Shows
Saint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(March 1, 2026) On this Second Sunday of Lent, Father Charles L. Persing reminds us that we may encounter God in many places, especially in the person of Jesus Christ, as in the Transfiguration.
2026-03-0109 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(February 1, 2026) Father Charles L Persing encourages us to recognize how blessed we truly are. So often we do not see true happiness in Christ because we are blinded by the chaos of our world.
2026-02-0109 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish3rd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 14, 2025) Father Charles L. Persing focuses on the third Sunday in Advent and how we can bring JOY to everyone around us.
2025-12-1309 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 7, 2025) Father Charles L. Persing shares the symbolism of the color purple in our Liturgical Season of Advent.
2025-12-0709 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(November 15, 2025) As we approach the end of our liturgical year, Father Charles Persing reflects upon the words of the prophet, Malachi and the coming of the Savior. Father Persing says, "There is always time for us to change, always time for us to be better, always time for God to purify."
2025-11-1510 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 24, 2025) Father Charles L. Persing educates us on the purpose of the 40 hours devotions as we began this devotion in our parish this weekend.
2025-08-2411 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish4th Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(May 11, 2025) On this 4th Sunday of Easter, Father Charles L. Persing encourages and reminds us to turn to God as our Good Shepherd, and he will be there to support and care for us.
2025-05-1105 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishHoly Saturday Easter Vigil: Father Persing(April 19, 2025) On this Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, Father Charles L. Persing reminds us why we need light and joy in our lives during this Easter Season.
2025-04-2008 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish3rd Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(March 23, 2025) On this third Sunday of Lent, Father Charles L. Persing shares many examples in the Bible and other famous people who received second chances. God in his great mercy gives us as humans many chances to get it right. In what area do you need a second chance in your life? Father Persing encourages us to be bold and to ask God to be patient with us.
2025-03-2306 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(March 16, 2025) On this second Sunday in Lent, Father Charles L. Persing encourages us to look towards God our light and salvation.
2025-03-1607 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish1st Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(March 8, 2025) On this first Sunday in Lent, Father Charles L. Persing encourages us, as the chosen people of God, to trust God to lead us during this Lenten season.
2025-03-0805 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish8th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(March 1, 2025) As we approach the season of Lent, Father Charles L. Persing encourages us to not judge others, but to consider how we speak to and about others.
2025-03-0109 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish7th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(February 23, 2025) Father Charles L. Persing encourages us this week to reflect on how we treat others.
2025-02-2303 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish6th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(February 16, 2025) Father Charles L. Persing addresses what our current culture thinks brings us happiness, then reminds us of how we can truly find happiness in this world. Listen for the answer!
2025-02-1606 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishThe Epiphany of the Lord : Father Persing(January 5, 2025) Father Charles L. Persing reflects on the gifts of the Magi, and how the feast of Epiphany helps us to learn more about our relationship to Christ.
2025-01-0509 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishSolemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Father Persing(December 31, 2024) On this last day of 2024 and the vigil of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Father Charles L. Persing gives us a message of hope.
2024-12-3106 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish4th Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 22, 2024) Father Charles L. Persing suggests to us that we reflect back on this year... Have we made any difference in the lives of others like Jesus has made an impact in our lives by coming to Earth as a baby in a manager?
2024-12-2203 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 8, 2024) In this week's homily, Father Charles L. Persing refers to Saint John the Baptist as our "Spiritual GPS." He is the one who calls us to "Prepare the way of the Lord" during this Advent season.
2024-12-0806 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish1st Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 1, 2024) Father Charles L. Persing reflects on Bishop Timothy Senior's visit to our parish and brings us to focus on the important aspects of Advent.
2024-12-0104 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish34th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(November 23, 2024) Father Charles L. Persing shares a reflection on the Kingdom of God on this Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
2024-11-2307 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(October 5, 2024) Father Charles L Persing shares a story on meeting "the one" and 12 tips on a happy marriage.
