13 December 2025 - homily for Saturday of the 2nd week of Advent - St Lucy - Sirach 48:1-4 and 9-11 - Matthew 17:10-13

Today is the feast day of St Lucy, a great Advent saint. St. Lucy, also known as St Lucia in Italy, was a young martyr in Syracuse on the island of Sicily during the Diocletian persecutions in the year 304 AD. As a young woman, she consecrated her life to God and served the poor. The governor of Syracuse ordered her to burn a sacrifice to the emperor’s image, which would have been a false idol contrary to her Catholic faith. When she refused, she was tortured, blinded and killed. It is said that when her body was being prepared for burial it was discovered that her eyes had been miraculously restored. St. Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye-trouble. She is an inspiration to always live unashamed of the gospel and stand strong in our faith no matter how much persecution we face.

Legend has it that St. Lucy delivered wheat and bread to the poor and homebound, often in the darkness of night to avoid detection. She would carry a lamp or wear a crown of candles to light her way. Because of this, the lamp and wreath of candles are symbols of St. Lucy. In Sweden and other countries in Scandinavia, girls dress up as St Lucy on her feast day carrying a lamp or a wreath of candles, bearing special rolls or bread for the family.  Lucy and the other Advent saints give witness to us during our Advent journey. 

We hear Elijah mentioned in the first reading from Sirach and in the Gospel from Matthew. In the Gospel, which takes place right after the transfiguration, in which Elijah appeared on the mountain with Jesus, Elijah’s return signifies preparing the way for the Messiah, just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah as well. All of have that task during Advent, of preparing a path for the Lord in our hearts and in our lives during this season of preparation. All of us in our ministry as priests and deacons and deacon candidates have that task as well, as helping to prepare a way for the Lord in the lives of those to whom we minister. May we help prepare for the coming of the Lord. 

25 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Christmas Day - prison ministry

Lord Jesus - you were born in the humble stable in Bethlehem.

Christ Jesus - you are a light shining in the world. 

Lord Jesus - you bring us Christmas joy as we celebrate your birth.

Priest: On this joyful day when we celebrate our Savior’s birth, we call to mind our needs and the needs of our brothers and sisters, confident in God’s generosity:

1. That Jesus may ever be born in the hearts of all Christians, prompting us to recognize him in our neighbor. May we hear God calling us to works of mercy and charity. We pray to the Lord.

2. That the angels’ glad tidings of peace may come to fruition, from the war-torn nations of the world to our communities experiencing crime and violence. We pray for peace and healing here at CMCF.  We pray to the Lord.

3. That those who do not have a home find a place that is warm, safe, and welcoming. We pray for those men transitioning to life in the free world. We pray to the Lord.

4. For that who are grieving the loss of a loved one or a family member. May they may find hope and consolation in God’s loving care. We pray to the Lord.

5. That Catholics everywhere may celebrate the Eucharist with joy and be reminded of God’s magnificent gift of our Savior each time we gather around the table of the Lord for Mass. We pray to the Lord.

6. For all our family members and loved ones during the holiday season. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

Priest: Generous God, we rejoice today in the gift of your only begotten son. As he leads us from darkness to light and from sin to redemption, we ask that you listen to our prayers as we celebrate his birth. He is our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

12 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe - prison ministry

Lord Jesus - You were born of the Virgin Mary 

Christ Jesus - You are the Prince of Peace.


Lord Jesus - You are our savior and our redeemer. 

Priest: As we celebrate our Lady of Guadalupe today, we present our prayers to our Heavenly Father through the intercessions of our Mother Mary: 

1. That the Church be sustained by the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and be open and responsive to God’s will.
 We pray to the Lord. 

2. That aided by the prayers of Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, hatred, violence, and cruelty in the world will come to an end.
 We pray to the Lord. 

3. That Mary, untouched by the stain of sin, may be an example and inspiration for all, that we might aspire for purity in body, mind and heart. We pray to the Lord. 


4. For our brothers and sisters who have consecrated themselves to Jesus through Mary, that trusting in Mary’s prayers and example, they will firmly renounce the works of Satan and resolve to follow Jesus more closely. We pray to the Lord. 


