A New Teaching with Authority

I hope that all of you have the Catechism of the Catholic Church in your home and if not make the investment and get one. It is amazing how much information is inside of this book and how much you can learn.
You will notice in the homily that I mentioned that I will be giving a talk on Marriage on February 9 (however in the homily I said February 10 by accident). Here is a little info on the talk:
February 14 is the day which we all know as Valentine’s Day and it is a day when many couples share gifts or a special dinner out to show their love for one another. The Church also has a sacrament that celebrates romantic love, and this is the sacrament of marriage. Unfortunately we know that the sacrament of marriage is not always fully understood. So, this February, before Valentine’s Day, I will be offering a talk on marriage here at Epiphany. The talk will take place February 9 at 7 p.m. and will focus on the theology of marriage as found in scriptures and tradition. Some of the topics will include marriage as a covenant, the indissolubility of marriage, and marriage between man and woman. It is my hope that this talk will help all people learn more about this great sacrament. It will be deep in theology; however I think that it will also be very practical. 
Below is my homily from this past weekend:

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Christmas Homily

While doing some packing for my recent ice fishing trip I found my Christmas homily CD. So, here is my homily from a month ago in case you want to listen to it (I know that I enjoyed preaching it).

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Stand up for Life

This past Sunday was the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. Needless to say this is something that I preached on here at Epiphany. Also, I tried to draw attention to all the ways that we can promote life here at Epiphany. One of the ways that we should continue to do is to continue to pray for those who are considering an abortion or ending their life early. So, let's keep the prayers going.
Here is my homily from Sunday:

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Fr. Carlson how was the ice fishing trip?

Here I am Lord

Here is my homily from Sunday. It's about vocations.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

How does one become a seminarian?

Here is the link to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis vocation website.

Fire of Hope

One of my teaching parish committee members from St. Hubert's Catholic Church in Chanhassen is organizing a two-day event for women only next weekend January 20-21. Not only that but she is offering the parishioners from Epiphany (and their friends) free tickets. So, if you are looking for a way to engage more in your faith here is the opportunity, it promises to be a great experience. Here is some more information:

Fire of Hope, a Girlfriends Getaway for God,  will take place next weekend, January 20-21, 2012, at the State Theatre in Minneapolis.

This two-day event is an insightful, entertaining celebration of Faith, Family and Friendship, designed to empower women to be living examples of Christ in their families and in their communities. Experience conversations that will move you, speakers that will inspire you, and unforgettable entertainment. The event will conclude with Mass and be enriched by opportunities for Reconciliation and Adoration.

Mary Jo Sherwood, former Director of Marketing for both The Catholic Spirit and Relevant Radio, has assembled a team of powerful speakers to bring this inaugural event to the Archdiocese of St. Paul Minneapolis. Hear from LeAnn Thieman, author of 12 Chicken Soup for the Soul books (including the Living Catholic Faith edition); Fr. James Kubicki SJ, Director of the Apostleship of Prayer and a regular on Relevant Radio; Deacon Thom Winninger, popular author and speaker; and other dynamic speakers. Play “Three Questions” live with Glen Lewerenz. More details are available at www.FireOfHopeUSA.com.

The regular price of tickets for the full conference (both Friday evening and all day Saturday) is $99. In order to reserve tickets from the block being offered to parishioners at no cost, call 650-503-HOPE (4673), or email fireofhope.events@gmail.com. Identify yourself as a parishioner and include your name, phone number, email address, and number of tickets requested. You will receive an email confirmation, which must be brought to the State Theatre “Will Call” Desk in order to receive your ticket/s on the opening night of the event.

Conference Hours
Friday, January 20th
5:00pm -7:00pm       Doors/MarketPlace Open
7:00pm -10:00pm     Opening Session

Saturday, January 21st
8:00am - 9:00am      Doors/MarketPlace Open
9:00am -12:30pm     Morning Sessions
12:30pm- 2:00pm     Lunch Break/MarketPlace Open
2:00pm - 4:00pm      Afternoon Sessions
4:00pm - 5:00pm      Closing Mass with Fr. Kubicki

Please direct any additional questions regarding Fire of Hope to Founder Mary Jo Sherwood at 612-669-0450.

We are all copartners in the promise of Christ

This past Sunday was not only the Solemnity of the Epiphany (what a great day) but it also was Minnesota Statewide Immigration Sunday. So, needless to say this is what I preached on. Also, I would like to provide some links with more information for you to read about what the Church teaches on immigration. This website is a website that the Minnesota Catholic Conference put together for more information about immigration here in Minnesota. The United States Catholic Council of bishops also have a website right here with more information about immigration. Finally the Catholic Spirit has had some great articles on recent immigrants here to Minnesota and here is one of the stories right here.
Finally, here is my homily from Sunday:

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Open Hours

Father Carlson Open Hours
Beginning January 7 Fr. Carlson will be
available for anyone to stop by and visit with
him every Saturday in January from noon to
2 p.m. in the parish office. There is no need
for you to schedule an appointment, you can
just stop by and see him. So if have a
question about our faith, or are working
through an issue that you need advice on you
can come and talk to Fr. Carlson. Or, if you
just want to chat for a few minutes he will be
available for that as well. Of course he will
still be available during the week by
appointment, so don’t hesitate to call. These
open hours will run through January, and if
successful they will continue, so look for an
update about it in February.

Happy New Year!!!

It was quite the week last week, but what a week it was. I was able to be the spiritual director for TEC 331 here in the Twin Cities, and needless to say it was a great experience. It was inspiring to see 40 teenagers grow closer to Christ, and to see how people where there to help them along the way.
When I got back from TEC we had the funeral for Fr. Reiser, and what a funeral it was. A big thank you to all who came, and especially to all helped put the funeral on.
Finally, a happy new year to you all. I mention the new year a little in my homily, so if you have time take a listen.

Podcast Powered By Podbean