“All Is Calm; All Is Bright”

Memorial Service for Eugene Kosa
December 22, 2014
Readings: Wis 3:1-6, 9; Psalm 27; Rom 6:3-4, 8-9; John 14:1-6
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

In my first few months as pastor at Holy Name of Mary, I asked if we could do something about our sound system, because there is an echo in our church and I have an accent. When you combine those two things, I cannot be understood. The first person who came forward to help with the project was Gene. He is the only person I know of who had his own personal Assisted Listening Device so he could understand every word I said. He loved listening to God’s word. (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…)

Making the Impossible Possible

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
December 8, 2014 – Year B
Readings: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98, Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Today’s feast is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when the Blessed Mother was immaculately conceived by her mother, St. Anne. Today is exactly 9 months before the Blessed Mother’s birthday on September 8th.

Sometimes we take all these modern inventions for granted. Young children know how to use these technologies, when many adults, including me, have difficulty. (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…)

Deacon Ray, You Have Arrived!

Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Raymond O. Roderique
December 6, 2014
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

After listening to Colleen and her words of remembrance, and having the privilege of getting to know Deacon Ray for five years and five months, I now understand why the very first question that a girl from the second grade faith formation class asked me in my first few months as pastor. “Where do you go to become a DeaconRay?” (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…)

Time to Fall Back

Solemnity of All Souls
November 2, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Wis 3:1-9; Psalm 23; Rom 5:5-11; Jn 6:37-40
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Yesterday, the Holy Name of Mary Facebook page and a number of friends gave me a great reminder. “Don’t forget to ‘fall back’ tomorrow morning.” Being reminded to turn back the clock an hour is just like reminding me to eat rice, which is my favorite food. Reminding me to have an extra hour of sleep – I would love to be reminded of this every single day.

In a spiritual sense, the season of Fall is a perfect time to fall back and reflect on the meaning of our lives, most especially for us who celebrate today the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. (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…)