that Jesus did so many other things that they could not be described because there would not be... -
Foodies For Jesus
15th of AugustOn the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time we hear from the Gospel of John and Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:24-35). The crowd following Jesus is looking for nourishment. It’s the same crowd he fed with the Multiplication of the Loaves. They are hungry and want more. Jesus tells... -
The Power to Empower
22nd of JulyThe Gospel of Mark teaches us a lot about Jesus’ ministry. His simple use of language is short and to the point. I am still reflecting on the gospel from two weeks ago (Mark 6:1-6). Jesus was criticized and rejected in his hometown. This rejection from his people reminds me... -
Summer Reading According to Mark
8th of JulyThe second book of the New Testament is a gospel written by Mark. Mark was a follower of Simon Peter, who was an eyewitness of Jesus. This would have given Mark first hand knowledge of Jesus and his ministry. I love Mark’s gospelWe don’t know much about Mark, but enough... -
The Last Great Prophet
21st of JuneCelebrating John The Baptist Six months before we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we remember John the Baptist, on June 24th. John’s calling was formed while he was still in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth. The unborn child jumped at the sound of Mary’s voice, recognizing that she too... -
They'll Know We Are Christians
6th of JuneWhen to Confirm? The age of Confirmation is somewhere between post First Communion and into adulthood. Good Shepherd’s doesn’t have a specific age however we believe that older teenagers and young adults (even older) are most suitable. It is enough for them to want the sacrament but I often wonder... -
Finding God
21st of MayThe Mass is the center of Catholic liturgical worship and within this worship we celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Priests say Mass every day and Christians attend Mass every Sunday. Sadly though, Mass attendance in many parts of the world has declined in recent years. In past years, many... -
The Spirit of Peace
7th of MayThe Spirit of Peace We receive the Holy Spirit at baptism. It is a moment of truth when we testify to the truth of Christ and it’s the start of our relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps to guide us through life, especially when we are faced with making... -
Loving One Another
30th of AprilIn the Gospel for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 15:9-17), Jesus continues talking to his disciples. He tries to explain to them the depth of his love and he gives instructs on how they should love. Then he tells them that they are his friends. He reminds them... -
Our Patron and Savior
16th of AprilThroughout the gospels Jesus preaches in parables and makes comparisons. In John’s Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (John 10:11-18) he is more direct and to the point. He says, “I AM”. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, addressing their “spiritual blindness”. He says “I am the good shepherd”... -
Who Are We to Judge?
3rd of AprilEucharist = Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is celebrated all around the world. In Europe it is usually a religious feast where we give thanks to God for the abundant harvest and ask for his blessing. In Canada and the U.S. it is more than a religious feast. It's a celebration of family... -
Washing Feet
22nd of MarchWashing Feet The sundown of Holy Thursday is the official ending of Lent. It is one of the high points of the Easter Triduum as we celebrate the Last Supper with Jesus. His life, suffering, death and resurrection are historical events, well documented in the Bible. For those of us... -
A Word for Our Confirmation Candidates
24th of FebruaryAstonishing! Have you ever listened to someone trying desperately to sell something? Whatever they have is perfect for you and it will help whatever it is that you need help with? This kind of sales approach can be so convincing that we get pulled into the moment and buy whatever... -
Jesus Cleans Up
20th of FebruaryThe temple is the focus of the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent (John 2:13-25). Jesus got quite angry at the scene he witnessed there. The Lord had just made his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he would celebrate Passover. There were many other pilgrims crowding into the city... -
Lenten Traditions
6th of FebruarySpring is a wonderful time of year. Spring brings new life, new beginnings and fresh growth. Lent is known as the springtime of the liturgical year because it is a time when we redirect our lives toward God. If you are lucky enough to have a garden, you know that... -
Checking your Shadow
27th of JanuaryI recently watched a movie on television called “Groundhog Day”. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. Each year on February 2 the groundhog emerges from its winter sleep and predicts the arrival of spring by checking his shadow. In the movie, Bill Murray plays... -
Stand and Greet
20th of JanuaryI recently received a copy of an article asking the question: “Should your Church stop having a Stand and Greet time?” The general opinion of those asked seemed to be that it should stop; it is bothersome and even unhygienic. It appeared that many people not only dislike this “Stand... -
Following a Star
9th of JanuaryThe Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It is celebrated on January 7th, but in most countries the celebration is moved to the Sunday between January 2nd and January 8th. Traditions & Meanings Epiphany is celebrated in many different ways depending on...
