God Forgives and Forgets

Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 22, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Jer 31: 31-34, Psalm 51, Heb 5:7-9, Jn 12:20-33
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Ron Davis, in his book, A Forgiving God in an Unforgiving World, told a story which I love to read over and over again, and which I also like to tell over and over again. So if you’ve heard the story from me a second or third time, it is intentional. (more…)

Rejoice!

Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 15, 2015 – Year B
Readings: 2 Chr 36: 14-16, 19-23; Psalm 137; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

Today is Laetare Sunday. This is a Latin word meaning “rejoice”. It’s the beginning of the introit for today’s Mass:

“Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning;…”

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Coming Home

First Sunday of Lent
February 22, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Gn 9:8-15; Psalm 25; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

I would like to thank all of you for praying for me while I traveled back from the Philippines. It’s quite a change from 90-degree temperature all the time to 8 degrees with snow. 99 percent of my relatives & friends in my hometown have never seen, much less touched, snow. So when they heard there was a snowstorm here, they asked me to try to explain snowflakes and snow formation. I tried, but (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…)

Dwelling in God’s Eternal Kingdom

Mass of Christian Burial for Baby Moses Jacques Baptiste
January 2, 2015
Readings: Lamentations 3:17-26; Psalm 25; 1 John 3:1-2; Matthew 25:35-40
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

In 28 years of the priesthood, I have never had a funeral Mass for a baby as young as Baby Moses. This is a first for me. (more…)

Can We Be Like the Mother of God?

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
January 1, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Nm 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
by Rev. Mr. Mike Stinson, Permanent Deacon

What does a Mother do? She helps her child grow. First, her child grows within her. Then her child is born. And then she encourages her child to keep growing, and she introduces him to others.

Like any mother, Mary remembered the events surrounding the birth of her child — the gospel says she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” These events showed the unique nature of her child. A human baby — but also God, come to earth in human form. (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…)

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Mass of Christian Burial for Angie Ayers Patterson
December 27, 2014
Readings: Job 19:1, 23-26; Psalm 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 14:1-6
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

When I was little, I loved going places with my Aunt Brenda. We had a lot of fun together but sometimes our outings turned into adventures. On one fall afternoon, we were driving along going somewhere and we got lost. According to my aunt, as she was trying to figure out how to get back on track, I spoke up from the back seat and said, “Nonda, will we make it home for Christmas?” (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…)

Finding Joy

3rd Sunday of Advent
December 14, 2014 – Year B
Readings: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Luke 1; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

“Gaudete in Domino semper” –“Rejoice in the Lord always.” That is the beginning of the opening antiphon for today’s celebration. The theme for today is Joy, and that is the why we light a rose candle and wear rose vestments. (Judging by the grins on so many of your faces, I think it has been effective.)

One thing that my daughter and I share is that our birthdays are both in December. This can present a special challenge that people with birthdays in other months can not fully appreciate. (more…)