In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to look deeper—not only at our actions, but at the movements of our hearts. He reminds us that He has not come to abolish the Law, but to bring it to completion. The commandments are not burdens but pathways to freedom, and Jesus calls us to live them with sincerity, integrity, and love.

The law of the New Covenant is a law that God writes on the heart. The heart is the seat of our motivations, the place from which our words and actions proceed. Jesus this week calls us to train our hearts, to master our passions and emotions. And Jesus demands the full obedience of our hearts. He calls us to love God with all our hearts and to do His will from the heart. God never demands more than what we are capable of doing. That is the message of this week’s First Reading.

He speaks about anger, judgment, reconciliation, and marriage, not as isolated rules but as expressions of a heart aligned with God. Anger, when left unchecked, can harden into resentment. Judgment can fracture relationships. Broken promises can wound deeply. Jesus challenges us to go beyond minimal obedience and to cultivate a heart that seeks peace, forgiveness, and fidelity.

Reconciliation stands at the center of His message. “Leave your gift at the altar,” He says, “and be reconciled with your brother or sister.” True worship begins with a heart at peace. As disciples, we are called to be healers—people who mend, restore, and build up rather than tear down.

This teaching prepares us beautifully for the coming season of Lent, which begins this year on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Lent is a sacred time to examine our hearts, repair what is broken, and return to the Lord with renewed purpose. The ashes placed on our foreheads remind us of our need for God’s mercy and our desire to walk more faithfully in His ways.

As we approach Lent, let us ask: Where do I need healing? Who do I need to forgive? What habits or attitudes keep me from loving as Christ loves?

May this week be a gentle invitation to prepare our hearts—so that when we receive the ashes, we do so with humility, honesty, and hope.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, fulfill Your law of love within my heart. Heal my anger, soften my judgments, and strengthen my commitment to reconciliation and fidelity. As Lent approaches, prepare me to return to You with a renewed spirit. Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses two simple but powerful images—salt and light—to describe the mission of every Christian. Salt preserves, heals, and brings out flavor. Light reveals, guides, and gives warmth. Jesus is reminding us that faith is never meant to be hidden or bland. It is meant to transform.

To be salt is to bring the flavor of Christ into the ordinary moments of daily life: a word of encouragement, an act of patience, a choice for honesty, a willingness to forgive. These small gestures may seem insignificant, yet they season the world with God’s love. Without salt, food becomes tasteless; without Christian witness, the world becomes dull and directionless.

To be light is to allow Christ’s radiance to shine through us. Light does not exist for itself—it exists, so others may see. When we live with integrity, compassion, and joy, we become living lamps pointing toward God. Even a small light can break through deep darkness. Jesus does not ask us to be brilliant, only faithful.

This week, the Church also celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11. Mary appeared to St. Bernadette as a gentle light in a time of poverty and suffering, offering healing and hope. She reminds us that holiness often begins in humility and that God’s grace flows most powerfully where hearts are open. As we honor Our Lady of Lourdes, may we ask her for intercession to help us bring healing, peace, and light to those around us. May our lives reflect the compassion of her Son.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, make my heart salty with Your love and bright with Your light. Help me to bring hope where there is discouragement and kindness where there is hurt. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, may I be a sign of Your healing presence in the world. Amen.

A Note of Gratitude: I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your prayers, kindness, and support while I was away on vacation. Your thoughtfulness and care are a true blessing, and I am grateful to return to such a loving parish family.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel (Mark 1:21–28), we encounter Jesus teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. The people are astonished, not simply because of His words, but because He teaches with authority. Unlike the scribes, Jesus speaks as the very Word of God, and His authority is confirmed when He commands an unclean spirit to leave a man. The spirit obeys immediately.

This moment reminds us that Christ’s authority is not about domination or control, but liberation. He comes to free us from whatever binds us—fear, sin, doubt, or despair. His authority is rooted in love, truth, and mercy. When Jesus speaks, creation responds, because He is the One through whom all things were made.

The crowd’s reaction—“What is this? A new teaching with authority!”—invites us to ask ourselves: Do we allow the authority of Christ to shape our lives? It is easy to listen to many voices in the world—voices of anxiety, division, or self interest. Yet only Christ’s voice brings peace and healing.

As disciples, we are called to trust in His authority, even when His teaching challenges us. The authority of Jesus is not meant to burden us, but to draw us closer to the Father. His word silences the chaos within and around us, offering us the freedom to live as children of God.

