Author Archives: Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

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About Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

A Roman Catholic priest since 1980 and a member of the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians). www.Salvatorians.com. Six books on the Catholic church and U.S. culture are available on Amazon.com.

An Angry Parishioner

After an angry parishioner stopped me after Mass at a Catholic parish were I have help twice a month, it finally hit me – a revelation that I’d missed all these years later. The Tridentine Latin Mass was changed to … Continue reading →

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It’s the “Three’s”

(A funeral sermon for an Alzheimer’s man) We just love “the threes”.  How many jokes are told in threes, “A priest, a minister and a rabbi walk into a bar…”  From the Three Stooges, to the Three Musketeers to Patty, … Continue reading →

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Advent Theme: “Do Your Homework”

Jesus says, “Be prepared and stay awake because we know neither the day nor the hour.” Walking home from grade school there was no backpack for me. It wasn’t invented yet for children, just for military soldiers. For me it … Continue reading →

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Baptisms: Three of ‘Em

Augustus, Sofia and Callie (ASC) were baptized by me. Actually, I mean these three were baptized by the gathered Catholic community at an early 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Sebastian Church in Milwaukee. Young with attentive eyes staring up at … Continue reading →

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God’s Wisdom or Our Perseverance?

Jesus said, “All that you see here–the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will … Continue reading →

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August 9, AB

After the lights dim in Chicago’s United Center, she quietly walks out on stage and begins to hum softly.  The almost-full audience rises in wild applause as though everyone felt as I did, “she’s a famous singer I’d love to … Continue reading →

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“The Prodigal Son,” Milwaukee Style

A rich man lived in the Washington Highlands.  (Boy, is that redundant.) All right, so he lived at 65th and Lloyd but the point is he was wealthy and had two sons, no wife…at least not in this story. The … Continue reading →

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9/8, Happy Birthday Blessed Mary

Happy Birthday once again, Blessed Mary. Another year of your intercession into our often broken yet holy world.  You don’t talk to us much but your influence continues through your simple life.  Thank you for that simple life and please … Continue reading →

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It Keeps Thundering but No Rain

Today was sunny and beautiful but a bit humid.  I could smell the growing moisture and then the emerging clouds confirmed my scent.  It grew darker and the rain began and it was wonderful. Moments before a couple from across … Continue reading →

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Receive “The Body of Christ”

These days are called “grave times” in the Catholic Church.  (What days aren’t called “grave times!?”) So now it’s time for “grave measures.”  So from now on… –If you’re in the state of sin….”no host” –If you’ve told a lie … Continue reading →

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