Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP, S.T.D., is senior director, theology and sponsorship at the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA). He counsels and assists sponsors and members of Catholic healthcare organizations in carrying out their canonical responsibilities for the health ministry of the Catholic Church and provides guidance for CEOs and boards regarding the distinctive roles of sponsorship and governance. He also works with Church leaders and bishops at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and at the Holy See on a range of issues involving health care, social justice, public policy and the Church.

Videos

13 Mar • Earnest, persistent prayer

Today in our reading we hear the prayer of Esther, who in a seemingly hopeless situation turns to God in earnest prayer and prevails against all odds. We are reminded of the importance of persistent prayer, especially when things seem impossible to resolve on our own. God is there for us.

12 Mar • Redeeming the whole world

When the Ninevites believed the preaching of Jonah, they all repented in sackcloth and ashes—even the animals! We are all bound up in sin together, so while we begin with ridding ourselves of our own sinful behaviors, we do not end there. We have to deal with all the sins of society against one another and against the environment.

The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP breaks open the readings for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time with its warnings against hypocrisy. While this is always difficult, we can help by working on shortening the gap between who we are and who we want to be.

Readings: Sirach 27:4–7; 1 Corinthians 15:54–58; Luke 6:39–45

11 Feb • Working with the holy and the common

In today's Gospel, Jesus has an argument with the scribes and Pharisees over Jewish purity laws. As Christians, we need to know when to let holy things be holy and when to go out into the world not letting purity laws hold us back from doing the work of God.

10 Feb • Participating with God in creation

In today's first reading, we hear the beginning of the story of God creating the heavens and the earth, of which we were put in charge. Every time we see a beautiful sunset or sunrise, we are reminded of our call to participate in God's ongoing work of creation.

The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP breaks open the readings for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, where Jesus turns water into wine. This sign speaks of Jesus' divine authority, but it also speaks of how God wants everyone to have enough. Jesus was dealing with a real scarcity, but many people manufacture artificial scarcities to gain a financial, political, or spiritual advantage over others. These scarcities need to be eliminated.

Readings: Isaiah 62:1–5; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; John 2:1–11