Different Voices, One Mission

Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles
June 29, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Acts 12:1-11, Psalm 34, 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18, Mt 16:13-19
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two of the Church’s greatest saints. We commemorate their lives for the same reason that we commemorate all of the lives of the saints, to remind us of our ultimate call. Our calling is to join them, to become saints ourselves. (more…)

A Power Meal: The Supper of the Lamb

Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ
June 22, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a; Psalm 147; 1 Cor 10:16-17; John 6:51-58
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

The last time I was at home in the Philippines, I admired the big lighthouse on my island. I said to my cousin, “You must be getting rich here; that lighthouse is so big and must cost thousands of dollars.” He answered, “Yes, it’s expensive, but it was donated to us by a generous benefactor.” I said, “That’s good that it’s free, but what about the electric bill that you pay every month?” He said, “The good news is we don’t pay for the electricity. It’s solar powered.” Although that light is so big and can be seen for hundreds of miles, it generates its own power from the sun. (more…)

“Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”

5th Sunday of Easter
May 18, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 33, 1 Pt 2:4-9, Jn 14:1-12
by Father Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Last night, a new parishioner – Brady Elizabeth Cundiff – was born about 10:00.  That’s great news.  The beginning of life.  We always celebrate beginnings.  That’s why graduation exercises are called commencement – the beginning of a new life.  If we look at it closely, even what we call death is also a beginning. (more…)

The Joy of Christ

Reflection for Nursing Home Prayer Service
Wednesday of the 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A
May 7, 2014
Readings:  Acts 8:1B-8, Psalm 66, Jn 6:35-40
by Mrs. Rita Zimmermann, Faith Formation Coordinator

In the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of Paul, the response of people who began to believe was joy. It today’s First Reading we hear, “Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them… There was great joy in that city.” (more…)

Journey with Jesus

3rd Sunday of Easter
May 4, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Acts 2:14, 22-23, Psalm 16, 1 Pt 1:17-21, Lk 24:13-35
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Last Sunday after the canonization of Saint John Paul II and Saint John XXIII, Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York said that many people who don’t understand our Catholic faith tradition were probably wondering why thousands of people were gathered in the Vatican for the canonization.  Millions of people around the world were watching on TV, or following on Twitter or Facebook.  Why was everyone so excited, honoring these two dead men? (more…)

The Joy of the Resurrection

Easter Sunday
April 20, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Acts 10:34A, 37-43, Psalm 118, Col 3:1-4, Jn 20:1-9
by Rev. Mr. Ray Roderique, Permanent Deacon

Each of the eye witnesses in the New Testament gives differing accounts of Christ’s resurrection. Here is the Apostle John’s account: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from its entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and another disciple, (more…)

He Who Believes in Me Will Live

5th Sunday of Lent, Year A
April 6, 2014
Readings: Ez 37:12-14, Psalm 130, Rom 8:8-11, Jn 11:1-45
by Rev. Mr. Sal Clarizio, Permanent Deacon

In the gospel reading of today from St. John we hear the story of the raising of Lazarus from death. This miracle is the seventh and greatest of the ‘signs’ that Jesus works in St. John’s gospel. (more…)

Time for a Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Lenten Penance Service
April 1, 2014
Readings: Joel 2:12-17, Psalm 51, Hebrews 3:12-15, Luke 15:11-32
By Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Maybe some of us have already started our Spring Cleaning. Maybe for your children and grandchildren, cleaning the house or putting things in order is not their idea of Spring Break. But cleaning our souls is definitely God’s idea of a Spring Break. That’s why we take a break today – to receive this beautiful sacrament for a spiritual Spring Cleaning. (more…)

What If You Were at the Well?

3rd Sunday of Lent
March 23, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Ex 17:3-7, Psalm 95, Rom 5: 1-2, 5-8, Jn 4:5-42
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

Prayer, Fasting and Alms Giving.  When we think about Lent, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind.  These are the three pillars of Lenten observance.

A friend of mine, who is a Protestant, asked me on Ash Wednesday, “What exactly is Lent?” (more…)

Mass – Our Transfiguration Experience

2nd Sunday of Lent
March 16, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Gn 12:1-4a, Psalm 33, 2 Tim 1:8b-10, Mt 17:1-9
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Many of us here have probably been up or at least close to Sharp Top.  That’s the first thing I did when I came here.  I wanted to tell all my parishioners in Virginia Beach that I have been up that mountain. (more…)