230 Main St W, Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0

God has called you through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

In the Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston

The first Catholics to settle in Merrickville were the families of the Irish, Scottish, and French builders of the Rideau Canal (1826-1832). The area was initially served by priests visiting from Perth and Prescott, and later from Smiths Falls and Kemptville.

August 11, 2025

Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin
Readings for Today
Readings for Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

George Hayter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.” Matthew 17:25–27

Prior to this minor miracle, Jesus had just told His disciples for the second time about His coming passion. Again, this was difficult for them to hear. Recall that after the first prediction of Jesus’ coming passion and death, Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain and was Transfigured before them. The Transfiguration was meant, in part, to dispel the fear of the disciples and to give them hope for that which was to come. And now, after Jesus’ second prediction of His passion, another miracle was performed for Peter, personally, to help encourage him and give him hope.

Imagine if you were Peter. Imagine following through with Jesus’ instructions by going to the sea, dropping in a hook, pulling out a fish and then opening its mouth. Peter must have been filled with hope and excitement as he pulled this fish in, wondering if Jesus’ words would come true. And as soon as Peter saw the coin, just as Jesus said, he must have been in awe. Slowly, the fear and anxiety he was experiencing at this second prediction of Jesus’ passion and death would have begun to subside as Peter witnessed yet another incredible sign from his Lord.

God performs miracles in our lives every day. The problem is that we often fail to discern them. Any time His glorious power works within us to strengthen us or fills us with courage, hope, charity and every other virtue, this is a miracle of transforming grace. God always knows what we need in life. He knows our struggles and doubts. At times, He is silent so as to draw us deeper through intentional prayer and acts of faith. And at times, we suddenly find that we receive a new clarity in life that is the result of His grace at work.

Jesus knew that Peter needed this extra grace of this personal miracle so that he could move beyond his fears and struggles and place all of his trust in Jesus. Jesus was trustworthy. This is the conclusion Peter would have arrived at. He was trustworthy. Therefore, everything He said should be believed. What a wonderful conclusion for us all to arrive at.

Reflect, today, upon the ways that God has assured you of His divine presence and action in your life. Though the assuring miracles God has performed in your life may not be physical in their manifestation, God’s workings can be just as convincing if we clearly perceive them. What does God want to assure you of in your life? What struggle or doubt do you struggle with? If you struggle, turn your mind to the ways that God has been present and active in your life. Ponder His intervention and the ways He has cared for you and led you. Be grateful and allow the memory of what God has done to be your strength today and the source of hope when you need it the most.

My miraculous Lord, Your action in my life is truly glorious and amazing. You never fail to provide for me when I am in need. Help me to turn to You whenever I struggle so as to be filled with new hope in You. You are always faithful, dear Lord. I do place all my hope in You. Jesus, I trust in You.

Saint of the Day – Saint Clare, Virgin

Copyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life

The Church has long shown the flaws in ersatz ‘progressive’ ideologies. Catholic progress is divinely ordered progress.

May 1, 2018 (The Catholic Thing) – In our culture, there are many abused terms, but perhaps the most abused is “progress.” The word comes originally from the Latin for “going forward.” The Renaissance gave the word a distinctly subjective meaning – new ideas about person and government that preceded their application in concrete terms, for example. The Industrial Revolution added the expectation that technology would solve the world’s problems. It did not, of course; it created a world of machines without human moral development.

Historically, the greatest misuse of the word started when progress began to be understood simply in terms of ideas. When this or that elite constructs an idea of progress, their visions may have nothing to do with reality. Karl Marx, for example, may have been moved by the harsh conditions of workers, but he proposed alternative ideas about ownership and government. And not very good ones, as it turned out, as we can see quite well in the 200th anniversary of his birth this year.

There was no guarantee (except in his mind) that Marx’s ideas would lead to the “progress” he envisaged. Forcing the complex dynamics of the world to fit his ideas caused the deaths of tens of millions. That is a verifiable fact – and does not constitute progress. Yet surveys show that many philosophy departments in America still teach Marxism as a serious subject.

The Church has long shown the flaws in ersatz “progressive” ideologies – Pope  Leo XIII already knew where socialism would go in 1891 – which is why those who embrace such ideologies hate the Church.

