Fr. John Bayer

Preparing for the Synod

A Word to Enkindle, September 17, 2021

As the synod approaches, take stock of your many gifts and of the needs of the Church, and then ready yourself for the exciting and creative task of everyone working together for God’s purpose.

Nourished Among the Mountains

A Word to Enkindle, August 20, 2021

May we all live “among the mountains” with our hearts fixed on the summit — God himself, as he invites us to continual conversion, to continual ascent, casting down every false peak as an idol and staying hungry for the glorious view we hope to enjoy with him in heaven.

St. Joseph and Father’s Day

A Word to Enkindle, June 19, 2021

On Father’s Day in this year dedicated to St. Joseph, let’s pray for the men in our lives, that every day they might grow more like St. Joseph.

A Word to Enkindle: Social justice

A Word to Enkindle, May 08, 2021

I’ve come to realize that the phrase “social justice” provokes very different reactions in Catholics, often according to their knowledge of the Catholic tradition and to their political sympathies. My sense is that some Catholics are very frightened by it. So, what should we think when our schools and parishes use this phrase? What could it mean?

A Word to Enkindle: Spiritual Direction

A Word to Enkindle, April 03, 2021

“Spiritual Direction” by Fr. John for The Texas Catholic. A healthy spiritual life is like a docile and trusting child happy to grow under a mother and father. In this image, we all need “spiritual direction” like we all need mothers and fathers, men and women ready to affirm, teach, console and challenge us. Like […]

A Word to Enkindle: The way of nature

A Word to Enkindle, March 19, 2021

Children are increasingly growing up among adults in politics, entertainment and academia who encourage them, even well before puberty, to adopt sexual profiles that conflict with Church teaching, such as transgenderism. This is confusing for those who trust the Biblical understanding of God’s design for human sexuality, according to which the only normative sexual relationship is the one between a husband and a wife who lovingly unite their complementary identities for lasting friendship, collaboration and new life.

A Word to Enkindle: Can the Church Save Marriage?

A Word to Enkindle, January 22, 2021

Marriage is not a private achievement but an adventure unfolding under God.

A Word to Enkindle: Judgment

A Word to Enkindle, December 16, 2020

In Advent we meditate on the coming of Christ. Traditionally, we contemplate not only his coming at Christmas, but also his second coming at the end of time – his coming “in glory to judge the living and the dead” (as we say in the Nicene Creed).

A Word to Enkindle: Stacy Trasancos: Chemist, Mother and Synthesizer of Faith and Science

A Word to Enkindle, November 14, 2020

I recently read a great book about Catholicism and science, “Particles of Faith” by Stacy A. Trasancos. It seems suited for anyone interested in the topic.

A Word to Enkindle: Examining Our Conscience Before Voting

A Word to Enkindle, October 16, 2020

May we all allow our consciences to be challenged before voting. The spiritual life stagnates in self-righteous and ignorant condemnations. It blossoms through humble self-examination and a readiness to follow God into whatever future may come.