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.

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.

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

With hearts full of gratitude, we recall the joyful celebration of our parish’s 50th anniversary last year. What a milestone it was—a grace-filled moment to thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful community, and to remember with deep appreciation the generosity of all benefactors and parishioners who, over the past five decades, have built and sustained this spiritual home. Truly, our parish has grown into a vibrant and prayerful family because of your faithful support and dedication.

Last week after Mass, a young man approached me with a thoughtful question. He said, “Father, I know there are Ph.D.s, M.D.s, and Psy.D.s—but when I saw the abbreviation S.V.D. after your name, I wondered: what kind of doctorate is that?”

I smiled and thanked him for thinking so highly of me! But no, I am not a doctor of any kind. S.V.D. does not stand for a degree—it refers to the religious congregation to which I belong: the Society of the Divine Word (Societas Verbi Divini in Latin), commonly known as the Divine Word Missionaries.

In the Gospel, Jesus says: “Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Children are a precious gift from God, entrusted to our love, care, and guidance. In the Gospels, Jesus welcomes them with open arms, showing His deep affection and reminding us of their special place in the heart of God.

Inspired by the 36th International Youth Festival in Medjugorje

I find it deeply inspiring to see millions of young pilgrims from around the world come together this summer in Medjugorje for the 36th International Youth Festival. You can feel the vibrant energy of so many hearts united by a shared longing—to encounter Christ and rediscover the strength that faith brings. The festival’s theme, “We will go to the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1), beautifully reminds us that the journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone, but together—as a community of hope-filled believers.

Dear Holy Spirit Parish Family,

On behalf of our parish leadership, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generosity, prayers, and support for the Central Texas Flood Relief efforts. Your compassion shown through your prayers, monetary donations of 10,864.00 and acts of love has reached far beyond our parish boundaries, bringing hope and healing to those in desperate need.