From Our Pastor

On this, the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, the Church calls us to think of the end of our lives, our final judgment and our final destiny – the Kingdom of God.  The apocalyptic vision that we hear in today’s first reading from the Book of Daniel sets the tone by speaking about the coming of a “Son of man” who receives dominion, glory and kingship over all peoples, nations, and languages who will serve him.  The passage from the Book of Revelation that we hear today is [...]

“As we settle into our new home, I invite you to consider making a gift to this year’s Seminary Appeal.  Your generosity directly impacts the lives of our seminarians and students, providing them with the resources they need for their journey – spiritual guidance, theological education, pastoral experience and the support of a vibrant community.” This is the short and clear message that Bishop Keith J. Chylinski, the rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, wants us all to hear this year as we prepare to support our seminary during its [...]

Christmas preparations are well underway in our stores; I saw Christmas cards and decorations in stores at the end of September!  We have the privilege of sharing the true spirit of Christmas that goes beyond the holiday parties, exchange of gifts and cards and seasonal decorations.  We have several parish initiatives that will allow you to give to those in need as you celebrate God’s great gift of his son, Jesus.  For those of you not familiar with them or who would benefit from a little refresher, allow me to [...]

This Friday, 1 November, we will join with the universal Church in celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints.  We will celebrate a Vigil Mass on Thursday at 6:00pm and will celebrate Mass at 6:30 and 8:00am and at 12:10 and 7:00pm on Friday.  Throughout the year, we find encouragement in celebrating the feasts of saints who intercede for us in heaven so let us join this week with all the saints in heaven who are already enjoying the full celebration of the eternal banquet our God has prepared for all [...]

Next Sunday, you are invited to join in the celebration of the Sunday Mass at our sister parish, St. Martin de Porres.  It is always a pleasure to join in their lively celebration and I invite you to join us there!  For those of you who are not familiar with St. Martin de Porres parish and our relationship with it, allow me to give you a little history.  Our relationship with this parish began in 1991 in response to a call from Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua (who was then the Ordinary [...]

“My God will fully supply whatever you need.  …To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians. 4: 19-20).  In today’s second reading, we hear a passage from St. Paul’s letter to the first European Christian community, located in Philippi, Greece.  He is thanking them for providing him with much-needed financial assistance as he continued his missionary journey through northern Europe.  As you know, the Church spread throughout the region as a result of his tireless efforts of proclaiming the gospel to people who needed to hear it.  [...]