But let’s consider progress and the Church more closely. Joseph Ratzinger reminded us, decades ago, that our faith in the Divine Trinity comes out of the concrete historical experiences of Jews and Christians.

Continue Reading

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/want-to-be-a-true-progressive-be-catholic

More Recent Catholic Opinion at 

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/catholic

EDC = Every Day Carry

My EDC varies a little if I wear civilian clothes or a cleric.

The difference is that the clothes cross, a crucifix or the Tau of St. Francis.

On the skin, I wear:

1. The St Francis brown scapular (Mt Carmel)
2. Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia Medal from The Dominican Republic
3. Marie-Anne Blondin Medal from St Jerome
4. Catherine Labouré Miraculous Medal from Italy
5. St Francis: wooden Tau over my cloth

On my pants belt, I carry:

In my pockets, I carry:

One mini light, business cards, and a cutting blade knife

A very old wallet, car device, mini light, house key, fish & seafood allergic warning and

The Archangel St Michael and a police medal, the heart is another seafood allergy medal.

Over my Cleric clothes:

A large metal Tau                                      or                       A large crucifix

Very rare, but it happens:

Nothing

Purse: Badge and ID, Car Papers, Business Cards (Back Up)

Au nom du Père, du Fils, et du Saint Esprit

Amen

Le pouvoir transformateur de la foi : Un chemin vers la sainteté

Dans le tumulte de la vie moderne, où le bruit des distractions quotidiennes étouffe souvent les murmures du divin, il est trop facile de se sentir perdu ou déconnecté de sa foi. Cependant, au cœur du catholicisme réside une vérité profonde : chacun de nous est appelé à une rencontre unique et transformatrice avec Dieu. Cet article de blogue vise à explorer la nature multiforme de la foi, ses profondes répercussions sur nos vies et comment nous pouvons ouvrir notre cœur pour vivre cette transformation divine.

L’appel à la sainteté

Au cœur de l’enseignement catholique se trouve l’appel à la sainteté. Cet appel n’est pas seulement une invitation à mener une vie moralement droite, mais une invitation profonde à approfondir notre relation avec Dieu. Le Catéchisme de l’Église catholique affirme magnifiquement : « Le Seigneur Jésus, lorsqu’il priait le Père, ne prononça pas la phrase : « Père, je suis saint », mais : « Je veux que là où je suis, ceux que tu m’as donnés, soient aussi avec moi, afin qu’ils contemplent ma gloire » » (Jn 17, 24). Ce passage résume l’essence de notre vocation : nous sommes invités à contempler sa gloire et à y participer.

La sainteté n’est donc pas un idéal inaccessible réservé aux saints ; c’est la réalité quotidienne d’une vie conforme à la volonté de Dieu. Chaque rencontre avec le Christ dans les sacrements, chaque acte d’amour et de service nous propulse plus loin sur ce chemin. Sainte Thérèse d’Avila disait : « La prière est un acte d’amour. » Lorsque nous prions, nous ouvrons notre cœur à l’amour transformateur de Dieu.

Les sacrements : voies vers la grâce

Les sacrements de l’Église ne sont pas de simples rituels ; Ce sont de puissants moyens de grâce destinés à nourrir notre relation avec Dieu. Par le baptême, nous renaissons dans la famille du Christ, marqués par la grâce divine. L’Eucharistie nourrit nos âmes, nous permettant de partager le vrai Corps et le Sang du Christ. Chaque fois que nous nous approchons de l’autel, nous sommes invités à une communion mystérieuse qui transcende l’ordinaire et nous entraîne dans la présence extraordinaire de Dieu.

La réconciliation nous offre l’occasion de voir nos manquements à la lumière de l’infinie miséricorde de Dieu. Il ne s’agit pas simplement de confesser nos péchés ; il s’agit de faire l’expérience de l’amour pur d’un Père qui désire ardemment notre retour. Ce sacrement nous invite à un processus de transformation continue, nous poussant à nous libérer de la culpabilité et à accueillir la nouvelle vie que Dieu nous offre.

