Christians around the world celebrate the great Christmas Mystery of the Incarnation that God has become flesh and dwelt among us. It was unfathomable to the people at that time and should be for us as well. It reveals the amazing and generous love of God for us, His people. He did not choose to be exalted, but humble. Our journey of faith is one of humility, vulnerability and tender loving care for all people.

Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent and it is just two days until Christmas. It is important to savor these last days of preparation and waiting in active hope. The readings from the Gospel of Luke give us the account of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth who is with child in her old age. This story is one that reveals that we are created for relationship. We are privileged to “hear” the conversation between these two women and even between the children in their wombs, John the Baptist and Jesus.

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend, we light the third candle on the Advent wreath – the rose colored one. It is a reminder that we are halfway through Advent and Christmas is just 10 days away. The entrance antiphon for today sets the tone, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near.” With this proclamation as a Church, the people of God remember we are called to rejoice in a world of busyness, technology, suffering and fear. You might ask how we rejoice in these things – only with the promise and hope of Jesus.

Dear Parishioners,

Advent – a time for renewal, conversion and making room for the mystery of God’s love revealed in His Son born in a manager. It is a season of Hope for us – Hope in His Coming is our focus as a parish this year. It ties into the Jubilee 2025 Holy Year… Pilgrims of Hope. Christian Hope is unique in that it is hope in our Savior, Jesus. That He is our strength and source of peace.

Dear Parishioners,

We begin a new year in the Church with the season of Advent. It is a season of hope and longing. One in which we cry out Maranatha! “Come, Lord Jesus!” This has been the call of the faithful Christian community for over two centuries as well as ours each year as we journey through this time of year. The shorter days and longer nights of winter impact us and are a reminder of the longing for brighter days. This was easily connected to the longing for the light of Christ by the early Church and still can be for us.

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.

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend. we celebrate as a community with the Harvest Fest on Sunday afternoon. It is a time for us to be together to enjoy the goodness of life. Good wholesome fun, family and friendships brought together because of our common faith in Jesus and His Catholic Church. This all culminates as part of our Mission Engagement focus.

Dear Parishioners,

As Catholics, we come to Mass this weekend and every weekend with one thing unchanged and consistent - Jesus Christ is our King and Savior. We can be confident in His Church that offers the Mass continually for the salvation of souls. We find peace and joy in Him alone. There is great consolation in a Church that has continued for almost two millennia, despite the many challenges faced in our world.

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we begin a focus on Parish Mission Engagement. Why this focus? I firmly believe that, as part of the new evangelization in the world we live in today, we as Christians must embrace the great mission mandate to spread the Good News, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This means we have to be intentional as a community and grow in what that means in our daily lives.

Dear Parishioners,

This Mission Impact Report is provided to you out of a spirit of gratitude. A parish is a group of Catholics who come together to form a community. First, to worship God on Sunday for Mass, but then to make an impact in the greater community through Christian service and witness. It is important that we as a parish look back in gratitude and look forward in hope.

Dear Parishioners,

It seems parish life is in full swing with activities, bible studies, prayer groups, religious education and adult formation are going strong. It is good to see the energy and activity associated with our growing as missionary disciples. Thanks for your engagement and support. It is my hope that each member of the community continues to grow in their faith through ongoing daily conversion.

Dear Parishioners,

The Gospel reading from Mark is one of my favorites that I think provides good insight into the spiritual life and our growing relationship with God. The man who approaches Jesus possesses a deep desire for happiness in everlasting life, he is following all the commands, but something is missing. Jesus recognizes this and invites him to sell all he has, give to the poor and follow him. The man walks away sad because he is possessed by his possessions – they are what he thinks brings him happiness. He is not willing to take the next step by letting go. Surrender and trust are key in the Christian journey.

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend kicks of Respect Life Month in our Church with the Gospel of Life annual collection. The US Catholic Bishops teach, “The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia.