When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove and a voice from the heavens rang out, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” No such dove was seen or voice heard when we were baptized, yet the Holy Spirit did descend upon us in baptism and…
Aware of the significance of the blessed star and drawn by its distinctive light, the magi traveled from distant lands to reach Bethlehem. They are the first people outside the immediate area to come and greet the newborn king. This weekend we gather thousands of miles from Bethlehem, and over two thousand years from the…
Fr. Gerard Lecomte, CJM We draw close to the end of this season of expectation, this season of preparation, this season of waiting. For three weeks we have been anticipating that glorious day that is now just over the horizon. Let us break from all the hustle and bustle that threaten to overwhelm the true…
Fr. Gerard Lecomte, CJM How was your liturgical week? It was so great to see so many people united in our church for the Immaculate Conception! Our students took the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of reconciliation. We celebrate our Lady of Guadalupe at St Leo this coming Saturday at 8pm. What a great opportunity…
Fr. Gerard Lecomte, CJM In the context of our stewardship these past few weekends, I wish to extend an invitation to our Thanksgiving celebration this coming Thursday, an example of table blessing prayer. We are a thankful people because we are a eucharistic people: the Greek word eukharistia, after all, means “thanksgiving.” And so gathered…
This weekend we are reminded that one day Jesus will return in glory as the world comes to an earth-shattering conclusion. As frightening as the warnings are in today’s readings, they are accompanied by assurances that God remains with us—always. Indeed, soon we will be reminded that Emmanuel means “God is with us.” Jesus—Emmanuel—will return…
During November, we remember and honor all those who have preceded us in death. We recall especially those who have passed away this past year. It is normal to struggle with one’s faith when in the throes of grief. Death comes with trauma and questions that we can never answer satisfactorily. Why was she taken…
Fr. Gerard Lecomte, CJM I am glad to be back with you! On Monday we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints (not a holy day of obligation this year), where we recognize those many men and women who we believe have gained eternal reward and are forever in the presence of God. Today we hear…
Fr. Gerard Lecomte, CJM This weekend is the last of the three teaching Masses, focusing on the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The weekend also ends the seven week Eucharistic Initiative. Thank you to all who helped make this initiative run smoothly. There is a two-page guide explaining the full Mass attached below. In this weekend’s…
Pray for the new synod, where the pope will consult Catholics around the world about how the Church listens to their concerns, and how they would like its leadership to respond to them. The process culminates in 2023 with an assembly of all of the bishops at the Vatican, who will consider the findings from…