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.

Dear Parish Family,

Over the past several weeks, our parish has been prayerfully engaged in our Parish Improvements Campaign. With gratitude for the support already received, we are making steady progress on three important projects to maintain and improve our parish facilities:

• Heating and Cooling Systems: Installing new heat pumps in Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Social Hall, and repairing the existing unit in Hanley Hall, so that all our spaces remain welcoming and comfortable throughout the year.
• Restroom Renovations: Updating the restrooms near Hanley Hall to provide a more hospitable and accessible environment for our parishioners and guests.
• Roof Repairs: Preserving the welcoming atmosphere of the Upper Room and Hanley Hall through essential roof repairs.

This past week, I had the privilege of joining the priests of the Diocese of Phoenix for our annual convocation in Flagstaff. It was a grace-filled time of prayer, fraternity, and reflection on our shared vocation. Since it was my first convocation, I especially treasured the chance to meet many priests from across the diocese—sharing stories of ministry, encouraging one another in our mission, and rejoicing in the laughter and friendship that strengthen our brotherhood.