Notes from the Pastor’s Pen – January 29, 2023

The People of God’s Kingdom

In our Gospel reading from Matthew, we hear the Beatitudes, the stirring opening to the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God, and begins by considering what kind of people will enter and participate in this kingdom. They are the poor in spirit, the meek, the clean of heart, the peacemakers. We hear both Zephaniah and Paul echo this, as God specifically chooses the weak and the lowly to be God’s agents in ushering in the reign of God. By living with humility and integrity, their hearts are open to being transformed by the grace of God. We too are called to live in this way. Jesus invites us to be people with open hearts, to receive God’s blessing. And working through us, God may bless all of creation.

© J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

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Notes from the Pastor’s Pen – January 22, 2023

Dear friends,

I take this opportunity thank everyone who was involved in all the preparations for the Christmas season. The liturgical celebrations were most prayerful and it was good that so many people were present for the Christmas Masses.

Saturday, February 11, is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and also the World Day of the Sick. Please know that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated at the 8 a.m. Mass that morning.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which this year is on February 22. Masses on Ash Wednesday will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

The Fish Fry sponsored by the Knights of Columbus will be returning here this year. Please see the upcoming bulletin for details on the time of the Fish Fry on Ash Wednesday.

I hope and pray you and your loved ones have a blessed New Year.

In Christ,
Father Bené

Notes from the Pastor’s Pen – January 15, 2023

Our Strategic Goal

As a Church, we now move into Ordinary Time. “Ordinary” comes from the Latin root for “order,” which is why we line the Sundays up on the calendar and count them—with “ordinal” numbers—one by one. The orderly way we proceed through the liturgical year reminds us that our faith offers a strategic goal for our lives: eternal happiness with God, who is love. Today’s readings share stories of believers who order their daily activities toward the goal of sharing God’s love. Isaiah embraces his role as God’s servant and works to bring glory not only to Israel, but to the entire world. In a similar way, Saint Paul identifies himself as Christ’s witness in the world and reminds the Corinthians of their life goal: “to be holy.” The Gospel shows us John the Baptist, servant and witness, attentive to God’s loving orders, the divine plan for salvation.

© J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.