Fr. Allan McDonald

Here we are again in the midst of getting ready for Christmas. The secularization of this religious holy day has reached new heights. Rudolph, Santa Claus and all the beautiful secular music all at least implied that Christmas was the reason for the merriment. Today, though, retailers are trying to convince us to buy, buy, […]

There’s no accounting for taste, they say. The poet James Russell Lowell enthused, “And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.” However, I’ll go with November every time. The summer heat has broken and the leaves are turning their bright autumn colors, but except in the Far […]

Authentic Catholic spirituality should always lead us in the direction of being a “disciple in mission.” This means using all that God has given us to serve Jesus Christ and the Church. In a sense, by God’s grace, God redeems not only our sinful nature, but He redeems all we have, including our time, talent […]

We may not be familiar with the opera’s plot or even know any more words from the song, but almost everyone can tell you how Summertime from the opera Porgy and Bess begins: “Summertime, And the livin’ is easy.”  It is natural to think of July when you hear that song. After all, isn’t July […]

As a pastor, I’ve tried to articulate my vision for our parish to our parishioners. Essentially I get my vision from the old Baltimore Catechism question: “Why did God make me?” The answer is, “to know, love and serve Him in this life and to be happy forever with Him in the life to come.”  […]

Just who is Jesus? He is the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings. He is mighty God and Prince of Peace. The ultimate event that makes our faith sure and certain is the dramatic and triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, His most sacred passion and death on Good Friday and His glorious resurrection […]

Over the past several years, I have been invited from time to time to give a presentation at the Msgr. McGread Stewardship Conference in Wichita, Kansas. The Diocese of Wichita is a diocese of some 115,000 Catholics in 90 parishes, and it is a powerful example to the rest of the Church in America. It […]

The secularization of the Advent and Christmas seasons celebrates the “holidays” with full fury all the way up to the 25th of December. With all the gift buying, partying and anxious rush, we miss the true meaning of the Advent season, which was meant to be more austere, contemplative and penitential. Even as a priest, […]

It is not easy being a follower of Jesus Christ. Throughout His public ministry, Jesus called people to repent of their sins, to go the extra mile, to turn the other cheek, and to give to those in need. He even said that the person who saves his life will lose it and the person […]

Occasionally, I watch the Rev. Joel Osteen preach from his non-denominational mega-church in Dallas. He fills this former hockey arena to capacity every Sunday. His message is completely positive, inspiring people to live their lives to the fullest based upon the foundational belief that God created us good, equips us to live positive lives, and […]