2024-10-0504 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 29, 2024) On this 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Charles L. Persing encourages us to submit to the call of God and to use our gifts together, not in envy.
2024-09-2908 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 22, 2024) Father Charles L Persing shares thoughts of humility on this 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time.
2024-09-2207 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 15, 2024) Father Charles L. Persing asks us to pause and reflect on the questions: "What good has God done for me, and how can I be grateful for that? How can I raise my own cup and give thanks?"
2024-09-1506 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 1, 2024) On the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Charles L. Persing encourages us to keep the precepts which in turn keeps our hearts holy.
2024-09-0107 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 25, 2024) Father Charles L. Persing encourages us to turn to our Lord, particularly during this weekend's 40 Hours.
2024-08-2512 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish10th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(June 9, 2024) Father Charles L. Persing focuses on why God created us, Adam and Eve's life in the Garden of Eden, and how we inherit their Original Sin in our humanity. But he also turns us toward how we can show repentance from sin and live in holiness and justice.
2024-06-0910 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishCorpus Christi Sunday - Father Charles Persing(June 2, 2024) On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Father Charles L. Persing continues to focus on the mysteries of God, which includes the true presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.
2024-06-0209 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishSolemnity of the Most Holy Trinity - Father Charles L Persing(May 26, 2024) Father Charles L Persing emphasizes the mystery of the Holy Trinity and shares that we all would explain the Holy Trinity differently based on our personal relationships and experiences with God.
2024-05-2609 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishPentecost: Father Charles L. Persing(May 19, 2024) Father Charles L. Persing encourages us to pray for, embrace, and to use our gifts of the Holy Spirit.
2024-05-1907 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish7th Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(May 12, 2024) Charles L. Persing shares encouraging words of God's love for us on this Mother's Day Weekend.
2024-05-1209 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 9, 2023) On this Second Sunday of Advent, Father Charles L Persing reminds us that we all are called to be messengers of Christ in proclaiming the coming of the Messiah while being faithful to our mission through our authentic Christian lives.
2023-12-1010 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(November 5, 2023) "Let us be Jesus to one another" is the crux of Father Charles Persing's homily this Sunday morning. "Authentic doing," in Father Persing's words, is the starting point and the culmination of our lives as the followers of Jesus.
2023-11-0610 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishFeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: Father Persing(August 6, 2023) Father Charles Persing delivered a homily on the significance of the Feast of Transfiguration of our Lord and how our Christian lives relate to it.Father Charles, Father Charles Persing, include, pastor's podcast, steasmech, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Feast, Transfiguration, revelation, Christ, God's promises, Isaiah, law, prophets, Sinai, Mount Carmel, Ten Commandments, Mount of Olives, Baal, Calvary
2023-08-0710 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(July 23, 2023) This past Sunday, Father Charles L. Persing asked us "What if..?" What if God stopped loving us? We wouldn't still be here today. Despite our sin, he is going to continue to love us and choose
2023-07-2511 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishThe Feast of Corpus Christi: Father Persing(June 10, 2023) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us that we need to take the time to look and not miss the treasures that are passed on to us. “So often we miss the treasure that God has for us; so often we miss the treasure that’s held in this Eucharist because we just not take the time to really look and to reflect,” Father Persing concluded.
2023-06-1108 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish7th Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(May 20, 2023) Father Charles Persing reminded us of the events which took place during this Easter season and invited us “to build and grow in our knowledge of Him.” In preparation for Pentecost, Father Persing asked us to strengthen our prayers for renewal, “so that others may see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.”
2023-05-2007 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish6th Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(May 14, 2023) In his homily this Sunday, Father Charles L Persing focused on the essence of Christian, sacrificial love and the following of God’s commandments. “Jesus teaches us that our life is about loving … about sharing Christ’s love, which is beyond all understanding,” Father Persing said.
