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.

He Lifted Him Up

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“Porch night” as usual for me as the weather warms and the guy across the street exits holding his tiny son.  Like a Chinese vase, he holds him close to himself.  No carriage or stroller for this masculine guy who’s … Continue reading →

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A Feeble Funeral Attempt

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Attending a simple service for a friend in a funeral home, I was taken back by the minister.  He didn’t know the deceased but that did not prevent him from putting on a pretty good show.  The funeral home must … Continue reading →

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Television & Faith

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“We interrupt this television program for this breaking news story.  Apparently two men presumably walked into a convenience store sometime around 7:00 a.m. and allegedly carrying handguns perhaps robbed the clerk and may have gotten away with an undisclosed amount … Continue reading →

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Garbage Day

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Tomorrow is garbage day in my neighborhood which includes recycling.  The six year old across the street is commissioned by his family to broker the recycling bin down the driveway and to the corner.  Not an easy task for a … Continue reading →

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in/Dependence

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

She dances and laughs at the pool’s resort on my fourth birthday. I didn’t ask for this get-away, I was happy at her home but here I am with small balloons on my elbows so I don’t drown and possibly … Continue reading →

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Scrooge: P,P&F

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Pretend to be Scrooge for a few paragraphs.  Put on his heavy, black coat, sleeping cap and one faintly lit candle and seat in a dank room with a smoldering fire facing you. All right, don’t pretend; it’s not very … Continue reading →

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Advent’s Inventory

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Every grocery and department store knows exactly how much they have on display, in the back or awaiting arrival.  “A dollar is a dollar” and that hula hoop just doesn’t seem to be selling any longer. Advent is about collecting … Continue reading →

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Advent: Joseph

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

The third starring character in our salvation story had the easiest job.  There were no lines to memorize or standing on marks to get the lights just right before filming begins.  Joseph just needed to be there.  He says nothing … Continue reading →

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Advent: An “Act” of Wonder

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

The calendar tells us that the four weeks before Christmas has begun but our heart may be out of sync and we want to say Scrooge’s made up word.  You change the station when Andy sings what a “Wonderful Time … Continue reading →

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“Pray for me”

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“Pray for me” people say to me.  Some stop me deliberately, others will close their conversation with that petition.  “Pray for me.”  I know what it means but I’ve never understood what it entails? Do I get to go home … Continue reading →

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