“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…)

Hope for the Christian Dead

Updike Funeral Home’s Annual Memorial Service
November 30, 2014
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers,
about those who have fallen asleep,
so that you may not grieve like the rest,
who have no hope. (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…)

Attitude of Gratitude

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 21, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Is 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Phil 1:20c-24, 27a; Mt 20:1-16a
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Last night after Mass at our sister parish, Resurrection, I went to visit Deacon Ray. On my way to his room, one of his daughters called me up and asked me to see how he was doing because he hadn’t answered his cell phone for the past two days. When I got to his room, I told him his children and grandchildren were worried about him because he wasn’t answering his phone. He said, “What do you mean? I have my cell phone right here with me. Nobody is calling.” (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…)