2023-05-1508 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishThe Resurrection of the Lord (Vigil): Father Persing(April 8, 2022) "What has God done for us?" is the question Father Charles Persing is asking us on this occasion of Easter Vigil Mass. How do we respond to all the blessings our Lord has showered us with? How do we follow our Lord's teachings? In closing, Father Persing reminds us that, "Now is the time to respond to the great gift of eternal life."
2023-04-0909 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishThe Nativity of the Lord: Father Charles Persing(December 24, 2022) On this Christmas Eve, Father Charles Persing invites us to spend the upcoming time searching for Jesus. "In our quest to find Jesus, " Father said, "we are going to find the goodness of God as well as a whole lot about us." Let us, then, make this search a significant event by choosing to lead Christ-centered lives.
2022-12-2409 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish3rd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 10, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, reminds us that this is the season of joyful expectation while we patiently await the return of our Savior through Whom God the Father manifests His glory and majesty. Let us, then, prayerfully prepare our lives for that moment of our Lord's return.
2022-12-1008 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishSolemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Father Persing(December 8, 2022) Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, reminds us on this Feast of Immaculate Conception that Mary was chosen from among the nations to be an example of faith and service, mirroring her motherly love for us as well.
2022-12-0806 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 4, 2022) In preparation for Christmas, "follow this light of faith" -- Father Charles Persing asks of us -- "and God will be preparing us for what is to come with His gift of faith."
2022-12-0408 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishThe Solemnity of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe: Father Persing(November 20, 2022) In preparation for this Advent season, we need to stand back and examine our conscience, with a question: Am I ready to stand before God? Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, invites us to prepare for that moment by repentance and the Sacrament of Confession. God's mercy is boundless.
2022-11-2005 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(November 12, 2022) How do we prepare for the Second Coming of Christ? Drawing from the Book of Malachi, Father Charles Persing reminds us that God never stops loving His people. God notices our imperfections, but He remains faithful and patient, waiting for us. Like gold in a fiery furnace, He purifies and tests us, humbling us in our pride.
2022-11-1208 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(October 29, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, examines today's Scripture readings about God's mercy and His relationship to His creation. "God is always looking at us in ways that we cannot see ourselves because there is nothing that God cannot do that is beyond His power, especially when it comes to dealing with His mercy," is a takeaway message from Father's homily.
2022-10-2911 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(October 23, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, draws on the message from Luke 18 about the tax collector and the Pharisee. Father reminds us that humility stems from defeated pride. "We are powerless without God or each other," Father says in closing.
2022-10-2312 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(October 15, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, draws on today's Gospel readings and reminds us that God's hand and assistance are only one prayer away. From the beginning up to the present day (and on), God will always watch over us and guide us -- we only need to trust His steady hand.
2022-10-1510 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(October 1, 2022) Do we always trust God when life seems too difficult or challenging? Father Charles L. Persing reminded us this weekend to put our trust in God as He is at the wheel.
2022-10-0106 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 25, 2022) Drawing on today's Gospel readings, Father Charles Persing reminds us that "the call of Amos is our call, too." Therefore, let us step in our Christ-centered life and reach out to one another prayerfully.
2022-09-2508 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 11, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us that everything we do will ultimately be between our God and ourselves. Therefore, we should be Christlike and follow His commandments.
2022-09-1004 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 4, 2022) Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, takes a moment to remind us about the importance of the Eucharist and the opportunity for focus on the Eucharist during Forty Hours, Sunday through Tuesday.
2022-09-0410 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 28, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us what it means to be humble in our lives, just the way Jesus taught us.
2022-08-2806 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 21, 2022) "God loves us," Father Charles Persing reminds us, and what He wants is for us to love Him in return.
2022-08-2110 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 13, 2022) "Keep your eyes on Jesus and follow Him," is at the heart of today's message by Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
2022-08-1307 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 8, 2022) Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, speaks about faith, trust, and the Christ-centered life.
2022-08-0713 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(July 31, 2022) "Where are your treasures and where do you store them?" asks Father Charles Persing, Pastor of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. Rather than focusing on temporary treasures during our earthly lives, Father Persing reminds us to "listen to the voice of God and build your heavenly treasures."
