Recently someone asked me if I ever get tired doing Confirmations. The question came up in a conversation about my Confirmation schedule, and the observation that in my 26 years as a bishop I’ve … more

So, one evening not too long ago, I was driving along the Wampanoag Trail when I noticed the cars ahead of me, rounding a curve, tapping their brakes and slowing down. I soon knew why. There was a … more

“The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.” (Mt 28: 16-17) For a good while now I’ve … more

Especially before and during Pentecost, but on other special occasions as well, our churches echo with the sound of the beautiful and enchanting hymn, Veni, Creator Spiritus. “Come Holy Spirit, … more

I saw an interesting survey recently, from the Pew Research Center, that asked respondents to indicate which local news topics they considered to be important for daily life. Topics included things … more

Dear Bishop Tobin: Ever since I was a child I was a skeptic. I had no hope and didn’t believe anything. But now I am ready to be confirmed. It all changed when I started doing service hours and saw … more

Anytime we stand at the foot of the Cross of Christ we find that we’re not alone. Among others standing there are the Virgin Mary and the Beloved Disciple John. And if we listen attentively we hear … more

After a recent diocesan event, a nice young lady approached me and handed me a little cross, a simple wooden cross with smooth, rounded edges, just a few inches long. She explained that her father … more

One of the traditional practices of Catholics is to “give up” things, to fast and abstain from material comforts and personal attachments. Although it should happen throughout the year, … more

Perhaps you remember a catchy little song from the 1970s, by the British band 10cc, called “The Things We Do for Love.” The whimsical tune describes some of the crazy, unpredictable things … more