Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
The Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/08/26
Dear Parishioners,
On this final day of the Christmas season we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We hear in dramatic fashion of Jesus rising from the waters of the River Jordan, the heavens opening before him, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and a ... Read More »
Epiphany - January 4, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/05/26
Dear Parishioners,
Today, the Epiphany of the Lord, we commemorate the day when Jesus Christ was made manifest to the wider world. The magi, the three Kings, who were not Jewish and not from the region, were guided by the star which eventually led them, to Bethlehem. There they ... Read More »
The Holy Family - December 28, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/05/26
Dear Parishioners,
On the Sunday after Christmas, we honor the Holy Family and hold them up as a model for our families from the start. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had to deal with hardships, uncertainty, and even danger, but together they placed their trust in God and grew ever ... Read More »
4th Sunday of Advent - December 21, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/20/25
Dear Parishioners,
How appropriate that we hear this Gospel on the shortest day of the year, the day with the least amount of sunlight. Joseph's hopes and dreams must have seemed bleak when he realized that his betrothed was found with child. But just as the winter solstice turns ... Read More »
3rd Sunday of Advent - December 14, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/15/25
Dear Parishioners,
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is called Gaudete Sunday. A time to rejoice, for we know, with eyes of faith, that the Lord is near. We can sense his presence even as we prepare for the celebration of his coming to us as a newborn infant ... Read More »
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 »