2022-07-3006 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(July 23, 2022) What are prayer and grace, and why they are so important in our daily walk with Christ? Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, shares his thoughts about these crucial elements in our lives.
2022-07-2308 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(July 10, 2022) What is it that we need to gain eternal life? Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us that we need to consider our relationship with the most vulnerable, the poor, the rejected, the ones in need.
2022-07-0910 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(July 3, 2022) In this morning's homily, Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us of the importance of being in union with each other as children of God in the proclamation of His Word and His Will.
2022-07-0310 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(June 26, 2022) "Discipleship is difficult, but it calls us to be single-minded and dedicated to the cause of the Kingdom of God as it appears to us on Earth, as it unfolds in our midst," Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us.
2022-06-2509 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishThe Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: Father Persing(June 19, 2022) What is the meaning of Eucharist and why does it matter to partake of Holy Communion regularly? The Eucharist is the sign of God's love for us, says Father Charles Persing, but until we understand that mystery in heaven, until we fully understand why God loves us so much, let us eat His Body and drink His Blood until we are satisfied and see Him face to face.
2022-06-1911 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishPentecost Sunday: Father Persing(June 4, 2022) Have you ever experienced that uneasy feeling of coldness to your faith? Or have you noticed something similar in the way you relate to others? Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminded us on this Pentecost Sunday that we need to be open to and alight with the glory of Christ. "Ask the Holy Spirit on this Feast Day to come and rekindle in us the Spirit of new life and enthusiasm for being what we are called to be: light to the world," Father Persing said.
2022-06-0405 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishThe Ascension of the Lord: Father Persing(May 29, 2022) Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, encourages us this Sunday to "look up to God" when we are in need.
2022-05-2911 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish6th Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(May 22, 2022) In his homily this morning, Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, talks about the peace of Christ and the power of the Gospel message He has left to us. "Let us keep His word," Father Persing said, "and let us accept His peace."
2022-05-2210 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish5th Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(May 15, 2022) The mesasge of love was at the heart of today's homily from Father Charles Persing, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. "Love is gift; it is the greatest gift that God could give us. The question is whether we allow others to see that love in us? Are we true disciples? Do we love Christ as He loved us?" Jesus told us, Father Persing reminded us, " You are my disciples if you love one another the way I loved you."
2022-05-1508 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish4th Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(May 8, 2022) "To whom are we listening? Are we listening to the right voice?" is at the heart of Father Charles Persing's homily for today. Father Charles explains that this voice is found in the sacred Scriptures. On the other hand, the voices of our modern world are not uniting us as a community of believers, but rather distort the truth and sow divisions. These voices are fulfillment of what our modern world wants and not what God asks. "Are we on the narrow path to Heaven? How would our families, neighborhoods, workplaces be transformed if we listened to...
2022-05-0810 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishDear Friends: April 29, 2022(April 29, 2022) THE AMAZING GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP with Jesus, and with those whom God has placed in our lives, is the focus of Father Charles L. Persing's reflection this week, as he considers the encounters of Jesus with the disciples after the Resurrection. Father Persing is the pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
2022-04-2908 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Easter: Father Persing(April 24, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us of a phrase that appears a number of times throughout Scripture: "The stone that the builder rejected has become the cornerstone." Father asks, "How many times do we miss the people that God gives to us for a purpose, because we have our own selfish ideas about how people should be." He concludes by encouraging us to be the person that God has called us to be, regardless of what others may think.
2022-04-2409 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishHoly Saturday, Easter Vigil: Father Persing(April 16, 2022) In his homily on this Easter Vigil, Father Charles Persing emphasized that God did not raise only His Son, but also all of us so that we can be lifted up to a new life. Therefore, let's "give ourselves to God, surrender to His will, and let Him choose our path -- even though that chosen path is not what we wanted," Father Persing said, "and live a life of sacrifice, by continuing the mission of the Church."The cross of cruelty and the cross of blessings as well as the Stations of the Cross are...
