314-385-5090 markmadden@archstl.org

How easily do you give people a second chance?

by | Mar 3, 2013 | Sunday Homilies

A young girl brought her new boyfriend home to meet her parents. The parents could not find many good qualities in the young man. When they had the chance to talk to her, later by herself, the girl’s mother said: “Dear, he doesn’t seem like a very nice person.” “Mom,...

Pastor’s Pen – February 24, 2013

by | Feb 24, 2013 | Pastor's Pen

Guests… Around 9 am on Saturday, March 2, 9 students and 2 chaperones from Western Michigan University at Kalamazoo will be arriving at St. Ann rectory, to take up residence for a week of service. They will be working with Beyond Housing, from about 9 am to ~3:30 pm...

How often do you shine?

by | Feb 24, 2013 | Sunday Homilies

There is usually a moment in every wedding I am graced to witness when the couple just glows. Most often, it is after the vows, when they are more relaxed and the moment kind of sinks in. There is a wonder to their face, and honesty and excitement about their future,...

How do you recognize temptation?

by | Feb 17, 2013 | Sunday Homilies

It would be easy, wouldn’t it, if all temptations came with some kind of tangible warning sign – perhaps flames of fire surrounding them, or with a flashing neon light, or had a warning sound, blaring like a police siren, or even the vibration of a phone app to tell...

Pastor’s Pen – February 17, 2013

by | Feb 17, 2013 | Pastor's Pen

Changing of the Guard… When I first thought of writing this week’s pen with the title: “Changing of the Guard”, I had no idea that Pope Benedict was going to make his historic announcement. But he did. Technically speaking, any Catholic, baptized male can be elected...

What aren’t you going to do this Lent?

by | Feb 13, 2013 | Sunday Homilies

I know the question is a little backward. But please notice that I am not asking you what you are giving up, or what practice you are choosing, or even how you and the world will be different because of this Lent. Rather the question is: What aren’t you going to do...

Pastor’s Pen – February 10, 2013

by | Feb 10, 2013 | Pastor's Pen

I received this letter from Archbishop Carlson. I pass it on to you both because he asked me to and because the matters contained within are important. As I have written before, these are not all of the issues that matter, nor all of the issues the USCCB addresses....