This week, let us reflect on the areas of our lives where we resist His authority. Perhaps it is in forgiveness, patience, or trust. Let us invite Christ to speak into those places, confident that His word has the power to heal and transform. May we, like the people of Capernaum, be astonished anew at the authority of Jesus, and may our lives bear witness to His liberating love.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, we hear the powerful moment when Jesus calls His first disciples: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They do not hesitate, calculate, or delay. They leave behind their boats, nets, and even family ties to follow Christ. Their radical trust challenges us to examine how we respond when the Lord calls us. Do we cling to our “nets”—our comforts, routines, or fears? Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John leave their nets immediately and follow Him. This scene is not only the beginning of their journey but also a reminder of our own call to discipleship.

The response of the disciples is striking. Are we willing to step out in faith?

Jesus’ invitation is not simply to follow, but to be transformed: “I will make you fishers of men.” He takes their ordinary work and gives it extraordinary purpose. In the same way, He takes our daily lives—our jobs, relationships, and struggles—and turns them into opportunities for mission. Discipleship means allowing Christ to reshape our identity and send us forth to share His love.

This Gospel also reminds us that the call of Jesus is urgent. The Kingdom of God is at hand, and the time to respond is now. Each of us is invited to participate in His mission of bringing light to darkness, hope to despair, and peace to troubled hearts.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You called the first disciples to follow You. Strengthen our hearts to answer Your call with courage and trust. Transform our lives so that we may be true fishers of men, bringing others to Your love. Yes, Lord Jesus, You called Your first disciples to follow You and to become fishers of men. Strengthen us now as we go forth from this place. Fill us with courage, guide us with Your Spirit, and send us to share Your love and mercy with all whom we meet. May our words and actions bear witness to Your Gospel, so that others may
come to know You, the Lamb of God who brings life and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus and proclaims: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” These words, echoed at every Mass before Communion, remind us of the profound mystery of Christ’s mission. Jesus is revealed as the Lamb—the innocent one who offers Himself in sacrifice for our salvation.

The image of the lamb recalls the Passover in Exodus, when the blood of the lamb marked the homes of God’s people and spared them from death. In Jesus, this symbol finds its fulfillment. He is the true Paschal Lamb whose blood redeems us, not from slavery in Egypt, but from the bondage of sin and death.

John’s testimony challenges us to recognize Jesus in our midst. The Baptist does not draw attention to himself; instead, he directs others to Christ. In the same way, our lives are meant to point beyond ourselves, leading others to encounter the Lord. To “behold the Lamb of God” is not only to see Him with our eyes but to acknowledge Him with faith, to follow Him with trust, and to bear witness to His love.

Each time we hear these words at Mass, we are invited to a deeper awareness of the Eucharist. In Holy Communion, we receive the Lamb of God who takes away our sins and unites us to Himself. This encounter transforms us, sending us forth to live as disciples who reflect His mercy and peace.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. We thank You for the gift of Your Body and Blood, which nourishes us with grace and fills us with peace. May this Holy Communion strengthen our faith, renew our hearts, and guide us to live as true disciples. Help us to share Your love with others and to bear witness to Your mercy each day. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Love and prayers, Fr. Charley

The feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the conclusion of the Christmas season and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus—though sinless—chooses to be baptized by John, identifying Himself with humanity’s need for repentance and renewal. This humble act reveals His solidarity with us and His mission to bring salvation.

As He emerges from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice proclaims: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This moment is a profound revelation of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit united in love—and a reminder of our own baptism. Through baptism, we too are claimed as beloved children of God, filled with the Spirit, and called to live as disciples of Christ.

The Baptism of the Lord challenges us to reflect on our identity and mission. Just as Jesus’ baptism was the beginning of His ministry, our baptism is the beginning of our vocation to holiness. We are called not only to receive God’s love but to share it—through acts of mercy, justice, and compassion. Baptism is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey of living in Christ’s light.

As we celebrate this feast, let us renew our baptismal promises in our hearts. May we reject sin, embrace the Gospel, and allow the Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. Let us remember that we are God’s beloved children, chosen and sent to bring His love into the world.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, as You were baptized in the Jordan, renew in us the grace of our baptism. May we live as Your faithful disciples and bear witness to Your love. Amen.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

The feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the nations, symbolized by the visit of the Magi. These wise men, guided by the star, journeyed from afar to adore the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that Christ came not only for Israel but for all peoples, cultures, and nations. The Epiphany is the revelation that God’s love knows no boundaries.

The Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each signifying a truth about Jesus. Gold honors Him as King, frankincense acknowledges His divinity, and myrrh foreshadows His suffering and death. In offering these gifts, they teach us that true worship involves giving our best to the Lord: our time, talents, and hearts.

Epiphany also calls us to be seekers of God’s light. The Magi followed the star with faith and perseverance, even though uncertainty. In our own lives, God places “stars”—moments of grace, people of faith, and signs of His presence—to guide us closer to Christ. Like the Magi, we must be attentive, courageous, and willing to leave behind comfort to encounter the Lord.

This feast challenges us to become bearers of light ourselves. Having encountered Christ, the Magi returned home “by another way,” transformed by their meeting with Him. So too, we are called to live differently after encountering Jesus: to shine His light in our families, workplaces, and communities, especially where darkness and despair prevail.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, Light of the Nations, guide us as You guided the Magi. May we seek You with sincere hearts, offer You our gifts, and share Your light with the world. Amen.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

On this feast of the Holy Family, we are invited to look to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model of love, faith, and unity. In their simplicity and trust in God, we see what it means to live as a family rooted in prayer and obedience to the Father’s will. The Holy Family reminds us that holiness is not found in perfection, but in fidelity—walking together through joys and trials with faith, hope, and love.

As we approach the New Year, I wish to express heartfelt gratitude to all who have given their time, talents, and energy for our parish family. From those who prepared decorations, organized parish events, served at the altar, sang in the choir, or worked quietly behind the scenes—your dedication has made our celebrations beautiful and meaningful. Truly, you reflect the spirit of the Holy Family by serving with love and humility.

I will be traveling to India from January 1st to 29th, and I humbly ask you to keep me in your prayers during this time. Please know that I will carry you in my heart and prayer as well.

As we close this year, I warmly invite you to join us for Adoration on December 31st from 11 p.m. to midnight, a time to thank God for His blessings. Immediately after, we will celebrate the Midnight Mass, welcoming the New Year in the presence of Christ.

On January 1st, the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, we will gather for Mass at 8 a.m. Let us begin the year under the loving protection of our Blessed Mother, entrusting ourselves and our parish family to her care. May the Holy Family guide us, may Mary intercede for us, and may Christ bless us with peace in the year ahead.

Prayer of Blessing for Families: Heavenly Father, you gave us the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a shining example of love, faith, and unity. Bless the families of our parish, that they may grow in holiness, remain steadfast in prayer, and be strengthened in times of trial. May parents be filled with wisdom and patience, children with joy and obedience, and all members with charity and peace. Keep our parish family united in Your love, and guide us to reflect the light of Christ in our homes and community. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, and St. Joseph, protector of families, may we always walk together in faith, until we share eternal life with You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2026.

With gratitude, love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

On this holy day, we celebrate the wondrous mystery of God made flesh. The Nativity of Jesus is not simply the story of a child born in Bethlehem; it is the revelation of God’s immense love for humanity. In the humility of the manger, we see the infinite God choosing poverty, simplicity, and vulnerability so that He might draw near to us. The angels proclaim peace, the shepherds come in haste, and Mary treasures all these things in her heart.

Christmas reminds us that salvation is not distant or abstract—it is personal, immediate, and alive. Christ enters our world to dispel darkness and bring hope. His birth is the dawn of redemption, the fulfillment of God’s promise, and the invitation for each of us to welcome Him into our lives. The words “Today is born our Savior” are not confined to history; they echo in our hearts each time we open ourselves to His presence.

As we gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and rejoice in the season, let us not forget the true gift: Emmanuel, God with us. May this feast renew our faith, strengthen our love, and inspire us to share Christ’s peace with others.

On this joyous feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, we pause not only to celebrate the birth of Christ, but also to give thanks for the many hands and hearts that make our celebration so beautiful. Thank you for fostering fellowship and joy, reminding us that Christ is born not only in Bethlehem but also in our hearts and community when we come together in love.

Your service is a living witness to the words proclaimed today: “Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.” May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity, and may the joy of Christmas remain in your hearts throughout the year.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, born in Bethlehem, be born anew in our hearts today. May Your light guide us, Your love sustain us, and Your peace dwell within us. Amen.

I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley