In the Gospel of Mark (1:21-28) this weekend we hear the people of Capernaum who have gathered in the Synagogue to hear Jesus teach say to one another: “What is this? A new teaching with authority.” This is in response to Jesus’ words, which call for hope, compassion and joyful living—a caring for one another amid truth.

The celebration of the Sacred Mass is a dialogue between God and His people, with the Priest as the mediator of that dialogue. Note that in the Mass the priest makes certain statements to and asks question of the laity—and the laity respond—as the priest as presider or President of the celebration acts as mediator.

I want to take this time to let our parish know that Deacon Joe MacNeill has completed his assignment here at St. Catherine of Siena Parish and will be moving on to a different assignment and parish soon. I know you join me in prayer and good wishes for the next venture in his Ordination to Priesthood,

One of our primary outreach efforts is being formed now and is focused on the “NONES,” those younger Catholics in their 20s and 30s who have little or no connection, practically speaking, to the Catholic faith. Most of us know plenty of them and have them right in our own families. No matter how well and how hard we did to educate our children and keep them in the practice of the faith—by attending Mass regularly, participation in our Faith Formation (formerly religious education classes) programs and Youth Ministry programs. They went off to college and the culture grabbed them.

2020 initiated many new unusual things in our lives: of course, the Coronavirus itself, and then everything we do day-in and day-out has been impacted by this virus. Nothing is the same. Faith calls us to a higher good, to remain connected beyond the physical realm and to be one with others spiritually. In 2020 Saint Catherine of Siena parishioners connected to others by stepping up to the plate...

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a liturgical celebration of Invitation and Response, which builds to love and right relationship in Heaven. In one or two baptisms which I have performed over the years, especially if the child is a little older than an infant, I have heard a devout, usually older, family member say at the moment of Baptism: “Now God loves this child.” Wow! That’s bad, really bad theology.

“Epiphany” means manifestation, and the Epiphany of the Lord is “Jesus’ manifestation not only to those three Magi from the East, but it’s also a symbolic but real manifestation of the Christ to the whole world. The Magi, travelling from a foreign and non-Jewish nation, reveal that Jesus came for all people and all are called to adore Him.” History and Tradition tells us that these “Wise Men” who studied the stars were aware of the Jewish belief that a Messiah was coming.