Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/04/25
Dear Parishioners,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” proclaimed John the Baptist as he prepared the world for the coming of the Messiah. We may not be preparing for Jesus Christ’s arrival in the flesh or plunging into the Jordan River, but John’s words apply just ... Read More »
First Sunday of Advent - November 30, 2025
Posted by Patricia Penkalski on 12/01/25
Dear Parishioners,
During this season of anticipation, we are reminded that Jesus didn't come into the world only once, as a newborn child over two thousand years ago, but also comes into the world and our hearts throughout our lives. Furthermore, as we hear in today’s Gospel, he will ... Read More »
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - November 23, 2025
Posted by Patricia Penkalski on 11/21/25
Dear Parishioners,
During this Jubilee Year of Hope we are reminded that we anchor our hope in the death and resurrection of Christ. Jesus died to save us from our sins, what separates us from the love of God, so that we may live eternally with God in the ... Read More »
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - November 16, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/13/25
Dear Parishioners,
Today’s readings warn us that the day is coming when we will be tested severely. How do we prepare for the ultimate test? We trust the Holy Spirit will guide us. The Holy Spirit draws us to the Mass each week where we are nourished and strengthened ... Read More »
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - November 9, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/07/25
Dear Parishioners,
St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome is the only church building whose dedication is celebrated as a feast. It is an enduring symbol of the universal church. Inscribed on its façade is “mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.” Originally completed ... Read More »
The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed - November 2, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/30/25
Dear Parishioners,Today we celebrate The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day). Jesus told his disciples, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Today we mourn all those who have died, especially those we love, and those who are close to us. But we indeed ... Read More »
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 26, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/23/25
Dear Parishioners,
We are all needy people. No matter how well we are, how healthy we are, or how satisfied we are with our lives, we are all in need of God’s saving mercy. If we look at ourselves honestly, we see that we are far from perfect, that ... Read More »
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 19, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/18/25
Dear Parishioners,
Many athletes can tell you how important stamina is to their success. In closing minutes of a game, it can often come down to who still has the energy to do their best and not run out of gas. Often our faith requires stamina as well. Beaten ... Read More »
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 12, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/13/25
Dear Parishioners,
We gather as a community of faith to worship God, to thank God for the blessing we’ve received, and to be nourished by the Word and Sacrament. It is quite fitting that we give thanks to God when we celebrate the Eucharist, since “eucharista” is Greek for ... Read More »
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - October 5, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/02/25
Dear Parishioners: Each week we gather here as a family of faith, expressing our faith and deepening our faith as we celebrate the Eucharist. Yet, we may still feel that our faith is weak, especially if we compare ourselves to others we know. But do you know what? So did the twelve Apostles. Today we ... Read More »