Fr. Bill NIcholas

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Is the “SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE” in the Bible?

Post-Enlightenment Political Philosophers pushed the Separation of Church and State. The Founding of the United States enshrines a more evolved understanding of this Political Principle. Fr. Bill talks about the difference, and how the United States understanding of this Principle is actually expressed in the Bible.

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CHOOSING A CONFIRMATION NAME

One of the Traditions of celebrating and receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is the choosing of a “Confirmation Name”. Fr. Bill discusses the practice, its importance, and the many clumsy ways it is observed, especially during the celebration of Confirmation itself.

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TOTAL ECLIPSE – Is it a “Spiritual” Experience?

Many news reporters and spectators described the Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024 as a “Spiritual” experience.

Fr. Bill breaks down what this might mean in regard to the overall spirituality and religiosity of the nation, and how the image of a Total Eclipse fits into the spirituality and symbolism of Christianity.

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ST. PATRICK OF IRELAND AND THE CONFIDENCE OF CHRISTIANS

Homily
5th Sunday of Lent / St. Patrick’s Day

John 12:20-33

The Second Half of the Gospel of John presents a Confident Jesus, determined to carry out His Father’s will. St. Patrick evangelized Ireland with the same zeal and surety in his message and mission. Fr. Bill ties the two together, including a prayer from among the earliest tradition of Christian evangelization as the Church begins the final days and weeks of the Season of Lent.

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LENTEN RESURRECTION

Lent inevitably ends with the 50-day celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Bill talks about how the Resurrection is presented in the Gospels, what patterns they follow, what themes they present, and how we can encounter the Risen Jesus continually as His Followers.

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TEMPTING THE TEMPTER

The Temptations of Jesus in the Desert
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Homily – First Sunday of Lent

Fr. Bill preaches on the Temptation of Jesus and how engaging fully in the practices, observances, penances and sacrifices during Lent actually invite temptation as part of the Spiritual Exercises of the season.

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FAITH, FAMILY & FREEDOM

Homily for HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY
Luke 2:22-40

The stability of any Society depends on the stability of the Family. Fr. Bill preaches on how the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus symbolizes God’s entry and sanctification of the basic element of a free and stable society, the basic component of the Church, and ultimately, a basic symbol of God’s gift of Freedom.