2022-04-1709 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishPalm Sunday of the Lord's Passion: Father Persing(April 10, 2022) In his homily this Palm Sunday, Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us of the necessity of our spiritual preparation in this Lenten season. Drawing closer to Christ and asking for forgiveness of sins, at this special time, will allow us to experience the mystery of Jesus wholeheartedly.
2022-04-1001 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish5th Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(April 3, 2022) Have you ever felt the hand of Jesus on your shoulder? Have you ever sensed His presence in your life and wondered which choices to make? Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us that we should center our lives around Jesus and let Him make us new. Making us new may require that, as we are pointing our fingers at faults, "we have to point them at ourselves," Father Persing said, "confess our own faults and conquer our own sins." And only Jesus can help us do that.
2022-04-0307 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish4th Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(March 27, 2022) Do we know how to react properly in any given situation? Do we listen to the voice of God or do we rely on our own ego? "Faith is not the belief that God will do whatever we want; it is the belief that God will do what is right," is the quote Father Charles Persing shared. He, then, reminded us that "God is constantly calling out to us; will we be able to remember what God has done for us?"
2022-03-2708 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(March 13, 2022) How do we show forth the grandeur of God? How do we step up to our calling as Bearers of Light? Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminded us that living the corporeal works of mercy is the route to be taken. As we read today's Gospel message of Transfiguration, "God is there," Father Persing said, "and is transfiguring us to become more like Him." Therefore, " on this Second Sunday of Lent, let us be the light of Christ, let us shine forth and restore ourselves with God's grace and Go...
2022-03-1406 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish1st Sunday of Lent: Father Persing(March 6, 2022) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, reminded us to take up our cross -- just as Jesus did -- and make our Covenant promises vibrant and alive.
2022-03-0610 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish8th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(February 27, 2022) Father Charles L Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us not to seek the fault in others, but rather remember our own faults and be forgiving.
2022-02-2606 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish7th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(February 20, 2022) Father Charles L. Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, focuses on an inescapable theme in the teachings of Jesus: Love your enemies.
2022-02-2008 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish6th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(February 13, 2022) Have you ever examined "the deep" of the Beatitudes or the Ten Commandments? What about the wisdom of Proverbs or Psalms? Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, invites us to a deeper engagement with these passages and books of Holy Scripture.
2022-02-1307 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(February 6, 2022) Has your pastor ever approached you with the question whether you would like to volunteer your time and talents in some capacity? Have you ever thought that being open to such a question is actually answering God's call? Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, asks of us not to be reluctant to act when a situation like this arises. Being open to God's call is at the heart of Father Persing's homily.
2022-02-0505 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(January 30, 2022) Who are you, and who helped you become who you are? Who was there when you had your first loss or your first failure? Father Charles Persing asked us to picture the newborn shoes of a baby and image that child grow into an adult in size-15 basketball sneakers. So, what do we need to do as the guardians of our youth? We need to give guidance, direction, and teach them how to use their gifts, Father Persing said, in order to make our church and our world a better place. "We are all called t...
2022-01-3008 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing:(January 23, 2022) Do you remember the day of your baptism? Or the day of your Confirmation? Father Charles Persing reminded us that, “every one of us has been anointed with the Holy Oil of gladness, the Oil of service, the Oil of truth,” right at the time of our Christian initiation. It is in this joy that we should walk before the face of God and listen to His Word.“Also, we need to be more attentive to the voice of God,” Father Persing said, “and let that joy overcome: the joy that was given to us when were called...
2022-01-2310 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishEpiphany of the Lord: Father Persing (January 1, 2022) Have you noticed that “our spiritual resolutions, those times when we really want to be more God-like in our life,” Father Charles Persing reminded us, "make us want to be more Christian, to be the light that God has sent into the world, the star that guides others. And, perhaps, what we need to do is just be focused on the Lord.”Christ changes everything for us once we are focused on Him. Let us then stay focused on our Lord in our life-long commitment.
