In this second week of Advent, the Gospel presents us with John the Baptist, the voice crying out in the wilderness: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” His call is urgent, not gentle, reminding us that preparation for the coming of Christ requires conversion of heart. Advent is not only about waiting—it is about active readiness. John’s imagery of the axe laid to the root of
the trees challenges us to examine our lives honestly. Are we bearing fruit worthy of repentance? Are our hearts open to the transforming grace of Christ?

Advent invites us to clear away what distracts us from God: pride, selfishness, indifference. John’s baptism of repentance points us toward the greater baptism Christ brings—one of the Holy Spirit and fire. The Spirit purifies, strengthens, and sets us aflame with love. Fire consumes what is unnecessary and ignites what is essential. In this season, we are called to let the Spirit burn away sin and kindle hope, peace, joy, and love within us.

This week also brings us two beautiful Marian feasts that illuminate our Advent journey. On December 8, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. Mary, preserved from sin from the first moment of her existence, is the model of perfect readiness for Christ. Two Masses will be offered to honor her.

On December 12, we rejoice in the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. Her tender presence reminds us that God draws near to His people in love. We will gather for daily Mass at 12 noon, and a special Mass at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner in the hall—a celebration of faith and community.

As we continue through Advent, let us heed John’s call, imitate Mary’s openness, and rejoice in Our Lady’s maternal care, preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Lord God, You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Your Son. As we journey through this Advent season, help us to turn away from sin and open our hearts to Your Spirit. May we, like Mary, say “yes” to Your will with trust and joy. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, guide us to live as faithful witnesses of Your love. Strengthen us to bear good fruit, so that when Christ comes, He may find us ready and rejoicing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God Blesses us always,

Fr. Charley

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the suddenness of His coming: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Just as in the days of Noah, people were caught unaware, so too we are urged to live with vigilance and readiness. Advent is not simply a season of waiting—it is a call to prepare our hearts, to live faithfully each day, and to welcome Christ not only at Christmas but at every moment of our lives.

The Lord’s words challenge us to examine how we spend our time. Are we distracted by the ordinary routines of life, and are we attentive to God’s presence breaking into our daily story? To “stay awake” means to cultivate prayer, repentance, and charity, so that when Christ comes, He finds us ready and joyful.

Our parish offers special opportunities this week to live out this Gospel call:
· First Friday (December 5): Adoration begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Healing Mass and lunch. This is a beautiful way to encounter Christ’s mercy and strength.
· First Saturday (December 6): Adoration and Rosary at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass. Confessions will be available from 8:30–10:30 a.m. as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.

Let us embrace these moments of prayer and reconciliation as concrete steps to “stay awake” and welcome the Lord. May this Advent be a season of hope, watchfulness, and renewed love for Christ who comes to dwell among us. We start with Cycle A [in the Lectionary] this week for the new year of the Church.

God Bless you all,

Fr. Charley

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, a powerful reminder that Christ’s reign is unlike any earthly rule. The Gospel from Luke 23:35–43 places us at the foot of the Cross, where Jesus, crowned with thorns, is mocked as “King of the Jews.” Yet in this moment of suffering, His true kingship is revealed—not in power or glory, but in mercy and love.

The words of the repentant thief, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” echo the longing of every human heart. And Jesus responds with divine compassion: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” This is the promise of our King—a kingdom not built on dominance, but on forgiveness, healing, and eternal life.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27th, we are invited to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and the mercy we’ve been shown. Gratitude is a hallmark of Christian life, and in the spirit of Christ the King, we give thanks not only for material gifts, but for the grace of salvation and the hope of resurrection.

Next Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year and a season of preparation. Advent calls us to watchfulness, to open our hearts to the coming of Christ—not only in the manger, but in our daily lives and at the end of time. Let us begin this season with renewed faith, making space for prayer, silence, and acts of love.

May Christ the King reign in our hearts, our homes, and our world. And as we give thanks and prepare for His coming, may we live as citizens of His kingdom—where mercy triumphs, hope endures, and love never fails.

With many Blessings,

Fr. Charley

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the destruction of the Temple, wars, natural disasters, and persecution. His words in Luke 21:5–19 are not meant to instill fear, but to awaken faith. He reminds us that even amid chaos, “not a hair ofyour head will perish.” This is a promise of divine protection—not from suffering, but through it. Jesus calls us to endurance, to trust in His presence when the world shakes around us.

The Temple, once admired for its beauty, will fall. So too will all earthly things. What endures is our relationship with Christ. In times of trial, He gives us “words and wisdom” to bear witness. Our faith is not passive; it is active, resilient, and vocal. We are invited to stand firm, knowing that God is with us in every storm.

This week, we also honor the Feast of Saint Margaret of Scotland, a queen known for her deep faith, charity, and care for the poor. Her life reminds us that holiness is found in service and compassion. May her example inspire us to live with generosity and courage.

Special Mass: Monday, November 24 at 10 AM
We invite all widows and widowers to a special Mass of remembrance and healing. Let us gather in prayer, honoring the memory of loved ones and supporting one another in hope.

