The Healing Touch of Jesus

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 15, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Psalm 32; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Mk 1:40-45
by Rev. Louis Benoit

In today’s gospel, Jesus heals a leper. This is a little bit different from other healings that Jesus does. A leper was an unclean person and he was isolated from the rest of society. He had none of the support of society. He had to live apart. The only people he was living with were other lepers. The only thing to look forward to was death – a pretty miserable existence. (more…)

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…)

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…)

Love Personified

4th Sunday of Advent
December 21, 2014 – Year B
Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

In three days, it will be Christmas. The children are anticipating the gifts they will receive from Santa and all the people who love them. But for the adults, especially parents, grandparents and godparents, the next three days can be a little stressful. (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…)

Saved by the Cross

Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 14, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Nm 21:4b-9; Psalm 78; Phil 2:6-11, Jn 3:13:-17
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

About 28 years ago as a newly-ordained priest, a grandmother told me her granddaughter could recite all the basic prayers in three languages: in our own local language, in English and in Spanish. So I asked her, “Do you know the Our Father?” “No,” she answered.
“Hail Mary?”
“No.”
So I said, “Your grandmother told me you know all the prayers.”
“Yes.”
“What prayer do you know?”
“In the name of the Father.” (more…)

A Personal Relationship with Jesus

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 24, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Is 22:19-23; Psalm 138; Rom 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

Last week at the end of Mass, I had the honor of giving you the good news that Father Sal has been released from the Diocese of Sorsogon in the Philippines and is now a priest of our own diocese. In the process, perhaps I even taught you a new word… “incardination.”

This week, our second reading may also have taught you new word. “How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!” (more…)

The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

Reflection for Nursing Home Prayer Service
August 18, 2014
Readings: Is 56:1, 6-7; Psalm 67; Rom 11:13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28
by Mrs. Rita Zimmermann, Faith Formation Coordinator

Oh what faith she had! This Canaanite woman! You see, she knew she would not be welcome among those who followed Jesus as she was not a Jew, but a pagan and a woman! What courage and determination she must have had to just get up and leave her daughter to seek out the only person she knew that could help her. (more…)