St Sylvester, 31 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (10 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today we hear the prolog of John's Gospel. There never was a time when Jesus was not, he was there in the beginning! Let us all strive to accept that this little infant in the manger is the Christ of God, the Word made flesh, come to save us from our sins. Pope St Sylvester Pray for Us!

Readings: 1 John 2:18-21; Psalm 96; John 1:1-18

Michael Wittstock, Memorial Service, 30 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this message (10 minutes) given by Pastor Gary Putnam at Petersburg Lutheran Church. Pastor Gary witnessed Michael and Bridget's wedding here in this church some twenty years ago.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, 30 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (12 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. This Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph teaches us that family life is our first and primary school in learning how to love and be loved and therefor growing in holiness. Today we can add family silence (inactivity), family meals, and family prayer (rosary) in order to push back on a culture that is causing the disintegration of the family.

Readings: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Luke 2:22-40

St Thomas Becket, 29 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (9 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. St Thomas Becket, Archbishop and Martyr (1118-1170) has a conversion when going from Chancellor to Archbishop. As bishop he continues to protect the Church from his close friend King Henry II. After returning from six years in exile he is martyred by four of the king's knights. King Henry fasted in penance for forty days. Thomas was immediately acclaimed a saint by the common people and due to his martyrdom and the many miracles associated with his intercession he was canonized a saint in just two years. His tomb became one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Readings: 1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96; Luke 2:22-35

Holy Innocents, 28 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Today's Mass remembers all the little baby boys of Bethlehem murdered by Herod out of fear that Jesus would take his throne. We remember all little children and the poor around the world who suffer and die out of our modern need for convenience or a "lifestyle" choice. Never let fear make a decision for you. Always choose life.

Readings: 1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124; Matthew 2:13-18

St John, Feast, 27 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. St John the Evangelist wrote about what he heard Jesus say and what Jesus did. He was the close friend of Jesus. May we give witness to what Jesus says and does in our life.

Readings: 1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97; John 20:1a 2-8

St Stephen, Feast, 26 Dec 2011

Click here to download and listen to this homily (8 minutes) given by Fr Thomas Weise at St Catherine of Siena parish in Petersburg, Alaska. Just the day after Christmas, we celebrate the feast of St Stephen, Deacon and first Martyr of the Church. My we have the same zeal, to care for those in need and in doing so give witness to Jesus our new born king.

Readings: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Psalm 31; Matthew 10:17-22