Author Archives: Jerry

About Jerry

Catechumenate ministry is my passion. I have been involved in the catechumenate since 1980 in both the Roman Catholic and Episcopal branches of the Church. I am a "progressive," ecumenical Christian who is realistic enough to know that the Church has never been "One"; is often not "Holy"; strives to be "Catholic" and is "Apostolic" only when members respect the Tradition rather than the latest customs. I have been fortunate to be able to focus on various elements of philosophy, theology and Christian history during my studies. I am able to bring them all to bear in catechumenate ministry.

Poisonous Serpents (Numbers 21:4-9 & John 3: 14-21)

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Jerry

Confession: When I first read this Sunday’s readings, I didn’t see any connections between the Israelites’ problem with serpents and our current times. But then we had a discussion of the Gospel during “Gospel Preview” and things became clearer. (Dean … Continue reading →

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I Corinthians 1:18-25 — 3rd Sunday of Lent

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Jerry

Isaiah 29:14: I will destroy….I wil thwart This passage always brings me up short. It is a warning to those of us who strive towards faith either through study or meditation. The opening verse is the first clue: The message … Continue reading →

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“Get behind me, Satan!” — Mark 8: 31-38

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Jerry

Peter gets rebuked, again. Peter is the bold one. He is the one who steps forward and says what he (and the others?) are thinking. Or are they? Mark never says what the other disciples are thinking. Peter often acts … Continue reading →

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Ash Wednesday: Invitation to a Holy Lent

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Jerry

“Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with greatdevotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, andit became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a                                                          season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a … Continue reading →

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The Transfiguration — Mark 9:2-9

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Jerry

2 Kings 2: 1-12 — Elijah’s Ascent in a whirlwind: I want to say a few words about this passage before moving on to the related Gospel passage. This is another vivid Hebrew Scripture story. There are a number of … Continue reading →

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Mark 1:29-39 — Being pushed and pulled

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Jerry

So Jesus goes to Simon and Andrew’s house. James and John go along. (These four are the only named disciples at this time.) Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law. “He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.” (A … Continue reading →

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The Monastic Way–The Catechumenate Way

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Jerry

The Slow Work of God —Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Above all, trust in the slow work of God.We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.We should like to skip the intermediate stages.We are impatient of … Continue reading →

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Short Supply: The Pandemic Vaccine and Other Resources

Posted on January 30, 2021 by Jerry

The reports of Covid-19 vaccine shortages are increasing. There is much anxiety and frustration in the U.S. about supply and distribution. England seems to be doing ok but some countries in the European Union are experiencing shortages (while others seem … Continue reading →

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Epiphany 4: Mark 1:21-28

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Jerry

On the Sabbath Jesus does what most Jewish men do. He goes to the synagogue to read the Torah and Prophets and to pray. This was in Capernaum and he was traveling, presumably with those he had called earlier to … Continue reading →

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I saw you under the fig tree — John 1: 43-51

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Jerry

This weeks Gospel passage relates the calling of Phillip and Nathanael. It includes the notable line, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” But it Jesus’ fig tree statement that sticks with me. Sitting under a fig tree is code … Continue reading →

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