From the Desk of the Pastor                December 5, 2025
                                           
Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week Pope Leo made an apostolic journey to Turkey and to Lebanon. He went to Turkey to join the Patriarch of Constantinople in commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea which gave us the creed we profess each Sunday summarizing our faith. Along the way Pope Leo gave a powerful call to unity of the Church and deeper conversion to Christ during this Advent Season. Here are some excerpts from his homily for the first Sunday of Advent:
 
…we begin Advent, the season for preparing ourselves to experience anew at Christmas the mystery of Jesus, the Son of God, “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father” (Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed), as solemnly declared 1700 years ago by the Fathers gathered at the Council of Nicaea.

In this context, the first reading (cf. Is 2:1-5) of today’s Mass comes from one of the most beautiful passages in the book of the prophet Isaiah, where the invitation resounds, beckoning all peoples to ascend the mountain of the Lord (cf. v. 3), a place of light and peace. I would like, then, to meditate together on what it means to be part of the Church by reflecting on some of the images presented in this text.

The first image is that of the mountain “established as the highest of the mountains” (cf. Is 2:2). It reminds us that the fruits of God’s action in our lives are a gift not only for us, but for everyone. Zion is a city set on the mountain and symbol of a community reborn in fidelity. Its beauty is a beacon of light for men and women from every place, and serves as a reminder that the joy of goodness is contagious…

We find here an invitation to renew the power of our own witness of faith. Saint John Chrysostom, a great shepherd of this Church, spoke of the allure of holiness as a sign more eloquent than many miracles. He said: “The miracle happens and passes, but the Christian life remains and continually edifies” (Commentary on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, 43, 5). In conclusion, he exhorted: “Let us therefore watch over ourselves, so that we may also benefit others” (ibid.). Dear friends, if we truly want to help the people we meet, let us “keep watch” over ourselves, as the Gospel recommends (cf. Mt 24:42) by cultivating our faith with prayer with the sacraments, living it consistently in charity, and casting off — as Saint Paul tells us in the second reading — the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light (cf. Rom 13:12). The Lord, whom we await in glory at the end of time, comes every day to knock at our door. Let us be ready for him (cf. Mt 24:44), sincerely committed to living a life of goodness, after the example of the numerous holy men and women who have dwelt in this land throughout the ages. POPE LEO

One great way to grow in holiness and prepare for the coming of the Lord is though the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here are some of the opportunities during this season:

PENANCE SERVICES

Friday, December 12, 6- 8 PM Adoration and Confession

with 1 confessor at St Anthony

Wednesday, December 17 –

               7 PM at St Jude with 6 confessors

Thursday, December 18-

               7 PM at Holy Innocents with 3 confessors

Regular Confession times:

  Holy Innocents: Fridays – 6-7 PM

  St. Jude: Saturdays – 3:30-4:30 PM
 
STEWARDSHIP

We still need you help with stewardship! Please remember to turn in your stewardship commitment cards, if you have not done so already. Many thanks to all who have already made your stewardship pledge. We are so grateful for your commitment to our parish!
 

Next week we have two great Marian feasts…

HOLY DAY -MONDAY, DECEMBER 8

SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Monday, December 8th we celebrate the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast of church in the United States.  Let us ask the Blessed Mother’s intercession on our country that we may effectively share the Gospel and spread the faith in our nation. This a Holy Day of obligation. Please join us in celebrating the feast

HOLY DAY MASSES for the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

St. Anthony: Noon

Holy Innocents: 9 AM and 7 PM

St. Jude: 9 AM and 7 PM

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ON DECEMBER 12

On Friday Is the great feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. At Holy Innocents at 7 PM, we will have a festive Mass to celebrate with a fiesta downstairs in the hall afterward. It promises to be a joy filled celebration of our Blessed Mother
 

Blessings on your week!
 
Fr. Johnson