5. That all of our loved ones who have died may find their home in heaven with Our Lady and the saints. We pray to the Lord. 


6. That through the prayers of our community of St Michael the Archangel, and those prayers we hold within our hearts, we may be ready to respond to God’s will as Mary did.
 We pray to the Lord. 

7. We pray for our children and family members and loved ones during the Christmas season. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: God of salvation, you reveal your steadfast love in Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Mother of your Son. We ask that you never grow weary of reaching out to us to overcome the ways we stray from your plan for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

25 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Christmas Day

Introduction: Merry Christmas everyone! This morning, we celebrate God’s greatest gift in the birth of his son Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come into the world in a spectacular way, but rather in a humble stable in a small town after a long difficult journey. Soon, the skies were filled with angels from heaven to announce the glad tidings to the shepherds in the fields. We are called to come with joy this morning to worship our newborn king.

Lord Jesus - you were born in the humble stable in Bethlehem.

Christ Jesus - you are a light shining in the world. 

Lord Jesus - you bring us Christmas joy as we celebrate your birth.

Priest: On this joyful day when we celebrate our Savior’s birth, we call to mind our needs and the needs of our brothers and sisters, confident in God’s generosity:

1. That Jesus may ever be born in the hearts of all Christians, prompting us to recognize him in our neighbor. May we hear God calling us to works of mercy and generosity. We pray to the Lord.

2. That the angels’ glad tidings of peace may come to fruition, from the war-torn nations of the world to our communities experiencing crime and violence. We pray to the Lord.

3. That those who do not have a home find a place that is warm, safe, and welcoming. We pray to the Lord.

4. For that who are grieving the loss of a loved one or a family member. May they may find hope and consolation in God’s loving care. We pray to the Lord.

5. That Catholics everywhere may celebrate the Eucharist with joy and be reminded of God’s magnificent gift of our Savior each time we gather around the table of the Lord for Mass. We pray to the Lord.

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

Priest: Generous God, we rejoice today in the gift of your only begotten son. As he leads us from darkness to light and from sin to redemption, we ask that you listen to our prayers as we celebrate his birth. He is our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

Prayers of the faithful for Christmas Eve - 24 December 2025

Introduction: Merry Christmas everyone! This evening, we celebrate God’s, son, his greatest gift to the world. Jesus did not come into the world in a spectacular way, but instead in a humble stable in an insignificant town after a long journey. Soon, the skies were filled with angels from heaven to announce the glad tidings to the shepherds in the fields. We are called to come with joy this evening to worship the newborn king.

Priest: penitential rite: 

Lord Jesus - you are the savior of the world.


Christ Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father.


Lord Jesus - you were born in the humble manger in Bethlehem.

Priest: This evening, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Emmanuel, God with us. As we assured on Christmas Eve of God’s closeness to us, we present our prayers with our needs and the needs of the world:

1. For the Church around the world as it celebrates Christ’s birth. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That the Lord bless all those who are entrusted with Christian ministry in our parish and our Diocese. May God’s Word be proclaimed with truth and courage. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For wisdom for all who govern. That in honoring the earth and its diverse races, cultures, and religions, we may celebrate the light of this holy night. We pray to the Lord. 

4. That reconciliation and healing be granted to those surrounded by conflict, war, and violence, that they may live in the peace of this holy night. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For all who are cold, hungry, or alone this night. May God embrace with his tender care all who wander alone or have no place to lay their head, they may experience the hope of this holy night. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For all who are anxious, depressed, or ill. May God draw near to those who find this season a source of pain or grief, and to all who are suffering or in pain. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For parents, families, and newborn infants. May God strengthen families in the bonds of love and commitment, that they may delight in the joy of this holy night. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For those who have asked us to pray for them. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Heavenly Father, It is your will that your son became incarnate on Christmas and changed the world for all time. Help us to incarnate your son in our lives. We make our prayers through your incarnate son, Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Diocesan Finance Council Meeting - 10 December 2025

Lord God, we come to you today in the midst of our Advent journey. During Advent, we prepare a way for the Lord as we get ready for the celebration of his birth at Christmas. We give thanks for our Diocesan finance council members, for all their hard work to help guide and advise us in the finances and administration of our Diocese. We give thanks for our auditors. We are thankful for everyone working together to help in our mission here to serve the people of God in the Diocese of Jackson.  As we meet together today, we ask for the presence of the Holy Spirit for wisdom in the decisions we make.  In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  AMEN. 

