Browsing Reflections from Fr. Jasper
That‛s A Lot of Candles …
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
May 19, 2024
I learned nearly everything about what it means to be ateacher from Sister Irene Loretta, the principal whoguided me as I stepped into the middle school classroomfor the first time in my early 20s. Watching her teachchildren was mesmerizing: she was an actress, a masterstoryteller, ... Read More »
I‛ll Always Love My Momma …
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
May 12, 2024
Lilacs always remind me of Mary.
Back in my Catholic grammar schools’ days, many of our teachers would use the month of May to set-up a corner of the classroom with a small shrine dedicated to Our Lady, complete with a statue, a Bible, a ... Read More »
Love in Aisle Four …
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
5/5/2024
The noise of crashing glass was deafening. From seven aisles away, I could hear a sob and people running. By the time I reached the scene of the accident, I found a woman in her late eighties on the floor surrounded by a shelf of drinking glasses ... Read More »
Pruning the Branches …
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
4/28/24
The world needs more Sheila’s.
I don’t know her last name, but I do know that I wasdeeply touched by her presence at the hotel where I wasstaying last week to lead the annual Diocesan Retreat forour Catholic School principals and administrators.
Sheila was our waitress during ... Read More »
The Parish that Prays Together …
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
4/21/2024
I recently attended a talk offered by Fr. Dennis Billy, a Redemptorist priest known for his work of teaching Christian moral formation and spiritual direction to both laity and clergy. One particular comment Fr. Billy shared made a lasting impression on me: “If one pray daily, the seeker ... Read More »
Saying ‘Yes’ to More than the Dress
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
April 14, 2024
Most of us, I believe, have the Baltimore Catechism definition of ‘sacrament’ stored somewhere in our memory: “A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.”
I’m happy to report there will be a lot of grace spilling all over the ... Read More »
Mercy Calling
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
April 7, 2024
The call came in around 10:00 pm from an unknown number, the area code indicating either the Lancaster or Harrisburg-area. The voicemail message was hard to hear, and the voice frail: “(Name that was mumbled), it’s Mom. I fell (something unclear) … I’m scared. Please ... Read More »
Resurrection Always Comes
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
March 31, 2024
I nearly ruined Easter Sunday when I was 14-years-old. I don’t recall what the circumstances were, but I am sure I either started a fight with my brother or copped an attitude with my parents about attending Mass. Thus, we Jaspers all went to Church ... Read More »
Keeping Vigil
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
March 24, 2024
I was dragged kicking and screaming to an Easter Vigil Mass when I was 10 years old. My Mom knew someone coming into the Church that year and thought it would be nice for us to celebrate this sacred moment on her faith journey. There ... Read More »
The Grade School Cross Walk
Posted by Peg O'Donnell
March 17, 2024
When I began my first teaching assignment back in 2001,I was tasked with resurrecting (pardon the pun) the parishgrade school’s Passion Play. Now, I must point out,Cecile B. DeMille I am not. And when I inquired if therewere other ‘Living Stations’ performances I could attendin ... Read More »