As we come to the end of the Christmas season, we continue to hear from the Gospel of Matthew. As I’m sure you know, throughout this year, Year A of the Liturgical cycle, St. Matthew’s Gospel is the featured gospel and we hear his account of Jesus’ baptism. All three of the synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke – report the baptism of our Lord because it is a very important event in the life of Jesus. After being born in Bethlehem and spending some time as a refugee […]
As you hear about devastating natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and fires or man-made tragedies such as war and persecution, have you ever wondered how you can help? Next week, we will all have the opportunity to help as we join with all parishes throughout the country in taking up the annual collection for Catholic Relief Services.
When tsunamis recently struck Indonesia and the Philippines, CRS responded with much needed aid to millions of people who had lost their homes, families, farms, jobs and schools. Currently, CRS is assisting many […]
“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” As I ride my bike through the neighborhood, I see so many Christmas trees already at the curb and the Christmas decorations coming down. For so many, the Christmas season is already over. Now, it’s on to the next thing – the Eagles are in the playoffs and Valentine’s Day is not far off. We the faithful, however, are still in the midst of the Christmas season – it doesn’t end until next Sunday, the Feast […]
Happy New Year! I hope you have enjoyed this marvelous festive season as we celebrated once again the birth of our Savior at Christmas as well as the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph last Sunday. Gathering together with family and friends is certainly a wonderful way to commemorate our Lord joining our human family so that we could become once again worthy to be part of God’s family! The Christmas season ends with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord next Sunday.
As we begin […]
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” As the world celebrates the beginning of a new year with fireworks, parties and parades, we come to celebrate New Year’s Day by reflecting on the most important new beginning in all of history – the birth of Jesus. By having his Son born of a woman, God has invited us to participate in the mystery of our salvation.
This first solemnity of the New Year is one that celebrates Mary, and her role as the Mother of God. […]
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with some time to enjoy this special time with your families. And, I hope you didn’t encounter too many problems as you spent more time with each other than you usually do; that can sometimes lead to unpleasant moments. I don’t know about you but I don’t know a family that hasn’t had its struggles. Sometimes the struggles are very evident for all to see; other times, they’re hidden from public view but still very real. My parents divorced after quietly struggling […]
“And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. …And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:15ff). As we continue our celebration of the Christmas Octave with the celebration of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, my heart is filled with thanks and joy as I celebrate Christmas with you here at St. Katharine of Siena Parish! What a generous Christmas spirit so many of you […]