From Our Pastor

“After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3:21-22).  On this, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we hear God the Father declare that Jesus, the son of Mary is, indeed, His Son as well.  And, He is well pleased with him.  Shortly after his baptism, [...]

“See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.” (Isaiah 60:2).  As we continue our celebration of the Christmas season with the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord, we all need to hear these words of encouragement and assurance of God’s presence.  With the ongoing unrest worldwide and even in our own country, we all feel - in some way - to be covered in darkness with thick clouds covering us.  But, Jesus Christ, the [...]

“As long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:28). As we continue our celebration of the Christmas Octave on this feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, this Sunday we hear readings at Mass that are about just that: family.  They are accented by dedication to the Lord, and faith and trust in God with an openness to His will.  In our first reading from 1 Samuel, we hear Hannah, the mother of Samuel, dedicate her only son - whom she [...]

On this, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we hear Elizabeth declare to her cousin, Mary, “blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  As Mary generously travels to be with Elizabeth who is expecting a child in her old age, Elizabeth recognizes that an even more generous gift is about to be born: the Savior of the World!  As you have been busily finding gifts for your loved ones, you have also followed Mary’s example of generosity in so many ways, and I want to thank you in the name of [...]

This week, we join with the universal Church in celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Since it has been moved from Sunday to Monday – the Sunday of Advent takes precedence over the feast day – it is not a holy day of obligation and we will celebrate Mass at the usual weekday times: 6:30 and 8:00am. Mary enjoys many wondrous titles but this one is of particular significance.  It is so important that it is under this title that Mary is Principal Patroness [...]

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the wave. …And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud. …When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (Lk 21:25ff). With these words, our Lord helps to prepare us for his coming.  As we begin a new liturgical year today, the First Sunday of Advent, allow me [...]