24 December 2025 - homily for Christmas Eve Mass - Luke 2:1-14 - Isaiah 9:1-6

It is wonderful celebrating Christmas Eve mass with all of you this evening. We welcome everyone to Mass. We are glad to have all of our parishioners here. And we extended a very warm welcome to our visitors and extended family members and friends who are joining us this evening for Mass. Please feel very welcomed here at Holy Savior. 

We have been preparing for four weeks in the season of Advent for this day. We have been actively waiting and preparing a path in our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Today, we celebrate with great joy the birth of our savior. Each year, we tell the story of Christ’s birth, remembering how he came into the world. We tell the story of Mary and Joseph being turned away from the inn, of the angels proclaiming to the world the good news of his birth,  of the shepherds visiting the Christ child the stable. Today, we celebrate the difference Jesus has made not only to the world, but also in our own personal lives.

The birth of our savior is not just an historical event that happened in the past. Christ’s birth is an event that echoes through the centuries right down to us this evening. It is not just a nostalgic event remembered through Christmas cards and manger sconces and beautiful Christmas decorations. Christ’s birth is a present reality that truly makes a difference in our lives. Through Christ’s birth, God is made incarnate and enters into human history in a special way. But, more importantly, he enters our personal lives. In Advent we sang, O come, O come, Emmanuel. Christ is Emmanuel, God with us. He is God with us, acting in our lives in a relationship with us, in a very personal way. 

Pope John Paul II wrote, "The mystery of the birth of Jesus that took place over 2000 years ago must be lived today and every day. The Word that found a dwelling place in and through Mary comes to knock on our hearts this Christmas and every Christmas, today and every day.”

During the Advent season, I think of the ways I saw Jesus present as a light, as God with us, as we prepared for Christmas, in our parish and in our Diocese. In the youth going to the nursing home to sing Christmas carols. In our parish collecting items to help the prison ministry, the Carmelite monastery, and the Arc Angel adults. In our seminarian Will Fogo as he was ordained as a deacon at the cathedral of St Peter. In the ten men that entered the Church through our ministry at the state prison. In the meeting of the deacons and deacon candidates in Winona. In the Christmas breakfast we had with the children and their families. In the children of the first communion class receiving the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time. In Sister Maryann making her permanent vows as a Carmelite nun. In our large OCIA class of candidates and catechumens being presented to our parish. Christ is present with us in many different ways. If is important for us to feel that presence. It is important for us to participate and be a part of that presence. 

I want to specifically specifically speak to the children and youth here with us tonight. Three years ago, we brought this stuffed lamb Uno to our church, and he is present at all our masses. And for you children and youth, I hope that each time you see Uno you recognize how Jesus reaches out to all of us. Each one of us matters. Even that one lost sheep that needs to be brought back to the community. We want our children and youth to realize that they matter. That the Mass always speaks to you. Our parish is here for everyone - our adults, our seniors, our colleges, students, our youth, and our children. Our Mass and our liturgies are to speak to everyone and include everyone. That is an important message for us to hear at Christmas. That Jesus’ was born to save all of us. And he invites all of us to his Church, the body of Christ. 

Tonight, Christ being born in the humble stable in Bethlehem enters our world as a bright shining light. Christ brings his light to us in the reality of our lives, in the midst of the darkness and challenges we have.  May we experience Christ the life our lives. Merry Christmas to all of you. 

21 December 2025 - homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent cycle A - Matthew 1:18-24

There are different themes emphasized during the different weeks of Advent. For the first week, we have the theme of hope. Hope at the beginning of the Advent season sets the tone for this period of anticipation and preparation. As we heard from Jesus himself in the Gospel on the first Sunday of Advent, telling us to be prepared always for the end times, hope during Advent looks forward to the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas as well as his coming again in glory. Advent hope assures us that God is with us in the present day and that he promises us a future of peace. The blessing and lighting of the Advent wreath on that first Sunday of Advent reminds us of how Jesus brings light to the darkness of the world.

