In today’s Christmas Mass we hear from the Gospel reading that God has entered quietly into the world. Not into the great city of Jerusalem, but into a small village about five miles south. Not into a noble family, but to an outcast couple keeping the newborn in a manger. Not announced by royal edicts,…
We hear much about “coming home” for the holidays. My Christmas greetings and prayers for you and yours are contained in these words from Fr. Henri Nouwen: Coming Home There are two realities to which you must cling. First, God has promised that you will receive the love you have been searching for. And second,…
The God of power, as he did ride In his majestick robes of glorie Resolved to light; and so one day He did descend, undressing all the way. —George Herbert December 24, 2017: This year it is a quaint day in our Church Calendar! In the morning, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of…
For women in the ancient world, motherhood was prized and desired above almost all else. Sacred scripture tells of many women who pleaded with God to let them conceive. From Sarah, the mother of Isaac, to Elizabeth, the other of John the Baptist, the Bible is replete with women who finally, in their old age,…
The Columban Centenary Pilgrim Altar Cloth symbolizes 100 years of Columban mission by sharing Gospel Joy under the patronage of St. Columban. We hope that the symbolism and the effort which went into the making of this cloth will inspire many other people in our missionary zones to reflect on Christ’s mission and to support the…
Recently, a friend of mine went to the Post Office to buy stamps. He said, “I would like some religious Christmas stamps.” The clerk queried, “Oh, do you want Hanukkah or Kwanzaa stamps?” A bit dumb-founded, my friend asked again, “I want religious Christmas stamps!” The clerk then responded, “Oh, so you want Christian Christmas…
Our Seasons Capital Campaign to complete our Church Build-out packets were recently mailed to all registered Parishioners. This 3-year campaign REPLACES our Mortgage/Building Completion Fund and officially begins January 1, 2018. Due to the busy season of Advent, the local fire disasters, and preparation for Christmas, we have extended the due date for…
In recent years, a name change has taken place with the “Sacrament of Confession.” We no longer call the act “Confession,” but rather “Reconciliation” and/or “Penance.” This name change better reflects what happens in this celebration. We do not go to the priest just to list our sins, have them forgiven, and receive a penance;…