From Our Pastor

“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 [...]

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 [...]