You’ll Never Walk Alone

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
January 11, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm – Isaiah 12; Acts 10:34-38; Mk 1:7-11
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

From September 1940 until May 1941, Hitler’s Luftwaffe carried out an intense bombing campaign of London. His intent was to demoralize the British people and and encourage them to surrender quickly. The damage inflicted on the city was great and causalities were high. The destruction in the East End of London was especially bad. In spite of this and against the advice of many of his advisors, King George VI and his wife Elizabeth decided to stay in London instead of evacuating to the countryside. (more…)

My Faith Journey

FIRE Mass Testimony from Dr. Joseph Mukuni,
Visiting Assistant Professor of Career and Technical Education, Virginia Tech
January 6, 2015

Dear brothers and sisters, thank you for inviting me once again to share the testimony of my life journey with you. (more…)

Can We Be Like the Mother of God?

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
January 1, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Nm 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
by Rev. Mr. Mike Stinson, Permanent Deacon

What does a Mother do? She helps her child grow. First, her child grows within her. Then her child is born. And then she encourages her child to keep growing, and she introduces him to others.

Like any mother, Mary remembered the events surrounding the birth of her child — the gospel says she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” These events showed the unique nature of her child. A human baby — but also God, come to earth in human form. (more…)

I’ve Gone to Rest a Little While

Mass of Christian Burial for Edward William Wessel
December 30, 2014
Readings: Is 40:28-31; Psalm 121; 2 Cor 5:1, 6-10; Jn 14:1-6
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Lettie, Gary – the three of us were with Eddie when he was born into life eternal. Members of Holy Name of Mary know that we never say that Eddie “died.” We use the words “born into life eternal.” It is one thing to die; it is another thing to be born into life eternal. (more…)

Pray Together to Stay Together

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
December 28, 2014 – Year B
Readings: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:22-40
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Yesterday, I noticed that the three kings of our nativity set are moving. For those of you sitting near the altar, you can see the three kings are a little closer than they were at Christmas. One is hiding behind the flowers. Next Sunday, they will be right here next to the Holy Family. (more…)

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Mass of Christian Burial for Angie Ayers Patterson
December 27, 2014
Readings: Job 19:1, 23-26; Psalm 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 14:1-6
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

When I was little, I loved going places with my Aunt Brenda. We had a lot of fun together but sometimes our outings turned into adventures. On one fall afternoon, we were driving along going somewhere and we got lost. According to my aunt, as she was trying to figure out how to get back on track, I spoke up from the back seat and said, “Nonda, will we make it home for Christmas?” (more…)

Finding Joy

3rd Sunday of Advent
December 14, 2014 – Year B
Readings: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Luke 1; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

“Gaudete in Domino semper” –“Rejoice in the Lord always.” That is the beginning of the opening antiphon for today’s celebration. The theme for today is Joy, and that is the why we light a rose candle and wear rose vestments. (Judging by the grins on so many of your faces, I think it has been effective.)

One thing that my daughter and I share is that our birthdays are both in December. This can present a special challenge that people with birthdays in other months can not fully appreciate. (more…)

Second Coming, Second Christmas

1st Sunday of Advent
November 30, 2014 – Year B
Readings: Is 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7; Psalm 80, 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Today, the first day of the season of Advent, Holy Mother Church tells us that Christmas is coming. We notice that the church is pretty late in her announcement, because here in the town of Bedford, the Christmas ornaments have been at the Elks Home since October. At Liberty Lake Park, the decorations have been up for a few weeks. The radio station 93.5 has been playing Christmas songs 24 hours a day for more than two weeks now. (more…)

Christ Our King

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 23, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17; Psalm 23, 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

A story is told about a young dad who was trying to teach his 5-year-old son about discipline and the virtue of self-denial. One evening, his little boy didn’t want to go to bed, and when he asked for a glass of juice, the father answered, “No sir, it’s too late for that. You’re supposed to be in bed. No more juice. I am the King of the Juice in this house.” The little boy answered, “I don’t think you are right, Daddy, because our Sunday School teacher said it’s Jesus who is the King of the Juice.” (more…)

Got Talent?

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 16, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128; 1 Thes 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

One of the most popular reality shows on TV today is “America’s Got Talent.” Maybe some of you have watched this show. The most common questions that the judges ask the contestants is, “Do you think the talent you will show us is worth a million dollars?” (more…)