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

28 January • God's House of People & Aquinas's Theological House | Building Faith in Ordinary Time

God, instead of having David build Him a house of stone, promises to build David a "house of people" – the people of God, a place for grace and salvation. Rather than an ark or a physical house, St. Thomas Aquinas built an immense "theological house" – the Summa Theologica.

27 January • Bearing the Lord: From the Ark of the Covenant to Corpus Christi Processions

Father Charlie opens with a vivid memory of a Corpus Christi procession in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where he witnessed profound reverence as the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the city streets. This powerful experience serves as a lens through which he examines the day's First Reading, recounting David's careful and dignified procession with the Ark of the Covenant.

The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Give Witness—Your Testimony Matters

Reflecting on the readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Charlie explores the powerful examples of Mary Magdalene and John the Baptist—two figures whose personal testimony changed the course of history. He challenges us to overcome our shyness and fear of hypocrisy to speak openly about what we believe.

31 December • The Word Made Flesh: A New Year's Eve Reflection

Recalling the tradition of the "Last Gospel" from the old Latin Mass, Father Bouchard invites us to look deeper than the decorations and gift-giving of the season. He focuses on the central truth of Christianity: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us."

30 December • Our Faith Evolves as We get Older

Drawing from the First Letter of John and the Gospel story of the prophetess Anna, this reflection examines the "generations of faith." Just as a family has children, fathers, and elders, our spiritual lives journey from the innocence of childhood to the resilience of adulthood and the wisdom of old age.

Are You The One? Faith, Doubt, and The Third Sunday of Advent

In today’s Gospel, even John the Baptist asks Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come?" In this homily, Fr. Charlie draws a parallel between our modern political search for a "savior" to fix our problems and the ancient expectation of the Messiah.