JANUARY 6-7, 2024
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” the wise men asked in today’s Gospel. “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” (Matthew 2:2). Drawn by a strange star, in wonder they sought the reason for its rising.
St. Augustine of Hippo wrote, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Every time our unbelieving brothers and sisters seek happiness in a hundred other ways, their hearts ask the same question: “Where is God? I see a sign in these things he created, and my restless heart is not satisfied in them alone.”
How brightly do the stars in our lives point out the way to Jesus? Help our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, so that together, we can become the light that points to Jesus’ profound availability in our tabernacle. Our brothers and sisters in our community of faith, workplaces, neighborhoods, and schools are restlessly seeking him.
JANUARY 13-14, 2024
In today’s Gospel, we heard the mysterious call of the first two Apostles, Peter and Andrew. At their first meeting, Jesus asked Andrew, “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38) Jesus already knew the answer —they were looking for the Messiah!
Something new awoke in Andrew’s heart when he saw John the Baptist point to Jesus and say, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). God can break into our lives and into those around us suddenly. Through our parish – an outpost of the Kingdom of God, the ministries we deliver, and the support provided by the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, we, too, can help draw people into new life in Christ.
JANUARY 20-21, 2024
“Repent and believe in the Gospel” is one of a few possible phrases the priest says as he places ash on the foreheads of the faithful on Ash Wednesday.
Why does the Church present this message today? Jesus can fill us with grace, the love we need to become saints. But a hundred pounds of earthly attachments make it hard to fly high. We are tied down. To repent is to turn away from sinful attachments. Giving helps us turn away. His “yoke is easy” and his “burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal presents an opportunity to give, let go, and ascend. Give as you are able, and Jesus will help you find the same lightness of heart that freed the first Apostles to drop their boats, nets, and expectations to follow him. Help us and join us!
JANUARY 27-28, 2024
Today’s Gospel states that Jesus “taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22). He proved his authority with accompanying signs, such as casting out a demon. The people were astonished.
Today, many of us waver between craving real authority and rebelling against authority altogether. We criticize our leaders for being too weak or the Catholic Church for being too firm. Why can’t the Church loosen up her doctrines and “get with the times”?
The truth is, the Church cannot “change with the times.” Jesus, who “is the same today, yesterday, and forever,” founded the Church (Hebrews 13:8). However, together, we can continue to stay strong in the way God is calling us and, through your support of the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, spread the Good News as we always have.
FEBRUARY 3-4, 2024
Today’s Gospel theme is the opposite of “hesitation”: The disciples did not hesitate to ask the Healer for help. Jesus did not hesitate to respond. And even Simon’s mother-in-law, after returning from fever, rises to serve him immediately.
If Jesus were to walk in the door of our parish right now, he would be on a mission to love someone. If he were to enter your home, as he entered Simon’s, he would be on a mission to love you.
Our parish is on Jesus’ same mission of love, and we need your help to spread the love Christ entrusted to us. Love acts! When Jesus showed Simon’s mother-in-law love, her heart wished to respond with more love. She chose to serve herself. Today, evaluate your ability to give, listen to the prompting of love, and then, do not hesitate… act by giving to our archdiocesan Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal!
FEBRUARY 10-11, 2024
In today’s Gospel story, Jesus cleanses a leper with the words, “Be made clean” (Mark 1:41). The faith of this leper moves God to give him the outward cleanliness he sought. This healing would allow him to re-enter Jewish society, from which he had been cast out.
Jesus says he came that “they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He didn’t just come to cleanse the outside, like the Pharisees, who “cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish”” (Luke 11:39). He came to renew all of us, outside and in.
We need your help to meet the many needs of those around you. Jesus says that, “As to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be made clean for you” (Luke 11:41). Jesus says there is a connection between almsgiving and the true cleanness of life which the Jews sought. Small wonder: Almsgiving requires sacrifice. It requires the same spirit of sacrifice that we need to take up our personal cross valiantly. Our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal is in full swing and encourage you to take this opportunity to help us help others.
FEBRUARY 17-18, 2024
Today’s Gospel said that Jesus “remained in the desert for forty days” (Mark 1:13, emphasis added). Remaining with Jesus in the desert is not easy. (Welcome to Lent.)
