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    Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 26 September 2023

    A sermon on Respect Life Sunday

    Brother Jim Townsend went to arms of His Father on June 12, 2011 at age of 84. He is buried at the friar's plot at St. Mary Church in Herman, Pa. I have visited his grave several times. God used this broken earthen vessel, a criminal who took three lives, to affirm the dignity of every human life. If Brother Jim were alive today, he would be voting "no" on Ohio Issue One.
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 19 September 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 20:1-16
    I believe all the problems in our country are spiritual. I define spirituality as loving God, loving neighbors and loving self. Once you eliminate the love for God, the other two loves will cease. I have met many people who are lonely and anxious. But once they let God into their life, I am amazed how their life changed for the better.
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 12 September 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 18:21-35
    There is a far more important reason to forgive than just a desire to be happy. Jesus says how you treat others is how God will treat you. If you claim your right to punish someone who hurt you, then God will claim His right to punish you. But when you show mercy, God will shower His mercy on you.
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 5 September 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 18:15-20
    The greatest faith is to keep believing God loves you when everything says He doesn't.
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 29 August 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 16:21-27
    Something happened to me last week that I never experienced before. I couldn't even find the words to describe the experience until I accidentally found an article on the internet that explained what happened to me. 
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 22 August 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 16:13-20
    How will Jesus remember you in your judgment? Have you lived your life in a way that Jesus will remember you as faithful to Him? Will He remember you as living Micah 6:8, "This is what the Lord requires of you. Be fair to other people. Love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God." 
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 8 August 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 14:22-33
    Jesus not only walked on the water to save his disciples, but he walked on the dirty road to Golgotha to save us all. I believe Jesus fell three times because He was running to Golgotha to accomplish His Father's will and bring us home. 
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 1 August 2023
    A sermon on the Transfiguration
    The Transfiguration was the greatest of all spiritual experiences. A spiritual experience is a powerful awareness of God's presence. It's like feeling His love enfolding you in a warm blanket right out of the dryer on a cold day. It feels so good. 
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 25 July 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 13:44-46
    You must answer this question when you accept Jesus into your life: "What am I willing to do to enter Heaven?" Heaven is the pearl of great price. It is the hidden treasure in the field. How far will you go to possess it? 
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 11 July 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 13:1-23
    Jesus uses the simple story of a sower to teach us about our behavior. Behavior is how we act toward others. How we behave is based on two things: thoughts and feelings. How you think influences how you feel which determines how you act. 
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 5 July 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 11:25-30
    Jesus came to earth to show us what God wants. God wants you to be happy. Jesus tells you where to find real happiness – and it won't be found in a beer bottle. 
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 27 June 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 10:37-42
    One day, a little 6-year-old boy held a dollar bill in his hand. He went to the shop owners along the street asking, "Excuse me, do you sell God?"
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 20 June 2023
    A sermon on Matthew 10:26-33
    Have you ever wondered how God handles all the prayers He receives? With billions of people praying to God, does He hear mine? According to Jesus, the Father hears them all.  
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 6 June 2023
    A sermon on John 6:51-58
    Holy Communion matters because when you receive Him, Jesus enkindles the fire of His love within you. Jesus has chosen the common food of bread and wine to place His very self within you. Earthly food keeps you alive. Heavenly food gives you life.
  • Opinions Fr. Mike Paraniuk 30 May 2023
    A sermon on John 3:16-18
    Once you accept and believe in Jesus, then you must act like Him. I can make my altar call and get dunked in a river. I can receive Holy Communion at Mass. But if I don't have a personal relationship with Jesus that changes my life to follow God's will instead of my own evil desires, then I will perish.
  • In The News 25 May 2023
    Father Mike Paraniuk earns Sam Levine Memorial Award
    Father Mike Paraniuk of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hillsboro, St. Benignus Catholic Church in Greenfield, Saint Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Peebles and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in West Union is the 2023 recipient of the Sam Levine Memorial Award for excellence in broadcasting.
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