Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

01-11-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas! Yes, we are still celebrating Christmas. As Catholics, today's Feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings the Christmas season to its sacred conclusion and opens the door to Christ's public mission.

The Baptism of the Lord is a profound moment in the life of Jesus and in our own lives of faith. Jesus goes to the Jordan not because He needs repentance, but to sanctify the waters of Baptism for all time. As He enters the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father proclaims, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." From this moment, Jesus begins His public ministry - teaching, healing, forgiving sins, and driving away the power of evil.

This same Jesus meets us today. Through our own Baptism, we have been immersed into His divine life and united to His saving grace. Each time we bless the waters of the baptismal font, the Church prays that the Holy Spirit may descend upon them so that all who are buried with Christ in Baptism may rise to new life in Him. It is God who sanctifies these waters, and it is God who claims us as His own; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are no longer strangers, but beloved sons and daughters, called to walk in the light and live as people reborn in Christ.

This Sunday at the 11:00 a.m. Mass, we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome. Members of Quest will publicly affirm their desire to follow Christ and continue their journey toward full communion with the Church as they draw closer to Easter. Their witness reminds us that faith is not static; it grows, deepens, and matures through prayer, learning, and the support of the faith community. Please keep them in your prayers as they open their hearts more fully to the Lord.

You will also find an invitation in this bulletin to attend a Clairvaux Legacy Society information evening on Friday, January 30. This gathering is the fruit of parishioners who approached me with a desire to ensure that our parish's mission, ministries, and beautiful campus continue to thrive for generations to come. The evening is purely informational and intended for those who may be discerning how they can remember the parish in their end-of-life planning. Space is limited, and an RSVP is required. Dinner will be provided by our partners at the Catholic Community Foundation. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

We are richly blessed to live as adopted sons and daughters of God. Strengthened by His Word, nourished by the Sacraments, and supported by this faith community, we are sent each day to live our Baptism in the world. As we bring the Christmas season to a close, may we renew our commitment to live as Jesus calls us to spread His love, mercy, and peace wherever we go.

Final Christmas Blessings,

Fr. Fred