The theme of the second week of Advent is peace. The Advent theme of peace centers around the healing and wholeness that Christ brings to the world. Advent peace reminds us that Christ’s coming is meant to bring humanity into a new covenant with God and with each other. The peace of Christ is not just the absence of conflict and violence. His peace brings us lasting unity and harmony through the presence of God. The 9th chapter of Isaiah foretells Jesus as the prince of peace. Christ’s kingdom will bring justice and peace to those who follow him. The Gospel for the second Sunday of Advent brought us the call of John the Baptist baptizing the people in the Jordan River and calling them to repentance and renewal. We are called to repent for our sins and to forgive others. The Advent theme of peace calls us to reflect on the ways we can be peacemakers in our own lives, to show kindness, understanding, and forgiveness to others, to trust in God’s love and guidance. 

Joy is the theme for the third Sunday of Advent, which brought us Guadete Sunday, from the Latin word for joy. We are called to rejoice in the Lord always, that the day of his birth is near. Joy is foundational to the Advent season, reflecting gratitude and enthusiasm for Jesus’ coming, for the salvation he brings to the world. This joy is beyond mere pleasure or happiness, as it reflect a profound gladness rooted in God’s love. Advent joy calls us to give thanks for God’s presence with us, for the joy that the Christmas season will bring us with the birth of our savior. We are invited to reflect this joy through acts of kindness and works of mercy, through worship and gratitude. With great joy in our hearts, we are to bring the light of Christ to the world. 

The fourth theme of Advent, which we will celebrate this weekend, is love, emphasizing the profound endless love God has for humanity. Love is at the heart of our Advent and Christmas story, of God sending us his beloved son for our redemption and salvation out of love. John 3:16 proclaims to us that God so loved the world that he gave us his only begotten so. Christ’s coming into the world is the ultimate expression of that love. As we light all the candles of our Advent wreath today, we reflect upon how Jesus calls us to love one another as he has loved us. The Advent and Christmas seasons encourages us to embody God’s love in acts of mercy and forgiveness. We are to share God’s love abundantly and generously with our neighbor. As we receive God’s love in our hearts, may we prepare to welcome him at Christmastime with hearts full of gratitude and grace. 

As we hear of the angel visiting Joseph today, who had decided to quietly end his engagement with Mary, when he found out she was without child, it is striking that Joseph does not speak any words in today’s Gospel narrative. In our life of faith, we do not have to be loud or to bring attention to ourselves. Joseph listens to God through the message of the angel. He prays and obeys. He quietly does what is right. Our faith does not have to be flashy or full of extravagant gestures. Joseph shows us that our faith is often lived out in the simple steady choices we make in life. 

Blessings to all of you as we commemorate today the last Sunday in the Advent season and as we get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth. 

21 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful - 4th Sunday of Advent - prison ministry

Lord Jesus - you are the son of God and son of Mary. 

Christ Jesus - you are the everlasting sign of peace. 

Lord Jesus - you will come again to judge the living and the dead. 

Priest: As we ready ourselves for the birth of our Savior, let us call to mind our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world in our prayers today: 

1. That our heart will leap for joy as we recognize God-with-us in the people and events of our lives. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That we may be grateful for all the blessings and opportunities that God offers us each day. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For our children and families. May they feel our love and prayers reaching out to them this holiday season. We pray to the Lord. 

4. We pray for peace in the Holy Land. That the Holy Spirit will open up new pathway for peace and reconciliation. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For anyone experiencing fear, anxiety, or depression. All struggling with addictions. That the birth of Christ may bring light into their lives and freedom to their hearts. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For all who are traveling during this season. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the sick and the afflicted. That God will heal all who are suffering, give them hope, and bless their caregivers. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For all those inmates who have recently been released and who are transitioning to the free world. We pray to the Lord. 

9. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Generous God, as we await the birth of your son, we ask that you hear the prayers we make through your son, for he is our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

21 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful - 4th Sunday of Advent

Introduction: We are just a few days from the birth of our Savior. We have prepared and waited during these holy days of Advent. As the world prepares to receive Jesus to be born in the manger in Bethlehem, may we prepare a place in our hearts for the coming of the Lord. 

Lord Jesus - you are the son of God and son of Mary. 

Christ Jesus - you are the everlasting sign of peace. 

Lord Jesus - you will come again to judge the living and the dead. 

Priest: As we ready ourselves for the birth of our Savior, let us call to mind our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world in our prayers today: 

1. That the hearts of all Christians leap for joy as we recognize God-with-us in the people and events of our lives. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That we may be grateful for all the gifts and opportunities that God offers us. That we may rejoice in the blessings which come to us each day. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For new parents and expectant parents. That God will bless their children with health and help them to care for and nurture their children both physically and spiritually. We pray to the Lord. 

4. We pray for peace in the Holy Land. That the Holy Spirit will open up new pathway for peace and reconciliation. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For anyone experiencing fear, anxiety, or depression. That the birth of Christ may bring light into their lives and freedom to their hearts. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For all who are traveling during this season. That they may arrive safely and have renewing visits with family and friends. For a joyful Christmas break for our children, youth, and college students. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the sick and the afflicted. That God will heal all who are suffering, give them hope, and bless their caregivers. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Generous God, as we await the birth of your son, we ask that you hear the prayers we make through your son, for he is our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

21 December 2025 - bulletin reflection - 4th Sunday of Advent

This weekend we commemorate the 4th Sunday of Advent. We are just a few days from our celebration of Christmas. We always have a lot of visitors and out-of-town family and friends visiting us for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. I hope they feel a very warm welcome from us here at Holy Savior and Immaculate Conception parishes. We always aim to be a parish that this welcoming and inviting. We are very thankful for all who have worked hard to make our church and our Masses during the Advent and Christmas season reflective of the joy of the season. We are grateful to everyone who supported our Advent outreach this Advent and Christmas season to help the Arc Angel program, the prison ministry, and the Carmelite sisters. Blessings to all of you this Christmas and holiday season. Father Lincoln.  

23 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Tuesday of the 4th week of Advent

Lord Jesus - you call us to be faithful.


Christ Jesus - you come to be born in our hearts. 

Lord Jesus - you proclaim justice. 

Priest: On Tuesday of this 4th week of Advent, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father with hope and trust:


1. That the hearts of the Christian faithful may leap for joy as we recognize God-with-us in the people and events of our lives.


2. For all believers. That we may believe that God will not abandon us. That we may place our trust and hope in the Lord in the midst of the challenges of life.


3. For a spirit of joy in our hearts. That we may be grateful for the gifts and opportunities that God offers us and that we may rejoice in the blessings which come to us each day. 


4. For all parents and for expectant parents. That God will bless their children with health and help them to care for and nurture their children both physically and spiritually. 


5. That the Lord may continue to accompany our children, youth, and college students, and bless them during their break from school.


6. For the sick and the afflicted. For those battling addictions. For those trying to cope with anxiety, depression, and mental illness. For comfort, healing, and wholeness.


7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 
Priest: With Advent joy, we present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

23 December 2025 - homily for Tuesday of the 4th week of Advent - Luke 1:57-66

We have been hearing passages from the first Chapter of Luke in the last days of the Advent season. Today, the day before our Christmas Eve mass, we hear about the birth of John the Baptist, since John’s life and Jesus’ life were intrinsically linked. Before John was born, an Angel appeared to his father, Zechariah, telling him that his wife Elizabeth would bear a child, that this child would be a great prophet to appear in Ancient Israel, that this child would prepare the way for the Messiah. Zechariah was a priest in the line of Aaron, a very learned and honorable man. Yet, his response to God’s messenger was to laugh, to believe that it was impossible, for his wife was of advanced age and had been barren for years. How could this be? Zechariah did not think that God’s covenant and promises to Abraham and his descendants could be fulfilled in this way. We are called to open our hearts to the impossible and the unimaginable, for everything is possible and imaginable with God. Today, we remember God and his promises as we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord tomorrow at our Christmas Eve Mass