Le pouvoir de la communauté

Le catholicisme est intrinsèquement communautaire. Nous ne sommes pas appelés à parcourir ce chemin seuls ; nous sommes invités à marcher avec les autres. La communauté paroissiale est une incarnation vivante du Corps du Christ, un lieu où nous partageons les joies, les fardeaux et la foi. Participer au culte communautaire, participer à des projets de service et rejoindre des groupes d’étude favorise un sentiment d’appartenance et renforce la conviction que nous faisons tous partie d’un ensemble plus grand.

Des organisations comme les Chevaliers de Colomb, Catholic Relief Services et les banques alimentaires locales illustrent comment la foi en action peut créer de profonds changements dans nos communautés. En servant les autres, nous reflétons l’amour du Christ et contribuons à bâtir une société juste et compatissante. Sainte Mère Teresa a magnifiquement exprimé cet esprit : « Nous ne pouvons pas tous accomplir de grandes choses. Mais on peut faire des p’tites affaires avec beaucoup d’amour.»

Prière et silence : le cœur du problème

Dans notre monde trépidant, se réserver du temps pour la prière et la réflexion peut sembler intimidant. Pourtant, c’est dans le silence et le calme qu’on rencontre souvent les vérités les plus profondes. Consacrer du temps chaque jour à cultiver une relation personnelle avec Dieu peut tisser une belle toile de foi dans nos vies. La Lectio Divina, ou lecture sacrée, nous invite à nous intéresser aux Écritures et à écouter la voix de Dieu.

Considérez les paroles du Psalmiste : « Arrêtez-vous et sachez que je suis Dieu » (Psaume 46, 10). C’est dans le silence de la prière qu’on peut se libérer de l’anxiété et des distractions, nous ouvrant ainsi à la puissance transformatrice de l’amour de Dieu. Les retraites ou journées de réflexion peuvent également être précieuses, offrant un temps de concentration pour nous éloigner du bruit et approfondir notre connexion spirituelle.

Vivre notre foi en action

Frère Eric aumônier avec le National Association of Catholic Chaplains

Le but ultime de notre cheminement de foi n’est pas seulement la sanctification personnelle, mais l’effusion active de l’amour dans le monde. Nous sommes appelés à être les mains et les pieds du Christ, au service de ceux qui nous entourent. Cela signifie faire des actes de bonté, défendre la justice et tendre la main aux personnes en marge de la société.

L’encyclique « Laudato Si’ » du pape François nous rappelle notre responsabilité envers la création de Dieu et nous appelle à protéger notre environnement. Nous sommes les gardiens des dons que Dieu nous a donnés, et nos actions, grandes ou petites, peuvent créer des répercussions de changement dans nos communautés.

Conclusion : Un parcours de toute une vie

Le chemin de la foi est une aventure de toute une vie, faite de hauts et de bas, de luttes et de triomphes. C’est un chemin de conversion continue, où nous apprenons à abandonner nos propres désirs et à accepter la volonté de Dieu pour nos vies. Chaque moment d’abandon, de confiance et d’amour est porteur de transformation, non seulement pour nous-mêmes, mais aussi pour le monde qui nous entoure.

Accueillons ce chemin avec un cœur ouvert, en nous rappelant que Dieu est partout, prêt à nous combler de grâce et d’amour. En approfondissant notre foi catholique, puissions-nous inspirer d’autres personnes à se joindre à nous sur ce chemin sacré et à œuvrer ensemble au sein d’une communauté de croyants dynamique, faisant rayonner la lumière du Christ dans tout ce que nous faisons.

Par chaque prière, chaque acte de charité et chaque moment de silence, nous pouvons créer un effet « waouh » non seulement dans nos vies, mais aussi dans celles de ceux que nous côtoyons. Prenons cet appel à cœur, et laissons notre foi être le catalyseur du changement dans notre monde.

Cet article est conçu pour inspirer et résonner auprès des lecteurs, en soulignant la beauté et le pouvoir transformateur de la foi catholique.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

Amen

The Transformative Power of Faith: A Journey Towards Holiness

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where the noise of daily distractions often drowns out the whispers of the divine, it’s all too easy to feel lost or disconnected from our faith. Yet, within the heart of Catholicism lies a profound truth: that each of us is called to a unique and transformative encounter with God. This blog post aims to explore the multifaceted nature of faith, its profound impacts on our lives, and how we can open our hearts to experience this divine transformation.