Further driving home how difficult it is to follow him, in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus warns, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23). Yet on another note, in John’s Gospel, Jesus commands us, “Remain in my love” (John 15:9). Remaining in Jesus’ love isn’t easy, either—especially when it involves the desert.
Feeling like it’s too difficult to do this by ourselves is okay. It’s often exactly where God wants us—because it pushes us to rely on him. That can be a place of profound growth. Our parish, and those we serve, relies on you to help us meet our many needs and the needs of our community. As you lift the cross Jesus asks of you this Lent, please remember our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. We are counting on you. This Lent, count on us, and count on God! We’ll walk in the desert with you.
FEBRUARY 24-25, 2024
As the second week of Lent begins, the Church invites us to contemplate the transfigured Jesus with Peter, James, and John: “His clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them” (Mark 9:3).
Before he suffered his Passion, Jesus gave his three closest friends a glimpse into his glorified nature—a glimpse of where he could take them. God loves us where we are and loves us too much to leave us where we are.
We can radiate divine light like Jesus. When we receive Jesus into our hearts, he transfigures us. We can shine with his joy, love, and serenity. He wants to transfigure our whole parish! Please support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal so we can have all the resources we need to shine the way He wishes us to, so we can reach all those He longs for in our community. “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).
MARCH 2-3, 2024
In today’s Gospel, zeal for His Father’s house consumes Jesus. He single-handedly drives out those who are making the Temple into a marketplace. The Jews asked, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” (John 2:18)
Jesus’ reply is that He is God. He is going to rise from the dead! He holds the power over life, death, and all things. His zeal for his Father’s house is one of many manifestations of who God is to the world. (God, apparently, likes a clean house!)
Zeal consumes Jesus for our parish. We are God’s house. Each of us is a Temple of his Holy Spirit. The way we handle money matters to God. Our parish needs your help for our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal to succeed. Help us use the gifts he gives to beautify his house, adorning it with prayer and good works, and improve the lives of those entrusted to us. Jesus is zealous for us all to have the abundant life he offers—not a life suffocated by this world. Join us in living a better life—His life.
MARCH 9-10, 2024
Jesus says in today’s Gospel that “Whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God” (John 3:21).
Our parish wants to do everything in the light, so hungry souls can see Jesus living through us. Without His light, souls who need Jesus can’t see that He lives in our parish, in our tabernacle.
Already more than halfway through Lent, the Church bids us rejoice! Laetare Sunday is a day of light. Jesus gave purpose and power to human suffering. “In the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). When you support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, you help your neighbors find His light in the darkness and hope when it’s needed most. May God be with you.
MARCH 16-17, 2024
Facing death, Jesus said in today’s Gospel, “‘I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour’” (John 12:27).
When was the last time you had to face something difficult? Christ’s perspective sheds new light on life’s trials: “If [a grain of wheat] dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:24-25).
As each of us follows Christ, we face trials. Our parish, like Christ, desires that our trials bear much fruit. Our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal is a time when we ask for your help. There is a sacrifice behind each gift: a dying to the other possibilities one might have used the money, time, or resource for. As you give, you can participate in Christ’s sacrifice. You honor us with your gift, and we honor you, as we honor Christ’s sacrifice for us! In advance, we thank you for helping us bear fruit and for all the souls entrusted to us. God bless you!
MARCH 23-24, 2024
The beginning of today’s Gospel reminds us to break our alabaster jar for Jesus. Whatever is precious is nothing compared to Him.
Please support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal this week. Like the woman broke the costliest of perfumes to anoint Christ, be not afraid to anoint Him lavishly with your gifts. Our community needs you. When you anoint our local Church with your perfume, you anoint Christ, the Church’s head!
MARCH 30-31, 2024
The reality of the Resurrection is shocking. Everyone dies; that’s the rule. But someone…finally… beat… death! Not just anybody—Jesus.
The good news gets better. Not only did He find a way to destroy death, but Jesus also gave everyone access to his tried-and-true path.
If there was a way out of the one tragedy that none could escape, love would share it! Our neighbors need to hear about the Resurrection. Please support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, so we can help others find the way to eternal life. God will reward you with Easter graces!
APRIL 6-7, 2024
Jesus did not waste time. While the disciples were still reeling with amazement at his resurrection, Jesus introduced them to their mission: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21).
The Father sent Jesus into our world to bring hope. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, God’s mercy is the greatest hope our broken world has ever known.