2022-01-0105 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishFeast of the Holy Family: Father Persing(December 26, 2021) “There are differences between belonging and just fitting in," Father Charles Persing reminded us. "Yes, we always want to belong to something greater than us; we also spend a lot of time searching for that environment." It is also true that God wants us to be part of this journey: the journey where “I can just be who I am and be accepted .... Being part of a family nurtures us, supports us, it gives us the direction that we really need in our life as we journey together.”After all, Father Persing conclud...
2021-12-2509 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishNativity of the Lord: Father Persing(December 25, 2021) "This is the night when God intervened into our lives and changed us forever," Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, reminds us. "This is the night that we, the people who sat in darkness, have seen the great light." "God is not keeping secrets from us," Father says. "He wants us to be the light for others who sit in darkness; He wants us to be love for those who are not loved. He wants us to be of service for those who have no one to help. He wants us to...
2021-12-2508 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish3rd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 12, 2021) “We are celebrating Him, but He is celebrating us,” was how Father Charles L. Persing started off his homily today. "God wants us to rejoice in His presence. God wants us to be able to look at Him as He looks at us: with favor, with love, with compassion. He wants us to rejoice and live in that love; He takes delight in us because He has chosen us, He has forgiven us," Father Persing said."So, on this Sunday of the pink candle, let us look carefully and not lose sight of what is al...
2021-12-1209 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish2nd Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(December 5, 2021) In his homily, Father Charles Persing reflects on the time of preparation for the season of Advent. As we approach its second week, Father suggests that we us ask our God to forgive us our sins and listen to His guiding voice. Our God has already shown His ultimate demonstration of His love for us: by His birth, His death, and His resurrection.If we are searching to find a true peace and happiness, we do need to surrender everything to Jesus. Quoting from the Old Testament Book of Baruch, Father Persing emphasizes that God’s mer...
2021-12-0505 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish1st Sunday of Advent: Father Persing(November 28, 2021) Father Charles L. Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, shared a story about a group of people who froze to their deaths while around the campfire. Intrigued? A few verses reveal that these people did not freeze "from the cold without, but from cold within." "Let us be for these four weeks a hand that reaches out," Father said, "a smile for those who have no reason, the light for those who live in darkness. Let us be hope, peace, love, and joy."
2021-11-2808 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(November 7, 2021) Father Charles L. Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, shares a story and his reflection based upon Saint Mother Theresa's quote: "Do small things with great love."
2021-11-0606 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(October 23, 2021) Father Charles L. Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, considers the blind man, Bartimaeus, as a man of great hope and great courage. "How many times have you and I gone to the Lord to ask for things that are impossible, to ask for things for which we personally don't think there's an answer?" Maybe we doubt the power of God in our own lives, Father says, but let us never stop calling out in hope to Jesus.
2021-10-2308 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(October 17, 2021) In this week's message, Father Charles L. Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, focuses on examples of servanthood in the Gospel and in a story from the Colonial days of what is now the United States. "Nothing is below our dignity in the eyes of God when we are true servants," Father said. He challenged us to look for occasions to serve each other, because "the closer we come to Jesus, the more we are expected to follow His example."
2021-10-1706 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 26, 2021) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, reminds us that the Spirit of God is at work in all of us. "Are we responding to the Spirit of God?" Father Persing asks. "It is a gift from God . . . we can use it to serve our community . . . becoming brothers and sisters in the family of God."We are called, he said, "to look freshly at that Spirit day after day, moment after moment, in our life and . . .cling to God . . . let God hold us.”This week we are challenged, Father said. "We are...
2021-09-2610 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(September 19, 2021) It is time to come and join one another at the Church, Father Charles Persing said. It is also time to spend some time in silence of our prayers and follow the words of Saint James and Saint Mark instructing us to become the true disciples of Jesus Christ. "The challenge for us this week—once again from Mark and from James—is to really open our eyes, to open our ears, and our hearts, and our hands; to take our attitudes and our failures and sinfulness, and lay them at the foot of that Cross; to real...
