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…)

Never Tire of Asking Forgiveness

Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014 – Year B
Readings: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

At his very first Angelus message after being elected Pope, Pope Francis said, “The Lord Jesus never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.” He quoted this passage from chapter 8 of the gospel of John, where Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, do not sin anymore.” (more…)

Be Fully Alive

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 19, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Isaiah 45:1,4-6; Psalm 96; 1 Thes 1:1-5b; Mt 22:15-21
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Saint Iranaeus once said that the glory of God is a human being fully alive. We are fully alive because we are all here worshiping God together as members of God’s family. (more…)

The God of Second Chances

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 20, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Psalm 86; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

About 6 and a half years ago, there was a young man in Maryland who was trying to get in touch with a young lady that he met a few days before. He thought he got her on Facebook and began chatting with her. It turned out she was a different person. Of course, she wasn’t too happy with this at the beginning, but she gave him a chance to explain himself and the way he describes it, it fit the description of Psalm 86. She was “slow to anger, abounding in love and truth, and forgiving.” Because of that, they were able to start a conversation. They introduced themselves and realized they had a lot of things in common. They connected instantly. They chatted on Facebook from 6:00 in the evening until 4:00 in the morning. That’s 10 hours – and they had just met online for the first time! (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…)

Love Your Enemies

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 23, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  LV 19:1-2, 17-18; Ps 103; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

“Be holy” and “be perfect.” Today’s readings are book-ended quite nicely, aren’t they? Then in the second reading, St. Paul tells the Corinthians that their body is a “temple of God” and it is holy. So holiness and perfection are our calling. How can we, as humans, ever hope to do this.
(more…)