Dear Parishioners,

This weekend is the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe or Christ the King – the day we as a Church throughout the world recognize that the true source of all truth, beauty and goodness is Jesus. He is peace, wisdom, light and mercy. But He only reigns in our lives if we let Him. He is not a King who exerts or forces His way of life on us but rather invites us into His Kingdom of love.

I always find it interesting to reflect upon the fact that this feast was not instituted until 1925 by Pope Pius XI with his encyclical, Quas primas (‘In the first’) in a response to what was happening throughout the world in different Catholic countries. In the center of this bulletin is an article from the USCCB that helps us to better understand and ponder the meaning of this day. We must make Christ the King of our hearts and families first. May our Eucharistic procession into our parking lot remind us that we are invited each week to carry Him into the daily moments of our lives. To live as Christian witnesses in a world that often rejects His ways. In the spirit of the Mexican Martyrs, we cry out Viva Cristo Rey! Long Live Christ the King in the hearts of all people!

This week as a nation, we will gather on Thursday to give thanks- to celebrate Thanksgiving. It will be done in many different traditions and beliefs but at the heart of all gratitude and thanksgiving is the one who is the source of life – God. We in a special way as Catholics have a profound and deep sense of thanksgiving because it is the very meaning of the word Eucharist. When we gather for Mass, we are a people giving thanks, gathering in gratitude every Sunday to worship and thank our loving God for creation, salvation and the grace to live day by day in our call to holiness. I hope you can join us for Thanksgiving Day Mass on Thursday at 9:00am. I invite you to bring can goods and other non-perishable foods with you to present at the offertory. It is a great action that we bring forward real gifts for the poor. We will also place baskets for financial donations at the altar. All of this will be used to go to families in need during the holidays. I realize this follows our recent SVDP thanksgiving collection but this is a wonderful way for us to connect our offering at the Mass with hearts full of gratitude and thanksgiving.

I am personally grateful to God for this parish community and the beautiful way you respond and engage in the mission to spread the Good News.

Next weekend we will begin our journey in Advent – a time of hope as we renew ourselves in the gift of our Savior. We celebrate that the prophecies of old have been fulfilled and we live in the time of salvation. Familiar words like Emmanuel remind us that God is with us. I encourage your family to get an advent wreath or advent calendar to help you bring the season into your home. This can be especially helpful for young families to deepen the faith at home. There are lots of different videos and series for disciples of all ages on FORMED – be sure to check them out and make Advent a time to renew, refresh and grow in the hope and joy of our Savior…. God is with us!

May Christ the King of the Universe reign in your hearts and homes.

Peace and joy in Him,

Fr. Fred

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