2021-09-1808 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing (August 29, 2021) Father Charles Persing, the pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Parish, reflected on today’s reading of the Epistle of James regarding a common situation: “We feel like we just want to raise our hand and say to God, ‘I have done enough. I quit. I just want to listen. I do not want to do anything anymore; I just want to hear you. I want to listen.’“Now is our time to do something,” Father Persing reminded us. Saint James “used some words that were very strong. He said to us that we must give birth to the Word of...
2021-08-2908 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 22, 2021) In today's homily, Father Charles L. Persing asks, "How many of us are still convinced that sayings of Jesus are easy? Most of us have found it very difficult to follow Jesus. Most of us have not walked an easy path in our Christian life. " Father Persing continues: "How many times that you and I have gone through the moments of doubt and crisis in our faith life?" For various reasons, some of us stop practicing our faith. Or find some other things of interest. Father Persing reminds us that, "No other person on th...
2021-08-2107 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishSolemnity of the Assumption: Father Persing(August 15, 2021) Father Charles Persing, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, asks us to consider the following: "Everything that God gave to Mary, He gives to us. Mary was prepared to accept His gifts and His life and His resurrection – so, too, are we. You and I are called to be sons and daughters of our Lady, blazing trails and light through the valley in which we live, so that others may find Christ." We recall the moments of forgiveness when we seek Mary's intercession. Those prayers are brought to the Throne of God, "so that we can...
2021-08-1507 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(August 8, 2021) “This week, you and I, are challenged to be the best for God, to follow the example of Christ in our love for one another.” With these words, Father Charles L Persing closes today’s homily. Father Persing reminds us that we need to set the example of faith ourselves, so that the others would witness it and follow Christ with us. The message Saint Paul has for us is that Jesus is always walking before us, setting that example. But “what we see in Jesus, we need to see in one another,” says Father Persing. “Instead of loo...
2021-08-0708 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(July 25, 2021) Father Charles L Persing reflects on today's reading from the Gospel of Saint Mark. This is the reading that recounts the story of Jesus feeding 5 thousand people gathered on a mountain side: with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish -- and having 12 wicker baskets of leftovers. (DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT)Referring to the Gospel reading, Father Persing invites us to reflect that, " (we) have only scratched the surface of what God has to offer to us." Father Persing closes with the following thoughts: "If we are that great crowd, are we the great witnesses ? Have we told someone about J...
2021-07-2408 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishReflection by Father Persing at Mass of Installation(July 3, 2021) Father Charles L. Persing, the fourth pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, offers personal thanks and a reflection on his commitment to serve as pastor to the parish he first served as parochial vicar in his initial assignment after his Ordination to the Priesthood.DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT
2021-07-0306 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + ParishHomily for Installation Mass of Reverend Charles L. Persing(July 3, 2021) In his homily at the Mass of Installation, Bishop Gainer offered three "labels" to Father Persing: Father, Shepherd, Teacher. Bishop continued: "But I’m not just going to use those labels; the Church’s words in the Rite of Installation modifies each of those labels with an adjective to describe the label. I’m not just going to say, you must be a father; rather, a loving father. And I’m not just going to say, be a shepherd; be a gentle shepherd. And I’m not just going to say, be a teacher; be a wise teacher. "DOWNLOAD A...
2021-07-0310 minSaint + Elizabeth + Ann + Seton + Parish13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father Persing(June 27, 2021) In introducing himself to the parish, Father Charles Persing, the new pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, said, "It is the duty and joy of every priest to carry out the mission of the Church, not for our own self glory, nor to satisfy our own particular needs and wants, but to bring Christ to all we meet, and to afford everyone the opportunity to experience God's love, forgiveness, and glory. Our call is to bring the living Christ to your heart. Our call is the salvation of souls. Like John the Baptist, Elizabeth Ann Seton, and al...
2021-06-2606 min