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

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

13 Jan • God is calling, pay attention!

As we return to Ordinary Time, we hear the call of Peter and Andrew, ordinary people who did the extraordinary thing of dropping everything to follow Jesus. Will we even hear when God calls us?

The Third Sunday of Advent

Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP opens up the readings for us for the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday. In the readings we are challenged to see the coming of our saviour and rejoice in that knowledge, and to ask "what must I do to help bring this great thing about?"

Readings: Zephaniah 3:14–18a; Philippians 4:4–7; Luke 3:10–18

13 Dec • Look deeper, for the effectiveness of the Gospel message

Jesus tells us that wisdom is vindicated by its works. We need to judge what is true not by what sounds good, but what this teaching or this person accomplishes for us and for others.

12 Dec • God dwells within each of us

On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we celebrate the fact that God now dwells within each one of us. This givest the dignity of every human life, ourselves and others, and we are called to respect that dignity with our actions.

10 Nov • Every good deed matters

Today we hear of the woman who gave two small coins for poor, which was everything she had. Jesus noticed her generosity and pointed it out to others. Perhaps he was even moved to be more generous himself. So let us together do all we can, encouraging one another to be more generous.