My mission is to share the wisdom and experiences gained over a lifetime dedicated to faith, service, and personal growth. In my retirement, I will use this platform to offer reflections, insights, and stories from my 80 years of life, 54 years as a priest, and 13 years as a bishop. Through openness and humility, I aim to inspire, educate, and resonate with readers, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all that I write. May this endeavor bring glory to God and foster a sense of shared journey and mutual understanding among all who read.
Bishop Ray’s Blog
Finding Meaning in Each Day
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Jubilee Year of Hope Homily
Read more: Jubilee Year of Hope HomilySt. Gerard Majella Church, Hollis, New York, June 19, 2025 Given at St. Gerard Majella Church In Hollis, New York on June 19, 2025 The Catholic Church has officially inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Hope. This year is a special year of grace, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal. A Jubilee Year, traditionally celebrated every 25 years, offers the faithful an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God, experience reconciliation, and to participate in acts of charity and mercy. Pope Francis initiated the Jubilee Year and Pope Leo has continued to implement the program as Pope Francis has wanted. The Jubilee year…
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Homily for Saint Camillus Reunion Mass
Read more: Homily for Saint Camillus Reunion MassGiven on September 7, 2025, at St. Camillus Church, Rockaway Beach, NY*** Updated November 24, 2025 Today, I’m praying for all of you gathered here for the Saint Camillus Reunion Mass. Some of you still live in the area, but many of you have traveled from a distance to be here. Thank you to all of you. Your presence is so very important to mark the special occasion: the coming together of people who love this parish, people who are connected to this parish, people who have an attachment to this parish. The four priests at the altar today have…
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Learning to Forgive – It takes a Lifetime!
Read more: Learning to Forgive – It takes a Lifetime!“To err is human; to forgive is divine” was written by Alexander Pope in a 1711 poem. I guess, perhaps, that is why we find it so very difficult to forgive those who have hurt us; sinned against us; humiliated us; and betrayed us. We are not God! God’s forgiveness is truly unconditional and without reservation. Catholics experience God’s forgiveness each time they approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Penance, and commonly known as Confession. Catholics believe that the priest, in the confessional, takes the place of Christ and so it is God, through the priestly ministry, who extends…
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My Brother’s Wife Is a Nun… Again!
Read more: My Brother’s Wife Is a Nun… Again!An unusual story! Let me explain. Maryan Callahan was born in Philadelphia and grew up in a very Catholic family. As a young girl she became familiar with the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known as the IHM’s. The Philadelphia branch of this community staffed many schools in that Archdiocese. Her desire to teach and serve in that order drew her to enter the IHM’s and begin her religious life. She taught in several of their schools and was a very dedicated worker for the community. After prayer and reflection, Maryan decided to leave her community…
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