We have been sent, and it is our job to spread the message. In the coming days, our neighbors need to see our Resurrection joy and be moved by our witness so that they wonder, “Where do they get it?” The answer is, “Jesus.” Please support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, so that we can make more people curious about Jesus-until His Kingdom comes again in glory. May He bless you and help you know Divine Mercy like never before.
APRIL 13-14, 2024
In today’s Gospel, after rising from the dead, Jesus told his disciples, “Everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).
There is not one aspect of God’s plan that is not fulfilled in Christ. Our job as His parish is to show the world where certainty can be found. Without Christ, life offers anything but certainty.
The Gospel can change everything. Jesus trusted our parish to be “witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48). We need your help to do it! Please support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal and help us help others see the
nail-marks in His hands and feet with faith. Help us help people find the one place where certainty can be found and that, through Jesus’ wounds, one day all our sorrows will be transformed into new life.
APRIL 20-21, 2024
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. But what does that mean?
Shepherds were a common sight in His day. A person paid as little as the usual shepherd had little incentive to risk his life to protect someone else’s livestock. Jesus makes it clear; He is not in the shepherding business for a paycheck. He is in it because He loves His Father. He lays down His life for His sheep.
Like sheep, we all need someone to follow who we can trust. When worldly leaders lead us astray, it is disheartening. Jesus does not do that. The peace of knowing that we are in the hands of the Good Shepherd, ais enduring. Please support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, so that we can help more people find the same enduring peace in the Good Shepherd’s fold. God will reward you.
APRIL 27-28, 2024
Jesus, better than anyone else, understands what kind of trust it takes to achieve intimate, strong friendship. Today’s Gospel is a love-letter from Jesus. God longs to have true friendship with his children.
He is honest with us about what a relationship with Him requires and gives. Remaining with Him requires pruning, and it bears much fruit.
Who doesn’t want to bear “much fruit” (John 15:8)? Our parish seeks to abide in Jesus in this same way and you can help through your support of our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. As you discern, abide in Jesus. Respond to how He, the vine, moves you, His beloved branch. Help us bear fruit as a parish so we can yield a greater harvest for Him together.
May 4-5, 2024
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us where the bar is for great love: “to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
Jesus’ authority as God is more than sufficient to command people how they should live. Nevertheless, Jesus prefers the influence of humility: Jesus “did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather… He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).
As God’s presence in this neighborhood, our parish has been entrusted with authority in our neighbors’ lives: the authority of His kingdom on Earth. We do not seek to wield authority heavy-handedly. We humbly ask you to support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal so that we, together, can spread His Kingdom humbly, by the sweet influence of love. Doing so will lead us to lay down our lives for our friends. May God bless you abundantly for your aid!
May 11-12, 2024
Today’s Gospel is the end of Mark’s Gospel account. Mark says that when the disciples went out to preach the Gospel, “the Lord… confirmed the word through accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20).
How does the Lord usually confirm His word? One of the most attractive signs of the Gospel is joy. The fruits of the Spirit, such as joy, kindness, and gentleness, are usually far more alluring to the seeker of “something more to life” than a dramatic miracle. (Although those are great!)
In a similar way, our parish attracts through joy. It is our joy that draws others to this altar. Together, our prayers are sweet to God, just like the smell of incense. Thank you in advance for bringing that joy to our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal as well! Your joyful offerings will bring many to God.
May 18-19, 2024
Before Pentecost, Jesus pronounced his intention that his Spirit should remain with his apostles, with the power to forgive sins. Today, the Catholic Church, led by the apostles’ successors, is the only place where people can find complete reconciliation and peace of heart.
The world is full of people who feel cut off from God, alone, or unforgiveable. The beauty of our Catholic heritage is not an imposing institution with a bunch of suffocating rules. Our heritage is mercy.
In Confession, our parish offers this mercy straight from the heart of Christ, just as Christ poured forth His Holy Spirit on his apostles at Pentecost. Please support our Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal, so we can help people encounter God’s mercy more deeply. Christ trusts our parish to bring all his children into communion with him. There is no better path to restoring intimacy with God than the sacrament of Reconciliation: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:23). Jesus meant it, and the Holy Spirit confirmed it! Please help our parish help more people find the sweetness of God’s love through the sacraments.