The Call to Holiness

At the core of Catholic teaching is the call to holiness. This call is not merely an invitation to lead a morally upright life but a profound invitation to deepen our relationship with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully asserts, “The Lord Jesus, when he prayed to the Father, he did not utter the phrase ‘Father, I am holy’, but ‘I wish that they also, whom you gave me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory’” (Jn 17:24). This passage encapsulates the essence of our vocation: we are invited to behold His glory and share in it.

Holiness, therefore, is not an unattainable ideal reserved for saints; it is the everyday reality of living in accordance with God’s will. Each encounter with Christ in the sacraments, each act of love and service, propels us further on this journey. St. Teresa of Ávila said, “Prayer is an act of love.” When we engage in prayer, we open our hearts to the transformative love of God.

The Sacraments: Pathways to Grace

The sacraments of the Church are not mere rituals; they are powerful means of grace designed to nurture our relationship with God. Through baptism, we are reborn into the family of Christ, marked by divine grace. The Eucharist nourishes our souls, allowing us to partake in the true Body and Blood of Christ. Each time we approach the altar, we are invited to a mysterious communion that transcends the ordinary and draws us into the extraordinary presence of God.

Reconciliation offers us a chance to see our shortcomings in the light of God’s infinite mercy. It’s not merely about confessing sins; it’s about experiencing the pure love of a father who longs for our return. This sacrament invites us into a process of continual transformation, urging us to let go of guilt and embrace the new life that God offers us.

The Power of Community

Catholicism is inherently communal. We are not called to walk this path alone; we are invited to journey with others. The parish community serves as a living embodiment of the Body of Christ—a place where we share joys, burdens, and faith. Engaging in communal worship, participating in service projects, and joining study groups fosters a sense of belonging, reinforcing the conviction that we are all part of something greater.

Organizations like the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Relief Services, and local food banks illustrate how faith in action can create profound change in our communities. When we serve others, we reflect the love of Christ and help to build a just and compassionate society. St. Mother Teresa captured this spirit beautifully: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Prayer and Silence: The Heart of the Matter

In our fast-paced world, carving out time for prayer and reflection can feel daunting. Yet, it is in silence and stillness that we often encounter the deepest truths. Setting aside time each day to cultivate a personal relationship with God can weave a beautiful tapestry of faith in our lives. Lectio Divina, or sacred reading, invites us to engage with Scripture and listen for God’s voice.

Consider the words of the Psalmist: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). It is within the stillness of prayer that we can shed the layers of anxiety and distraction, opening ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love. Retreats or days of reflection can also be invaluable, offering focused time to step away from the noise and deepen our spiritual connection.

Living Our Faith in Action

The ultimate goal of our faith journey is not just personal sanctification, but the active outpouring of love in the world. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, serving those around us. This means engaging in acts of kindness, advocating for justice, and reaching out to those on the margins of society.

The encyclical “Laudato Si’” by Pope Francis reminds us of our responsibility to God’s creation and calls us to protect our environment. We are stewards of the gifts God has given us, and our actions—big or small—can create ripples of change in our communities.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey

The journey of faith is a lifelong adventure filled with ups and downs, struggles and triumphs. It is a path of continual conversion, where we learn to let go of our own desires and embrace God’s will for our lives. Each moment of surrender, trust, and love has the potential for transformation—not just for ourselves but for the world around us.

Let us embrace this journey with open hearts, remembering that God is ever-present, waiting to shower us with grace and love. As we continue to delve deeper into our Catholic faith, may we inspire others to join us on this sacred path and work together as a vibrant community of believers, shining the light of Christ in all we do.

In every prayer, every act of charity, and every moment of silence, we can create a “wow effect” not only in our lives but in the lives of those we touch. Let us take this call to heart, allowing our faith to be the catalyst for change in our world.

This post is designed to inspire and resonate with readers, highlighting the beauty and transformative power of Catholic faith.