In the liturgical calendar, the month of November begins with the Solemnity of All Saints. The saints are men and women who, while on earth, lived exemplary lives in holiness. They responded to God’s call, bore witness to the faith, and remained faithful to the end. Now, they enjoy their eternal reward in heaven. This important feast is not only a celebration but also reminder for all of us of what we are all called to become: Saints.

Topics: Message From The Rector

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

Topics: Message From The Rector

“And it happened that, while Jesus was with two of his disciples at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

Topics: Message From The Rector

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

 

This was the verse before the Gospel at the evening Mass, which I celebrated with the students on Thursday, March 15th, during the Fourth Week of Lent. It reminds us of God’s love for

all humanity, and puts forth a case for believing in Jesus Christ, God’s only-begotten Son.

Topics: Message From The Rector

Three Occasions, Three Values.

 

During the month of January, the Catholic Church and U.S. society mark three important occasions: National Migration Week, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and National Catholic Schools Week. Firstly, National Migration Week falls in the second week of January. This event, which started almost fifty years ago, is promoted by the U.S. bishops as an occasion  for the faithful to “reflect on the circumstances confronting  migrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of  human trafficking” (USCCB) and to stand with them, to  welcome, protect and integrate them into our midst.

Topics: Message From The Rector

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you “Be of good cheer,” it’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the happiest season of all.

 

With those holiday greetings and happy meetings when friends come to call, it’s the happiest season of all . . . It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be much mistletoeing and hearts will be glowing when love ones are near. It’s the most wonderful time, It’s the most wonderful time, It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

Topics: Message From The Rector

“I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Topics: Message From The Rector

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.”

 

Saint Paul wrote this beautiful passage near the end of his second letter to Timothy. Paul was being held captive in Rome when that letter was written. Facing the imminence of death, Paul reflects on his life and work. Timothy, Paul’s friend and traveling companion on his missionary journeys, was confronted with many difficulties and Paul wanted to offer him guidance and encouragement. It is a powerful letter replete with love, wisdom, and hope.

Topics: Message From The Rector