Dear parish family,

As we step into the Year of Our Lord 2026, my heart is filled with gratitude for each of you and for the many ways God’s grace continues to shape and strengthen our parish family. The past year has brought its share of joys and challenges, but through it all the Lord has remained faithful. Your presence at Mass, your generosity, your service, your dedication, and your quiet, unseen sacrifices testify to a vibrant and persevering faith. Truly, you are the heart of this community!

Merry Christmas! As the joyful echoes of Christmas continue to fill our hearts, the Church brings us today to the Feast of the Holy Family—inviting us to reflect on the gift of family through the light of the newborn Christ. The Word made flesh chose not to come into the world in isolation, but within the warmth, struggle, and love of a human family. This truth gives sacred meaning to every family among us.

Dear Parish family,

Last week, I received a Christmas card from my spiritual director featuring a simple yet beautiful image of the newborn Jesus with Mary and Joseph in the manger, crowned by a shining star and the Scripture verse: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). That single line has stayed with me, quietly stirring my heart with hope throughout these days of Advent.

Today’s Gospel is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy from the first reading.

Divorce in the Gospel does not have the same connotation as today. Joseph does not want to divorce Mary as we understand the word. The crux of the matter is quite the opposite; Joseph absolutely understands that Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit and does not regard himself worthy of being in the same household with her. In his humility, he wants to protect Mary and the unborn child.

“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:4–6

Suppose a priest came to our church to lead a parish mission, and during that mission he miraculously healed the blind, crippled, terminally ill, and deaf. What if he even raised the dead to life? How would you respond? Most likely with amazement! You’d probably tell everyone close to you about those miracles, encouraging them to attend the next session.

When I was young, my mom used to tell me a story about a little boy standing at the foot of a great mountain. Full of curiosity, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, “Hello!” A moment later, the same word came echoing back—“Hello!”—bouncing across the cliffs. Delighted, he tried again. “Who are you?” And the mountain answered, “Who are you?” What amazed him most was realizing that the mountain gave back exactly what he offered. His own voice shaped what returned to him.

The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year and the season of preparation for the coming of Christ. It is a time of hope, anticipation, and invitation. We are challenged to prepare and ready ourselves.

There are two common messages we will hear until Christmas.

First message: Santa Claus is coming to town. Translation: Buy! Buy! Buy!

Thanksgiving is truly a special day in our nation. We often delight in familiar traditions—colorful autumn leaves, gathering with family and friends, the excitement of parades and football, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal together. These warm memories remind us of the goodness and love that fill our lives.

Excerpt: Today’s young families face unique joys and challenges. Balancing careers, parenting, and faith formation can often feel overwhelming. Our ministry seeks to create a place of belonging — where no family walks alone. Through prayer, fellowship, and practical support, we hope every parent and child will experience the warmth of our parish family and the steadfast love of God.