Homilies from Holy Cross Kernersville, NC

An explanation about how we ought to approach current crises in the world as a people of faith. Relying on Catholic Social Teaching to orient us and the practice of Christian detachment, we can persevere through any evil in the world and come safely to our heavenly homeland. Also, within the Church, we discuss the deposition of bishops, miscarriages of justice, and Fiducia Supplicans.

Racism, immigration, and Critical Race Theory (CRT) are terms that are thrown around daily on the news, in our workplaces, and at our schools. As Catholic Christians, we may be tempted to think, “I need to rise above the politics.” However, these are important topics that are shaping the way individuals process the world around them. In fact, the Church has quite a bit to say from its perspective of Catholic Social Teaching. She roots us in the reality of what these things are and how we can rationally approach discussions regarding the shaping of our nation.Racism and Slavery: we will cover how the Church defines racism an see her tens and tens of condemnations of racism over the past six hundred years.Immigration: let's take a step back and discuss 1) what is a nation, 2) what is a migrant, and 3) what are their rights and duties towards each other. With the foundational principles laid out, we can much better talk sensibly about the direction we want to see our country's policies move.Critical Race Theory: we cover the three principle tenants of CRT and the ways its proponents allege it manifests itself. Then we will look at how CRT is a simple repackaging of Marxism and Postmodernism. And yes, the Church has lots to say about Marxism and Postmodernism.

Fr. Carter's homily for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

A dive into the history, background and execution of the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. Encompassing the historical founding of the Servite Order in the midst of Florence's rise to influence in the medieval era, the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows is a unique look at the life of Mary and her experience of Christ's life.

Fr. Carter's homily for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Mlakar's homily for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Outline:Theological AnthropologyThe teaching of Martin LutherThe teaching of the Council of Trent

Prayer for a Happy Death(John Henry Cardinal Newman)Oh, my Lord and Savior, support me in that hour in the strong arms of Your Sacraments, and by the fresh fragrance of Your consolations. Let the absolving words be said over me, and the holy oil sign and seal me, and Your own Body be my food, and Your Blood my sprinkling; and let my sweet Mother, Mary, breathe on me, and my Angel whisper peace to me, and my glorious Saints smile upon me; that in them all, and through them all, I may receive the gift of perseverance, and die, as I desire to live, in Your faith, in Your Church, in Your service, and in Your love. Amen.

Fr. Carter talks about the concept of time, the Jewish origins of feasting, what makes a feast, and how we can live the festive cycle of the Church's year within our homes and communities.

What does it mean when we say that the Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic? Join us for our September Coffee and Catechesis where we learn about these four characteristics of Christ's Church. Presenter: Fr. Jacob Mlakar

What We Hope To Accomplish Methods of Exegesis Covenantal Story Arch The Concept of Covenant Expansive Covenants Matthew's Kingdom-Church Underpinnings Luke's Banquet-Eucharist Underpinnings The New Testament is the Eucharist

Our July Coffee and Catechesis is on the theme of how reason and faith work together in order to discover truth. When we look at the history of the sciences, we discover Catholic monks, priests, and the Vatican itself at the cusp of innovation and discovery.

Fr. Jacob Mlakar delivers this month's Coffee and Catechesis, speaking about what God reveals to us about Himself and how the Church over time came to reject erroneous preaching and falsehoods. It is imperative that we come to right belief in who God is, because we are created to *know*, love, and serve Him.

Coffee and Catechesis The Month of May and the Glories of Mary Opening Prayer: Memorare Attempt with Coffee and Catechesis to recall the fundamentals of our faith.Since it is May, it's the perfect opportunity to do a review of Mary's role in salvation history.Mary's humble role as dependent upon Christ. Walkthrough of Mary's role in our salvation. Mary's Involvement in Salvation History: Genesis 3:15Prophecy of a “new Eve” and proto-evangelion Birth of Christ: Matthew's Gospel quotes Isaiah's prophecy – a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and his name will be Emmanuel. Immaculate Conception and Perpetual VirginityWhile conceived in a natural way by Joachim and Ann, Mary was at the moment of her conception freed from the stain (macula) of original sin on her soul.“The blessed ever-virginal and immaculate Mary conceived, without seed, by the Holy Spirit, and without loss of integrity brought him forth, and after his birth preserved her virginity inviolate.”These work together as logical counterparts based on the effects of original sin. In the early Church, there were two errors that were spreading: Pelagianism and Nestorianism.Pelagius: Jesus was a really super guy, but not God.Nestorius: there was no union between the human and divine natures, and Mary bore only the human nature.Council of Nicaea: Christ was fully God and fully humanCouncil of Ephesus: hypostatic union – “consubstantial with the Father”Therefore: Mary was the Mother of God Incarnate (Theotokos) Assumption of MaryBased on Revelation 12:1-2, “enmity,” and Psalm 132 & the ark being restored to Jerusalem“Having completed the course of her earthly life…” – did she die?What we know: God brought Mary body and soul into heaven. Other teachings not solemnly definedQueen of HeavenMediatrix of all gracesMother of the Church[Co-redemptrix] Marian Devotion Catacombs in the 250's, Mother of God in Jerusalem in 350 Churches erected after Ephesus in 431 to defend her title Carmel – 12th Century hermits in the Holy Land European bent: Bernard of Clairvaux (13th Century) Protestant Reformation and Our Lady of Guadalupe in 16th Century 16th Century official endorsement of the Rosary (Our Lady of Victory, Oct. 7)  Three Levels of Marian Devotion (Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange) Occasional Prayers (Hail Mary, Salve Regina, Memorare) Daily devotion (devout recitation of the Rosary) Total Consecration (gained popularity in 18th Century through de Montfort's book)  The Secret of the Rosary The Spirituality of Mary

Eat my flesh, drink my blood, and you will have eternal life.

