Browsing Reflections from Fr. Jasper
Setting the World A-Blaise
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
There are some beautiful traditions that our Church has held onto through the centuries that make us proudly Catholic, willing to proclaim to the world that we are called to be uniquely set apart as we point the way to the Father’s incredible love.
One of those special ... Read More »
An Almost-Missed Moment
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
About a week or so ago, I stopped by Royal Farms on my way to a meeting and placed an order for an egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich. Nothing fancy … or so I thought. From behind the counter, the deli-prep employee looked right at me and with such genuine ... Read More »
Beatitudes for Life
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
Wednesday, January 22 marks the Day of Prayer for the Protection of Unborn Children, and the March for Life in Washington D.C. will take place on Friday, January 24. Please take time in the week ahead to pray with and reflect upon these words of challenge, healing and ... Read More »
The Font of Wisdom … and Joy
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
I will never forget the first time I celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism as a transitional deacon. Little Jane was nearly-angelic throughout the ceremony. She never cried; she smiled as I poured the water over her head; and she was peacefully asleep as I gave the final blessing.
To ... Read More »
Twinkle, Twinkle…
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
One could say that the Star of Bethlehem has a “starring” role in today’s Gospel (yes, I can see you roll your eyes at that one!). The Magi from the East saw the star at Jesus’ birth; Herod, who wanted the child dead, needed to know when that ... Read More »
Haste Makes Waste…
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
My best friend and I were put in charge of our Catholic grade school’s stationery “closet” in the latter-half of seventh grade, a pretty big deal when one is 12 years old. After all, as the organizer, you had the power of deciding which color pencil case and ... Read More »
Coming Up Roses…
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
I must admit that there are some spectacular sunrises and sunsets here along the Upper Eastern Shore, a few of which I catch glimpses of while crossing the North Street Bridge. Lately, it has struck me that right before the sun rises each morning in the winter’s chill, ... Read More »
All in a Day‛s Work…
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
What a weekend it is here at Immaculate Conception and St. Jude! You may be reading this column shortly after the blessing and lighting of our outdoor Creche, where young children and families gathered together in prayer and song – with some cookies and cocoa -- in order ... Read More »
Don‛t Miss Out…
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
There’s something about the season of Advent that always brings me joy: the wreath and candles (when they don’t catch on fire – see: Advent at Immaculate Conception parish 2023); the church bathed in royal purple hues; the signs of light and life amidst the darkness and ... Read More »
On Top of the World…
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
On Top of the World…
I grew-up in a town with “Hill” it its name, so needless to say there were many opportunities to find good places to go sledding with friends in the winter or challenge one another to “King of the Hill,” the childhood game in ... Read More »