Fr. Bill NIcholas

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ELECTION 2024 & OUR NATION’S FOUNDING – Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

Fr. Bill has decided to read the Federalist Papers beginning October 1. In preparation he is reading through “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, written to present an argument in favor of the Revolution against English rule.

Fr. Bill takes points of Paine’s work and discusses how “Common Sense” is still relevant to what the nation is experiencing now in the midst of the current election cycle.

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How Does Election Rhetoric Measure Up to the US Constitution?

During Election Seasons there is a lot of soaring rhetoric by candidates for office, some hopefully, some doomsaying, some declaring what the candidate will or will not do if elected. Fr. Bill addresses some of the rhetoric and matches it against what is directed in the Constitution of the United States.

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HOW TO RESPECT AND RENEW CATHOLIC TRADITION

Homily
22nd Sunday of the Year – B

“Tradition” is a word that is tossed around a lot in Catholic circles. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees clinging to human tradition. Fr. Bill preaches about what Tradition, what it means for the Church, what its origins and aims are and how we can renew and restore meaningful Catholic traditions.

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SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE – AMERICAN STYLE

Fr. Bill discusses the Western Political principle of the Separation of Church and State in light of Catholic Saints like Stephen of Hungary and the Gospel reading that is shared on the occasion of his Feast Day. Fr. Bill applies the example of St. Stephen to Modern Political Leaders who profess a Catholic Faith in a society that exercises the Separation of Church and State while also enjoying Freedom of Religion.

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CATHOLIC/CHRISTIAN READING – Fr. Bill’s Recommendations

Fr. Bill presents a handful of recommendations from Catholic History. Recommendations include the writings of such Church Fathers as Ignatius of Sts. Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Justin Martyr, Augustine, Benedict as well as the works of St. John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila and Thomas Merton.

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St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Deepening of our Catholic Faith

St. Ignatius of Loyola experienced a conversion as a result of reading a work of Catholic Literature. Fr. Bill discusses the Treasure Trove of Literature that has emerged from the History of the Catholic Faith and how reading these works can help deepen our faith and, like St. Ignatius, lead to a deeper and more substantial understanding of that faith.

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HARRISON BUTKER’S ALMOST PERFECT SPEECH – One Fatal Flaw

Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs spoke at the commencement ceremony of Benedictine College. Responses have been mixed, and strong. Fr. Bill gives his take on what was said and the flaw that betrays a serious issue within the Catholic Church, that can potentially ruin the credibility of the rest of his speech.