CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. …As often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me” (Mt 25:34-36, 40). For the past 62 years, Catholic Charities Appeal has provided assistance for millions of people [...]
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
In the Book of Exodus, we read about the Lord striking down “every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn of the animals” (Ex. 12:29). Pharaoh then called Moses and told him to “leave my people at once, you and the Israelites! Go and serve the Lord as you said” (Ex. 12:31). As they left Egypt, God commanded Moses: “Consecrate to me every firstborn; whatever opens the [...]
Catholic Schools
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28: 19-20). Our Lord’s final command to his disciples was very clear: to make disciples of everyone and teach them everything he had commanded them. Since that time, his followers have understood evangelization and education to be central to their faith. And, through the ages, the Church has placed a great emphasis on both. [...]
Catholic Relief Service Annual Collection
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 [...]
The Epiphany of the Lord
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 [...]
Solemnity of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
“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 [...]