The Paraclete at Your Side

6th Sunday of Easter
May 25, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Acts 8:5-8, Psalm 66, 1 PT 3:15-18, Jn 14:15-21
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

[FIRST COMMUNION MASS – directed toward the children – but all are welcome to listen!]

In a town, there was a gifted painter who was often hired to paint murals.  On one occasion, he was brought in by a church to decorate the back of their altar. When his work was complete, the pastor and the building committee came in to see his masterpiece. (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…)

Sharing for a Lifetime

Wedding of Jessyca Noyes & Robert Sullivan
May 17, 2014
Readings: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31, Psalm 128, 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a, Mark 10:6-9
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

I can honestly say that, throughout all of my primary, secondary and even college years, the class that I always dreaded the most was English. I was never very good at it and since I’ve always known that I wanted to be an engineer, I didn’t really think it was important. However, as I have gotten older, I have come to realize that language and how we use it, and understand it, is very important. (more…)

Mothers: Our Good Shepherds

4th Sunday of Easter (Mother’s Day)
May 11, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Acts 2:14A, 36-41, Psalm 23, 1 Pt 2:20B-25, Jn 10:1-10
by Rev. Mr. Ray Roderique, Permanent Deacon

There is a Mother’s Day story I thought you might enjoy. The story is in the autobiography of Jimmy Cagney, the famous Hollywood actor. It took place in his youth when his mother was very, very sick. Around her bed were the four Cagney boys and Jeannie, their only sister. Because of a stroke, Mrs. Cagney could no longer speak. (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…)

Open to the Spirit

2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
April 27, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 118, 1 Pt 1:3-9, Jn 20:19-31
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

Today, the 2nd Sunday of Easter, the church emphasizes the unimaginable mercy of our loving God. In the first reading from The Acts of the Apostles, we get a little glimpse of the communal life of the brand-new Church. (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…)

The Responsibility of Baptism

Easter Vigil
April 19, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Gn 1:1-2:2, Psalm 104, Gn 22:1-18, Psalm 16, Ex 14:15-15:1, Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18, Is 54:5-14, Psalm 30, Is 55:1-11, Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6, Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4, Psalm 19, Ez 36:16-17A, 18-28, Psalm 51, Rom 6:3-11, Psalm 118, Mt 28:1-10
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

The Easter Vigil is my favorite liturgy of the whole year. There are many that I love. The Chrism Mass, which was celebrated on Monday night at the Cathedral in Richmond, is incredible and if you have never been, you should plan on attending next year. But it is ranks behind the Vigil in my book. (more…)

The Face of Christ

Holy Thursday:  Mass of the Lord’s Supper
April 17, 2014
Readings: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14, Psalm 116, 1 Cor 11:23-26, Jn 13:1-15
by Rev. Mr. Sal Clarizio, Permanent Deacon

Not long ago, the history channel showed a documentary in which scientists attempted to create what may be the most realistic 3-D image of the face of Christ. They spent many months on the project, using sophisticated computer technology to craft the image from the Shroud of Turin. (more…)

The Reward of Welcoming Jesus

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
April 13, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Mt 21:1-11, Is 50:4-7, Psalm 22, Phil 2:6-11, Mt 26:14-27:66
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

A few minutes before Mass, I was talking to Deacon Eddie. He reminded me of a story from when his daughter Carrie was in kindergarten. She said that the best part of her day was when she saw her mom waiting for her at the bus stop after school. This is precisely the same feeling that travelers on a journey in the desert during the time of our Lord would have when they saw their friends and relatives waving palm branches to welcome them. (more…)