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, let us reflect on what truly lasts. May we be found faithful, enduring in love, and ready to meet Christ—not in fear, but in joyful expectation.

“By your perseverance you will secure your lives” – Luke 21:19.

Let us walk together in faith, trusting that God’s grace sustains us through every season.

God Blesses us all,

Fr. Charley

Each year on November 9th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the oldest and highest-ranking of the four major basilicas in Rome. Though it may seem unusual to honor a building, this feast reminds us that sacred spaces are more than stone and architecture—they are places where the People of God gather, worship, and encounter the living presence of Christ.

The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, and is considered the “Mother Church” of all churches in the world. Its dedication is a celebration of the unity and universality of the Church, built on the foundation of Christ and the apostles.

The Gospel reading for this feast, John 2:13–22, recounts the dramatic moment when Jesus cleanses the temple in Jerusalem. He drives out the money changers and merchants, declaring, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade!” This powerful act reveals Jesus’ zeal for true worship and His desire for the temple to be a place of prayer, not profit.

But Jesus goes further—He speaks of the temple of His body, foretelling His death and resurrection. In doing so, He shifts our understanding: the true temple is not merely a building, but the living presence of God among us. Through baptism, we, too, become temples of the Holy Spirit, called to holiness and communion.

This week, we also celebrate two great saints who bore witness to this living hope: St. Leo the Great, whose teachings defended the truth of Christ’s divinity and humanity, and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be canonized.

In gratitude for the many hands and hearts that serve our parish, we joyfully invite all volunteers to a Volunteer Appreciation Party and Reception on Saturday, November 15th, following the 5 PM Mass in the parish hall. You are the heartbeat of our community—special, generous, and deeply appreciated. This celebration is a small way to say thank you for your dedication and love.

This coming Sunday the 16th, we joyfully celebrate a special milestone in our parish community—our Church Anniversary! After the 8 AM Mass, we warmly invite all parishioners, families, and friends to join us in the parish hall for a festive breakfast reception.

This is more than just a meal—it’s a moment to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received as a faith family, to honor the journey we’ve shared, and to look forward with hope and unity. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are newly part of our parish, your presence makes our celebration complete. Come and take part in the joy, fellowship, and gratitude as we mark another year of growing together in faith, love, and service. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley

As we enter the month of November, the Church invites us into a sacred time of remembrance and prayer for all the faithful departed. On November 2nd, we commemorate All Souls’ Day—a solemn occasion to lift up in prayer our beloved family members, friends, and all souls who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. This is not a day of sorrow, but of hope rooted in the Resurrection of Christ, who conquered death and opened the gates of eternal life.

This year, our remembrance is beautifully enriched by the Feast of St. Martin de Porres, celebrated on November 3rd. St. Martin, known for his humility, compassion, and tireless service to the poor and sick, reminds us of the power of love and mercy. His life was a living prayer, and his devotion to the suffering and forgotten mirrors our call to remember those who may have no one to pray for them.

We invite you to bring your All Souls prayer intention envelopes to the parish. These envelopes will be placed near the altar and kept throughout the entire month of November. Each name written is a soul we entrust to God’s infinite mercy. As a community, we will pray daily for these intentions, asking the Lord to grant eternal rest and peace to our departed loved ones.

November is a month of grace and remembrance, especially for the souls of our departed loved ones. The Church offers a special opportunity for indulgences during this time, particularly from November 1st to 8th. By devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying—even silently—for the souls of the faithful departed, the faithful may obtain a plenary indulgence each day, applicable only to the souls in purgatory. On November 2nd, All Souls’ Day, this indulgence is especially meaningful as we unite in prayer for all who have gone before us.

To honor this tradition, we warmly invite you to join us for a special Mass at 1 PM on November 2nd at Valhalla Cemetery. After the Mass I will also bless the graves of our beloved departed. It is a beautiful way to express our love, offer our prayers, and entrust their souls to God’s infinite mercy.

Let us come together as a community of faith, not only to remember but to actively participate in the spiritual works of mercy. Through prayer, presence, and the offering of indulgences, we affirm our hope in the resurrection and the communion of saints. May this month be filled with peace, reflection, and the comforting assurance that our prayers truly matter.

“Eternal Rest Grant them O Lord, and let perpetual Light shine on them always.”

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

My Dear Parish Family,

As October draws to a close, we are reminded of the richness of our faith and the communion of saints who inspire us. This week, we celebrate the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude on October 28th. These apostles, though lesser known, were pillars of the early Church, proclaiming Christ with courage and fidelity. May their example strengthen our own witness to the Gospel.

On Friday, October 31st, we invite everyone to join us for a special Adoration and Healing Mass at 11 AM. This is a sacred time to come before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, seeking spiritual renewal and healing of body, mind, and soul. Let us gather in faith and hope, trusting in God’s mercy and power.

As we enter November, we mark two profound days in our liturgical calendar. November 1st is All Saints Day, when we honor all the saints—known and unknown—who now rejoice in heaven. November 2nd is All Souls Day, when we pray for all the faithful departed, asking God to welcome them into eternal peace. Please bring names of loved ones to be remembered during Mass.

This Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 18:9–14, reminds us that humility is the path to holiness. The Pharisee boasted of his righteousness, while the tax collector humbly begged for mercy. The Pharisee’s prayer is almost a parody of the thanksgiving psalms. Instead of praising God for His mighty works, the Pharisee congratulates himself for his own deeds, which he presents to God in some detail.

The tax collector stands at a distance, too ashamed even to raise his eyes to God. He prays with a humble and contrite heart. He knows that before God no one is righteous, no one has cause to boast.

Jesus teaches us that “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Let us strive to walk humbly with our God, recognizing our need for grace and offering it to others.

May these celebrations deepen love for Christ and His Church.

In Christ’s peace,

Fr. Charley

Dear Parish Family,

This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of the power of persistent prayer. In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus shares the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, urging us to “pray always and not lose heart.” Her unwavering faith moved even a hardened judge—how much more will our loving Father respond to us when we cry out day and night?

As we reflect on this message, we also celebrate two great saints whose lives embodied perseverance and prayer.

On October 20, we honor St. Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionists. He devoted his life to preaching the Passion of Christ, helping souls find healing through the Cross. His deep prayer life and love for the suffering Christ continue to inspire us to embrace our own trials with hope.

Then on October 22, we celebrate St. John Paul II, a towering figure of faith in our time. His papacy was marked by courage, compassion, and a profound devotion to Mary and the Eucharist. He taught us to “be not afraid” and to trust in God’s mercy, even in the face of global challenges and personal suffering.

Let us take heart from these witnesses and renew our commitment to prayer. Whether we are praying for healing, guidance, or peace, God hears us. He may not answer in the way or time we expect, but He always responds with love.

May this week deepen our faith and strengthen our resolve to pray without ceasing. Gratitude is more than politeness—it’s a spiritual posture. The one who returned was not only healed, but saved. His thanksgiving became an act of worship, a recognition of who Jesus truly is.

In our own lives, we receive countless graces—health, family, forgiveness, second chances. Do we pause to thank God? Or do we take His mercy for granted? Let us ask ourselves: Am I a person of gratitude? Let us cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving—for healing, for hope, for life itself. May we never forget to say, “Thank you, Lord.”

With every blessing,

Fr. Charley

Today’s Gospel (Luke 17:11-19) recounts the healing of ten lepers. They all cry out for mercy, and Jesus hears them, restores them, and sends them to show themselves to the priests. Yet only one—a Samaritan—returns to give thanks. Jesus asks, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”

This simple yet powerful scene reminds us of the central place of gratitude in the life of faith. All ten received healing, but only one received wholeness. His thanksgiving was not just polite acknowledgment—it was an act of worship, a recognition that God’s grace had touched his life. Gratitude opens our hearts, allowing us to see God not just as a miracle worker, but as a loving Father who desires a relationship with us.

How often do we forget to return and give thanks? We may pray earnestly for help, but once our prayer is answered, we move on quickly. Gratitude slows us down. It keeps us rooted in humility, recognizing that every blessing—from health, to family, to faith itself—is a gift.

This week, we also celebrate two saints who show us what it means to live with grateful hearts. St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) found in prayer an intimate friendship with God, teaching that gratitude flows from knowing His constant presence. St. Luke the Evangelist, whose Gospel gives us today’s story, shows us that gratitude must lead to witness. His writings are filled with stories of healing, compassion, and joy—signs that God’s love is alive among us.

As we gather at the Eucharist—the supreme act of thanksgiving—let us not forget to be like the Samaritan leper: to turn back, to fall at Jesus’ feet, and to say with our whole lives,”Thank you, Lord.”

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, like the leper who returned, we come before You with grateful hearts. Thank you for the gift of life, for faith that sustains us, and for the healing love that makes us whole. Through the example of St. Teresa of Jesus, teach us to find You in prayer. Through the witness of St. Luke, help us to share Your Good News with joy. May our lives always echo the words: “Thank you, Lord, for Your mercy and love.” Amen.

God Bless us all,

Fr. Charley

Dear Parish Family,
As we transition into October, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Social Committee and all the volunteers who contributed to making our Parish Picnic on the 26th Sunday a resounding success. Your dedication and teamwork brought joy and fellowship to our Parish Family, reminding us of the beauty of gathering together in faith and friendship. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our parish life!

October is a special month in our Catholic tradition, as it is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. This month serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of turning to Our Lady for guidance and intercession. As we embark on this sacred month, I invite each of you to deepen your devotion to the Rosary.

Starting this week, we will begin our Rosary Novena. I encourage all parishioners to participate, as it is a wonderful opportunity to unite in prayer and reflect on the mysteries of our faith. Let us gather together and pray for our intentions, our community, and the world around us.

Mark your calendars for October 7th, when we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This feast invites us to honor Mary and the role she plays in our lives as our spiritual mother. Let us take time to pray the Rosary together, fostering a deeper connection with God and each other.

As we reflect on the Gospel for the 27th Sunday, Luke 17:5-10, let us remember that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can accomplish great things. May our prayers and actions this month be a testament to our faith in Christ.

Love and Prayers in Christ Jesus,

Fr. Charley