Mary: Our Spiritual GPS

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab; Psalm 45; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

As we celebrate today the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we remember that glorious day when the Blessed Mother was taken up, body and soul, into heaven. Our faith tells us there are only two physical bodies in heaven: our Lord Jesus himself, who ascended into heaven, and the Blessed Mother, who was assumed into heaven.

Why is this so important to us? (more…)

Be Not Afraid

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 10, 2014 – Year A
Readings: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a; Psalm 85; Rom 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

A few years ago, the comedian Jerry Seinfeld said, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Now this means, to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you are better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” (more…)

Sharing Our Blessings

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 3, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Is 55:1-3; Psalm 145; Rom 8:35, 37-39; Mt 14:13-21
by Rev. Mr. Ray Roderique, Permanent Deacon

The central theme of today’s readings is the provident care of a loving and merciful God who generously shares His riches with us, giving us His Son Jesus as our spiritual food, preparing us for the Heavenly banquet, and challenging us to share our blessings with others. (more…)

An Oasis of Comfort and Love

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 6, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Zec 9:9-10, Psalm 145, Rom 8:9, 11-13, Mt 11:25-30
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

The first time I had the opportunity to visit the city of New York, 17 years ago, my cousin took me to a restaurant called TGI Fridays – Thank God It’s Friday. My first reaction was, “Why would you only thank God on a Friday? Because the connotation is when Monday comes – Oh no, it’s Monday.” I’ve never seen a restaurant with the title “ONIM” – “Oh No, It’s Monday”. I don’t think people would be excited to eat dinner or have coffee at a restaurant with that name. (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…)

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…)

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…)

He Who Believes in Me Will Live

5th Sunday of Lent, Year A
April 6, 2014
Readings: Ez 37:12-14, Psalm 130, Rom 8:8-11, Jn 11:1-45
by Rev. Mr. Sal Clarizio, Permanent Deacon

In the gospel reading of today from St. John we hear the story of the raising of Lazarus from death. This miracle is the seventh and greatest of the ‘signs’ that Jesus works in St. John’s gospel. (more…)

Mass – Our Transfiguration Experience

2nd Sunday of Lent
March 16, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Gn 12:1-4a, Psalm 33, 2 Tim 1:8b-10, Mt 17:1-9
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Many of us here have probably been up or at least close to Sharp Top.  That’s the first thing I did when I came here.  I wanted to tell all my parishioners in Virginia Beach that I have been up that mountain. (more…)

Time for a Spiritual “Selfie”

Ash Wednesday
March 5, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Jl 2:12-18, Psalm 51, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2, Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

We begin today the 40-day season of Lent; a time of prayer, fasting, abstinence, self-denial and going the extra mile in doing something for God and for our neighbors. Some of you were already here this morning for the giving of ashes. Still, we come back tonight because we cannot pray enough, as we all know. (more…)