Today is the feast day of St John of Kanty, who died on this day in Poland in the year 1473. Raised in the rural countryside of Poland, he became a priest and seminary professor in the big city of Krakow, only to be thrown back into a small humble parish in the town of Olkusz. With hard work, he touched the hearts of the parishioners there and was later able to return to teaching theology. In Kraków, he was known to have a heart for helping the poor and was always ready to reach out to them, even with his own humble funds and belongings. He made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and four pilgrimages to Rome, carrying his belongings on his back. John of Kanty is remembered not only for his academic brilliance, but also for his kindness, generosity, and humility, good traits for us to aspire to during these last days of Advent. 

19 December 2025 - homily for Friday of the 3rd week of Advent - Luke 1:5-25

In these last days of the holy season of Advent, we commemorate the feast day of Pope Urban V. He served as pope for 8 years starting in the year 1362. A Benedictine monk, he continued to follow the rule of St Benedict even when he was pope, living a very modest simple life. Before his election as pope, he had served as abbot of the influential Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy. He was exiled to Avignon in France for most of his papacy. He tried to unite the Churches of the West and the East, but failed to achieve that goal. In this era of great division in the Church, he worked for Church reform and the restoration of monasteries and churches. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1870. 

In our Gospel today from Luke, we hear how Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, heard the announcement of the upcoming birth of his son from  the Angel Gabriel. This announcement summoned fear and disbelief in Zechariah, which caused him to be made mute by God. This is very different from the way Mary accepted God’s will for her and trusted God’s word at the announcement from the Angel. We pray that the Lord continue to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior during these last days of Advent.  

 

19 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Friday of the 3rd week of Advent

Lord Jesus - you call us to be faithful.


Christ Jesus - you come to be born in our hearts. 

Lord Jesus - you proclaim God’s justice. 

Priest: On this Friday of the 3rd week of Advent, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father with hope and trust:


1. That our hearts may leap for joy as we recognize God-with-us in the people and events of our lives. We pray to the Lord.


2. That we, like Joseph, may believe that God will not abandon us, that we may place our trust and hope in the Lord in the midst of the challenges of life. We pray to the Lord.


3. That we may have hearts full of joy and grateful for the gifts and opportunities that God offers us each day. We pray to the Lord.


4. For all parents and for expectant parents. That God will bless their children with health and help them to care for and nurture their children both physically and spiritually. We pray to the Lord.


5. That the Lord may accompany our children, youth, and college students and bless them during their break from school. We pray to the Lord.


6. For the sick and shut-in, for those battling addictions, for those trying to cope with anxiety, depression, and mental illness. For comfort, healing, and wholeness for them. We pray to the Lord.


7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord.
Priest: With Advent joy, we present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

18 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 3rd week of Advent

Lord Jesus - you call us to holiness. 

Christ Jesus - you help us to prepare for your coming. 

Lord Jesus - you will come again in glory. 

Priest: We present our prayers to our heavenly Father during this 3rd week of Advent : 

1. That we in the Church may experience joy through recognizing God’s presence with us each day.  

2. May we be instruments of God’s grace in helping others become aware of God working in their lives. 

3. That we may surrender our anxieties to God and trust in God’s providence for all our needs and challenges.

4. That God will stir up the Holy Spirit in our hearts. May our faith increase. May our spirits may grow in courage. And may our hearts may overflow with love. 

5. That the Holy Spirit cleanse us of greed, selfishness and narrowness of mind so that we may live as people of light.

5. For the grace to accompany one another on our journeys. May God free us from judging others and help us to see each person as a sister or brother. 

6. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

Priest: We present our prayer today through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.   

18 December 2025 - homily for Thursday of the 3rd week of Advent - Jeremiah 23:5-8

We are called to be vigilant and to pray unceasingly during Advent as we actively wait. We are called to prepare a place in our hearts for the coming of our Lord. Yet, perhaps we don't consider this time of preparation in the context of the message of the prophet Jeremiah in our first reading.  Jeremiah speaks of a new age to come, one in which the ruler will do what is just and right. The psalmist declares what this new age will be about: “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.”  

