Joe Richard

I live in Lubbock, Texas and have been married for 47 years and counting. We have 5 children, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and 1 due soon. I served 4 years in the Air Force as a Medical Service Specialist during the Vietnam conflict and served 14 months at USAF Hospital, Clark AFB, Phillipines, taking care of Marines and Republic of Korea soldiers who were wounded in Vietnam. I completed undergraduate studies at University of Houston and obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Midwestern State University, graduated cum laude. Following that, I did post-graduate studies at Texas Tech University and Loyola Institute of Ministry,Extension Program. i am a Retired Educator,and have taught History and English at the secondary level. I am also a Retired Permanent Deacon, and for several years I wrote a Q&A column for a diocesan newspaper about the Catholic faith. In addition, I taught Church History for a diocesan Diaconate Formation Program and was director of the RCIA program in my parish for several years.

Latest Articles By Joe Richard
The Elephant in the Room
The Elephant in the Room
A few weeks ago, i was having some serious medical problems. I won’t go into detail here, but it's sufficient to say that this condition could have killed me. And there is still a chance of that. Two different specialists told me there was nothing more they could do. I was getting worse every day. I had no real hope left, and I began to accept my situation. I finally realized i was at peace
Read More...
Greed, Selfishness and envy: Merry Christmas!
Greed, Selfishness and envy: Merry Christmas!
Greed, selfishness and envy, for too many of us those are the attributes we adopt during this time of the year. Every year, sermons are preached and articles written about how Christmas has lost it’s original meaning. We hear this lament and we shake our heads and say how true it is, but we don’t change our behavior at all.
Read More...
The Origins of the Pentateuch Made Simple
The Origins of the Pentateuch Made Simple
The term “Pentateuch” means five books. The Jews call it the Torah. It is after all, part of their Holy Scripture. Whatever name you call it, the term refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures, also known as the Old Testament.
Read More...
The Stages of Faith
The Stages of Faith
When I was a school teacher, I learned about Jean Piaget’s stages of cognitive development theory. Later in life, when I lost a young son to lymphoma, I learned about Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and her theory of the stages of grief. In this essay, I will talk about Fowler’s Stages of Faith theory.
Read More...
US Policy And The Corporal Works Of Mercy
US Policy And The Corporal Works Of Mercy
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the TEACHINGS OF JESUS (emphasis mine) and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise." (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) (USCCB)
Read More...
Let's Celebrate Christmas at the Right Time
Let's Celebrate Christmas at the Right Time
As I write this, it is a few days before Halloween. Just yesterday, I saw an early Christmas commercial on tv. That led me to share this thought: Our modern society doesn't celebrate Christmas when we're supposed to.
Read More...
The Greatest of These
The Greatest of These
Nearly every city has one or more sections of town with big, ridiculously expensive houses. They usually have many bedrooms and several baths. Very often, these houses are inhabited by only one couple, their children grown and gone. This results in the inhabitants having far more living space than they need.
Read More...
Those Huddled Masses
Those Huddled Masses
We are in a time of crisis: Thousands of refugees, most of them from Syria, nearly all of them Muslims are fleeing the fighting going on there. They are seeking asylum. They are entering several European countries, and a good number of them want to come to the United States. But there are many Americans, most of whom call themselves Christian, who don't want them here.
Read More...
I'm Not Who You Think I Am
I'm Not Who You Think I Am
I am one of the most misunderstood figures in the New Testament. I have been called a repentant whore. Some people say I was the adulterous woman whom The Master saved from a death by stoning. I was accused of wasting an alabaster jar of expensive ointment by rubbing it on my poor Master's tired feet. I was maligned by many throughout the history of Christianity.
Read More...
The Easter Vigil Part Two: Symbolism in the Celebration
The Easter Vigil Part Two: Symbolism in the Celebration
Symbols stand for something else. They are used to teach something, or to remind us of something. The various elements of the Vigil Mass, indeed, any Mass are rich with symbolism. I've already discussed a few in the first part. There are several others.
Read More...
The Easter Vigil Part One: The Catholc Passover Celebration
The Easter Vigil Part One: The Catholc Passover Celebration
Most of us have heard of the Seder, the ceremonial Passover meal celebrated by Jewish people the world over. It follows a certain ritual, a certain order. The order is set forth in the Haggadah, a Jewish text which gives the order of the Seder
Read More...
Nativity Scenes and the Infancy Narratives
Nativity Scenes and the Infancy Narratives
Before long, many of us will be displaying a special Christmas decoration in our homes. For some of us, it's an indispensable tradition. I'm referring to the Nativity Scene. Sometimes it's called a creché, sometimes a stable, or a manger scene. Often, it is something that has become a family heirloom, handed down from our parents, and lovingly displayed each Christmas season.
Read More...
The First Thanksgiving? Not So Fast
The First Thanksgiving? Not So Fast
We all were taught about it in school: The Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation had a harvest meal with Squanto and the Native Americans, giving thanks to God for their harvest, and well-being. From this first celebration, others followed in the New England colonies, and later, states, until finally, it became a national holiday. Children still make Pilgrim hats and Indian headdresses as they celebr
Read More...
I will be there tomorrow
I will be there tomorrow
It’s nearly that time of year again, whether we are ready or not. As we approach Thanksgiving, we will begin to hear Christmas Carols on the radio, in the malls, and in the various stores. One of those songs we will hear is some version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” I want to give a little background on this old favorite, and share what might be a little-known interesting fact about its background
Read More...
Why do Eastern Rite Catholics make the Sign of the Cross "Backwards?"
Why do Eastern Rite Catholics make the Sign of the Cross "Backwards?"
This question, "Why do Eastern Rite Catholics make the Sign of the Cross "Backwards?" is somewhat misleading. Perhaps a Catholic of one of the Eastern Rites might ask "Why do the Roman Rite Catholics make it backwards?"
Read More...



Trending
A Prayer Before Work
A Prayer Before Work
By Pam Spano
Spiritual Warfare: A Perimeter Prayer for Protection - DELIVERANCE PRAYERS FOR THE LAITY
Spiritual Warfare: A Perimeter Prayer for Protection - DELIVERANCE PRAYERS FOR THE LAITY
By Terri Thomas
The Strange Religious Meaning of Flies
The Strange Religious Meaning of Flies
By Gary Sullivan
Why Catholics Don't Believe in the Rapture
Why Catholics Don't Believe in the Rapture
By JP Nunez
Erika Kirk, Catholic and Turning Point USA, and the Road Ahead
Erika Kirk, Catholic and Turning Point USA, and the Road Ahead
By Richard Horrell
Copyright © Catholic365.com | All Rights Reserved