Letters from the Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I find today’s Gospel passage to be incredibly powerful. Today we hear of Mary and Joseph fleeing with Jesus to Egypt. They are fighting to stay alive because an unhinged king is seeking the death of newborn boys. There are so many emotions as they are forced to flee from their home and all that is familiar. One can imagine the Holy Family struggling with the reality of loss, disappointment, frustration, confusion, just to name a few. Perhaps it is easy to see that they were not so unlike many other families.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today is the 4th Sunday of Advent. Because so many of us will be traveling over Christmas, I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of our parish family, to wish all of you a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Over the next few days, many of us will be wrapping up our Christmas preparations—decorating, buying and wrapping presents, sending cards, baking, and hopefully gathering with friends and family. Of course, we need remember the most important preparation of all… spiritual ones.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!
Maranatha! We hear this word during Advent. It simply means, “Come Lord Jesus!” This simple prayer of the early Christians was offered because they expected the Lord’s return at any moment. As they waited for His coming, they lived like it and they were joyful about it. Today is a reminder that the celebrations of Christ’s coming draws near.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I child, I can remember counting down the days until Christmas. Mom would put up the felt Advent calendar that had one piece of candy tied to it for each day of Advent. Waiting for the days to pass seemed like forever. I remember wanting to untie them two at a time thinking Christmas would somehow arrive sooner. It never did.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. Contrary to much of what we see in the stores and malls, online and on the radio, Christmas doesn’t begin until December 25th. The four weeks prior to Christmas are not meant to replace the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is meant to direct our hearts and minds to the birth of Christ as well as Christ’s second coming at the end of time.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe we are reminded of the one and only true King, Jesus Christ! Today’s liturgy calls us to proclaim that the reign of Jesus Christ surpasses every earthly empire and invites each of us to become faithful subjects of His Kingdom here and now. The Church lifts its voice to the ancient hymn “Adveniat Regnum Tuum”—Thy kingdom come. In a world that constantly measures power by wealth, territory, and influence, the Gospel we have just heard presents a startling picture: Jesus declares, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36). This proclamation turns our expectations upside down. Rather than a throne of gold, Christ’s reign is displayed on a rugged wooden cross; rather than a scepter, He holds a reed; rather than a regal robe, He wears a crown of thorns. Yet in this humility lies the true power that can redeem every heart.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

On the television show Jeopardy, the final question was “How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns”. All three contestants missed it! So if you are ever a contestant on Jeopardy… here is some facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

Frequently Asked Questions About Perpetual Adoration

What is Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration?
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion whereby members of a Parish (or some other community) unite in making continuous adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament (in most cases, exposed) throughout the twenty-four hours of the day, seven days a week.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

Our St. Bernadette family has been blessed to have adoration of Our Lord offered for many years. We have many committed parishioners who adore Our Eucharistic King regularly. This is such a wonderful blessing for them and for our parish.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

The Solemnity of All Saints can inspire us to become who God has created us to be, namely, saints. As I get to know the holy men and women who are now Saints in heaven, I am inspired by their heroic lives. How did these ordinary people end up living such extraordinary lives? One thing we can point to is their love for Our Lord… a love often fostered by spending time in His Real Presence in Eucharistic Adoration.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

One of the things I have practiced and promoted throughout my priesthood is Eucharistic Adoration. Over the years, my daily holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament has strengthened my faith, helped me in my priesthood, and brought me closer to Our Lord and the people I serve. Eucharistic Adoration has also brought many blessings and life changing moments to the parishioners in the parishes I have served over the years.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden…Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

I hope most people of faith understand the value of sharing your time, treasure, and talent with others. I want to focus your attention on what I will call the stewardship of time and talent. Being a good steward with your finances is equally important for the good of your soul and the betterment of humanity, but what about your time and talent? What does it mean to be a good steward of these God given blessings?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we celebrate Respect Life throughout the month of October, Our Lord reminds us of the sacredness of every life. Catholics have always held and will always preach the value of human life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that:

"Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being” (CCC 2258).