Trinity Sunday homily from Holy Cross.

Christ is asked about paying taxes. He confounds those present with his response. But the subtext teaches us what we are to render to God.

What's a precept and how is it different than a commandment? As we get used to a "normal" schedule at Holy Cross, many parishioners still have questions about whether they are obligated to go to Mass on Sundays.

Sunday homily for the Solemnity of Ascension from the parish's Sunday Mass.

Deacon Tim reflects on Jesus' meaning that pain, sorrow, and grief pass because God always reveals his great providence in drawing closer to Him.

Paul's preaching in Greece is rejected by those in the main square. A few are curious, a handful become disciples. Paul gives us a good example of what to do when we witness to Jesus Christ and our witness is rejected.

Jesus promises to send another Advocate. After Philip's preaching and baptisms in Samaria, Peter and John travel their to confer the sacrament of Confirmation.

To follow in the footsteps of Christ also means to know rejection by those in the world. Carry the peace of Christ within you anyway.

Let's talk getting back to church and these new "spikes" in COVID-19 cases in our area/county.

On this Feast of Saint Matthias, we look at how he was chosen to replace Judas, what the rest of his ministry might have looked like, and how this ancient choosing of an apostle lays the foundation for the choosing of bishops.

Deacon Tim offers a salient reflection on today's Gospel regarding the peace that Jesus gives and the same peace that we must rely on in these times.

I am the way, the truth, and the life — the Gospel and Homily cut from today's Mass for the 5th Sunday of Easter.

A second interview with Tyler Kramer, mental health counselor, on the different ways to take care of our mental health during these uncertain days.

Jesus says that he has come not to judge but to save. Does this mean that all will be saved? Exposing the heresy of universalism.

Many Protestant Bibles differ in the number of books in the New and Old Testament. Fr. Carter explains why the differences arise and why Catholics have "more books" in the Bible than other communities and churches.

Christ teaches his disciples in the image of a shepherd and sheep. He identifies himself as the sheep gate.

As the three persons are bound together in a holy union of love, the Holy Eucharist binds us to the Trinity in love.

As Christ promises to not lose anything given to him, we must also promise to not lose the divine life that Christ gives to us.

From the live broadcast of Mass, the Gospel is the appearance of Jesus to two disciples on the way to Emmaus. Through the Scriptures, Christ brings us into full participation in the Eucharist.

Fr. Carter interviews Tyler Kramer, a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who practices in Mecklenburg County. Tyler gives some great insights on how we all can cope with stress and anxiety. He speaks about married couples facing tensions and conflict. He speaks about what different things children need in these times, as well as concrete advice for teenagers.

Jesus says to Nicodemus that the works done in the light are wrought by God. There are a number of other passages that show that faith alone is not what God asks of us, but deeds of love done because of our faith.

Nicodemus questions Jesus. Jesus corrects Nicodemus' failure to believe in a spiritual rebirth. Jesus uses the image of Moses raising up a serpent in the desert.

The Gospel for Divine Mercy Sunday is read and Fr. Carter goes over what makes a good confession.

Mary Magdalene and the disciples on the way to Emmaus do not convince the other disciples about our Lord's Resurrection. Jesus upbraids them for their unbelief and gives them the great commission to baptize. Wherein Fr. Carter rants about the "reformed" lectionary.

Jesus appears to the disciples as they are fishing. They do not recognize his appearance, but do recognize him by what he commands them. He eats a meal with them by a charcoal fire.

Easter Sunday Mass homily recorded during the live broadcast of Mass. The Gospel comes from St. John 20:1-9.

Tune in live to Sunday morning Easter Mass at 8am: https://youtu.be/eDPdMPCtzqc.

Let's talk plague! The models don't lie? The help of sheltering in place cannot be measured. When will we get "back to normal"? The "longest week" versus "Holy Week." Who's to blame for us being stuck at home?

Mary Magdalene anoints Christ's feet with oil. Judas is indignant. Let us prepare with Mary Magdalene to accompany Christ to the Cross.

Christ enters triumphantly into Jerusalem as king and Messiah. Judas hangs himself. Mary accompanies Christ, and now us, in all suffering and tribulation.

Tune in today to hear a short reflection on today's Gospel reading (John 10:31-42), as well as our plans that are forming for Holy Week.

Father Carter announces that parishioners can drive-thru the parish parking lot to receive blessed palms and pamphlets that can be used to lead your household in a Palm Sunday procession in your homes! Visit holycrossnc.org for a map and a PDF of the prayers.

Christ confronts the Pharisees because they do not believe that he is the Messiah, but warns them that if they do not believe in him, they will continue to search for a Messiah and die in sin.

In today's Gospel, a woman who has committed adultery is brought before him, the accusers ready to stone her. After he causes them to drop their stones and go away, there is a wonderful exchange of absolution and "sending" to live a reformed life.

Father Carter offers some thoughts on the Gospel of John 11:1-45, the Raising of Lazarus. After a reflection, he offers a message to parishioners regarding the church remaining open and the Church offering indulgences during this time of suffering.