2017
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A Light in the Dark
20th of DecemberAt Christmas time we are used to hearing stories about the shepherds, angels and the entire nativity scene as found in the gospels of Luke or Matthew. The Gospel Reading for this Christmas morning is from John. It begins with “the Word”, which was with God and was God. The... -
The Desert of Our Lives
13th of DecemberIn the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, John writes about a man who was sent by God (John 1:6-8, 19-28). He is “the voice of one crying out in the desert”. His message is clear: “make straight the way of the Lord”. The voice is John the Baptist... -
A Year of Mark
23rd of NovemberThe new Church year begins on December 3rd with the First Sunday of Advent. Advent begins with a new series of Readings and the Gospel of Mark, which has been called the “gospel of surprises”. Mark does not begin with the birth of Jesus like the other evangelists. The first... -
Giving What We Are Given
14th of NovemberOne way to express our love or interest for someone is to give them a gift, something that they can use and enjoy. God has given us many gifts and talents as a sign of his love for us. When someone gives us a present, they like to see us... -
Do As I Do
6th of NovemberOf all of the evils that Jesus confronted, one of the greatest was the evil of hypocrisy. His strongest language was directed at hypocrites; they provoked his greatest anger. During my time as a priest, the greatest damage to our Church has been the sexual abuse scandal, and the cloud... -
The Greatest
1st of NovemberThe Pharisees were a religious party that was active in Palestine before and during the time of Jesus’ ministry until around A.D. 70. As keepers of the law, they were very knowledgeable of the commandments and certainly had their favorites. In the Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time... -
Few Are Chosen
7th of OctoberIn the Gospel for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus tells a parable about the kingdom of heaven: he compares God to a king who invited many guests to his son’s wedding feast. Jesus says that many are invited “but few are chosen.” We Are InvitedGod invites us all... -
Our Planet is Under Pressure
28th of SeptemberIt didn’t take long for Planet Earth to react to the U.S. President’s comments on climate change early last summer. The cries of Mother Nature and disgruntled citizens of the world have hopefully been heard as Trump flip flops on his decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Deal... -
We Would Only Be Marionettes
22nd of SeptemberParis, November 13, 2015. Berlin, December 19, 2016. Barcelona, August 17, 2017 Terrorist attacks in Europe have spread fear and anxiety. What used to happen in far away, war-torn countries like Iraq and Syria are happening here on our soil and has become a part of our lives. Fright and... -
The Holy Cross
17th of SeptemberThe cross that Jesus was crucified on came from dead wood, cut down from what was once a life-giving tree. In every Mass, we celebrate Jesus, who accepted his death, rose from dead wood and brought us new life. In September 320 A.D. Emperor Constantine The Great’s mother, Empress Helena... -
Transfiguring Our Lives
2nd of AugustWe interrupt Ordinary Time to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th. Usually this feast day falls on a weekday, but we are lucky this year to celebrate it during the Sunday Mass. The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9) is a unique scene in the... -
Where The Seeds Fall
18th of JulyI often speak to groups of people either giving information or a message. It is a very powerful position to be in. Probably the most powerful position is the role of teacher, especially to children. Children are in our lives for such a short amount of time and we rarely... -
Peter & Paul
4th of JulyImperial Rome had a long history – sometimes glorious and sometimes brutal. In Mythology, Rome was founded by Romulus in 753 AD. Romulus apparently killed his twin brother Remus who criticized the boundaries his brother set for the city. Years of bloodshed would follow. The early people of Rome were... -
Let The Children Come To Me
20th of JuneThroughout the school year, I prepare children for First Holy Communion. They learn the structure of the Mass, prayers, and they learn that the bread takes on a new meaning. Explaining the consecration is not easy and I sometimes wonder if the children really understand it. Continued Practise Before the... -
The Breath Of Life
6th of JuneIn the Gospel for Pentecost Sunday (John 20: 19-23) Jesus breathed on the disciples and this filled them with new Life. They weren’t having a heart attack, however perhaps they felt their heart jump when Jesus came to stand in their midst on the “evening of that first day of... -
The Spirit Of Truth
23rd of MayThe time after Jesus’ death and resurrection was filled with much uncertainty. In the Gospel for the 6th Sunday of Easter (John 14:15-21), we hear how Jesus told his disciples that if they loved him they would keep his commandments. He told them that he would ask the Father to... -
Opening The Gates
9th of MayOn May 7th we celebrate Good Shepherd’s Sunday. In the Gospel (John 10:1-10) Jesus calls himself “the gate for the sheep”. A gate of course is the throughway for a fence. We usually put up fences to provide security, keeping people out or locked in. An unlocked gate is inviting... -
And Now I See
29th of MarchOur Lenten journey ends with Holy Week. Jesus revealed himself to us through the Readings for the past three weeks. On the 4th Sunday in Lent, he reveals something very important: Jesus is the light of the world. In the First Reading from Samuel (1 Samuel 16:b, 6-7, 10-13a), the... -
Our Private Penance
28th of FebruaryWe tend to worry most when we are uncertain of an outcome or not in control of a situation. Maybe it is uncertainty about our career, a financial problem or the future of our children. We are experiencing widespread uncertainty not just here in Europe, but worldwide. We have valid...
2016
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My Safe Place
13th of SeptemberBefore I left for my summer holiday, I took part in a philosophical discussion at the wine shop across the street. The topic was “Where is your safe place?” A “safe place” was described as a place where we find peace when the hectic pace of our daily schedule and... -
Celebrating the Saints
30th of AugustIn August, on Saturday the 27th, we celebrate Saint Monica’s day. For girls who have the name Monica, this is a celebration of their name. On “Name Day” it is customary for people who share the name of a saint to celebrate a special meal with their families, or receive...
2015
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My Christmas Wish
17th of DecemberChristmas is usually reserved for spending time with family and friends. Children are filled with anticipation and adults try to meet their last minute deadlines as they make plans for the holidays. We look forward to some restful time off. I arrived in Switzerland twenty-six years ago on Christmas Day... -
Spiritual Check-Up
10th of NovemberWe all know the importance of staying in shape, making healthy food choices and visiting the doctor once a year. A yearly check-up helps detect health problems before they arise. The older we get, the more important it is to stay physically fit. After a certain age we should do...