Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I like a good movie. I had a chance during my Christmas break to see a movie in the theater. It had been a while. I usually like getting popcorn, maybe some candy, a beverage and just enjoy relaxing. But I found myself saddened by what is produced in Hollywood these days. The previews for upcoming movies repulsed me and the movie itself was a disappointment.

I must admit, my movie tastes aren’t for everyone. I go to movies to feel inspired by humanity or at least see someone who is trying to be better themselves. I like a movie to offer some sort of redemption or at least some redeeming values. I like the good to win and the bad to lose.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we come closer and closer to the dedication of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, I am excited to update you on the latest way for you to be a major part of the Grotto for many years to come. I want to invite you to be a part of a lasting legacy at St. Bernadette Catholic Church and St. John XXIII Catholic School while supporting our parish family and our students by participating in the Commemorative Brick Paver Program. The campaign was launched in January of 2023 and the pavers to be installed will help create a beautiful, commemorative walkway in front of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As children of God, we celebrate the Right to Life. We are all called to be Pro Life. All life has an inherent dignity because we were created by God with a unique and eternal soul. Our Lord reminds us of the sacredness of every human life. Faithful Catholics have always held and will always preach the value of human life. The Church has taught for thousands of years that life begins in the womb and that all God’s children, born and unborn, are a reflection of the face of God. Each and every person, bear the image of God, our bodies belong to God, and it is the task of the Church to cherish and value every human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. On Christmas, we focused on Jesus’ humanity. On Epiphany, we turn our attention to Christ’s divinity. The magi help us to understand what His divinity means through their presence and their gifts. The gift of gold honored Jesus as king. The gift of incense honored Jesus as God. And, the gift of myrrh point to Christ’s death. Our Lord was born to sacrifice His life for us. Upon the Cross, Our Lord gave His life for the forgiveness of our sins. Our Lord’s resurrection destroyed the power of sin and extended the offer of eternal life to those who love Him. Throughout our lives, we offer our gifts, just like the wise men who offered this Divine Child homage and adoration as only a true King deserves.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. As we begin this new calendar year, we are reminded of God’s amazing love for us today. God calls us His adopted sons and daughters and Mary is our true mother. What does is mean to be called God’s adopted children? Why is Mary our true mother?

With the celebration of Mary, Mother of God, and our Blessed Mother, St. Paul reminds us of how we are invited into a relationship of adoption. Our adoption as God’s beloved children happens at our baptism and in that moment our relationship with God changes forever! Through the Sacrament of Baptism, you are fully welcomed as a child of God. That is why we can use words like, “Abba, Father” when speaking to God. This is an endearing word that a child would use to call his or her own biological father. Jesus taught us to call upon God as “Abba, Father” when He taught us how to pray the Our Father.