In our busy holiday preparations, it is easy to forget about those who live in injustice and oppression.  Sometimes, it is not easy for us or for the afflicted to be comforted by the anticipation of a just and peaceful reign that seems so far off. 

It is very fitting for us during this holy season of Advent to take the time to reflect upon this message of peace and justice, to reflect upon the ways in which we can incorporate God's justice in our life of faith. It is easy for us to buy presents for our loved ones and family members, to do acts of kindness for them, but the Advent season calls us to do more, to reach out and do something kind for someone with someone with whom we have conflict or a dispute.  That would be a true gift for both parties involved, a gift that perhaps would have some unexpected results. 

Our world can be a rough place. As we prepare for Christ’s birth, our small acts of kindness can go a long way to promote peace and justice in our world. We are to proclaim God’s kingdom that is here and now, but also to prepare the way for the the fulfillment of God’s kingdom that is to come. 

17 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the 3rd week of Advent

Lord Jesus - you are the son of God. 

Christ Jesus - you are the light of the world. 

Lord Jesus - you are our Savior. 

Priest: In the midst of our Advent journey, we present our prayers to the heavenly Father:

1. That we in the Church may wholeheartedly live out our faith traditions and remain open to the mystery of God's unconventional work in our lives and in the world around us.

2. That, like Mary and Joseph, we may enter into the mystery of God’s loving actions and be co-operative with the work of God even when we do not understand how to proceed. 

3. That like Mary, we may perceive the invitation of God in the strange and sometimes unreasonable situations into which God calls us. 

4. That through the mystery of Jesus becoming human, we may open ourselves to a fuller sharing in the divine life. 

5. For healing for the sick and the afflicted. For wholeness for those struggling with addictions, anxiety, and mental health issues. 

6. For missionaries and the men and women in the military who are separated from their families during the holiday season. 

7. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

Priest: In this time of waiting and expectation, we present these prayer through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

17 December 2025 - homily for Wednesday of the 3rd week of Advent - Matthew 1:1-17

Starting with today’s daily mass, the readings in the Advent season are for the specific dates, not for the day of the week, leading us up to Christmas.  Today, we hear the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel, telling of Jesus’ genealogy going back many generations. It is a long list of names, some of which are not easy to pronounce. It is not the day the priest wants to go in and read the Gospel for the first time without practicing. Matthew traces Jesus’ ancestors  back to the patriarch of the Jewish people, Abraham, to the great Jewish forefathers Jacob and King David. There are interesting, intriguing, and sometimes very scandalous stories linked with the individuals listed in Jesus’ genealogy. One ancestor listed is Rahab, a prostitute whose courage and faith saved the lives of the Israelite spies in the book of Joshua. 

Genealogy has become popular in the US. Since most of us originally came from immigrant families somewhere in our family tree, many of us want to learn more about our roots, about where we came from. In Ancient Israel, it was important to know one’s heritage and ancestry, since this determined whether one was considered clean or pure in a religious sense.   Matthew wanted to show that Jesus was in the line of God’s chosen people, the rightful heir to the throne of David, that he would send a Savior to Israel to rule over them and to deliver them from their enemies.

We as disciples of Christ from this spiritual lineage, with our faith having been passed down to us by our own ancestors, from those who learned their faith in the apostolic tradition. As we continue to prepare and wait during this holy Advent season, may we give thanks for those who passed down the faith to us.

Catholic prayer for lighting of the Advent wreath for 2nd Sunday of Advent

Lord God, Advent brings us a vision of the world made new, showing us that a world with your presence is a world without fear, a world of expectant longing for fulfillment. We ask that you fill our hearts with joy at the wonder of creation and at the wonder of the incarnation of your son

As we light our two candles on our wreath in this second week of Advent, we pray that we may be open to your grace, that you may guide us to the transformation of the world and guide us to work for peace and justice. AMEN. 

Reflection on St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

“In Thee, O Lord, have I put my hope. Let me never be confounded.”

"O my God, I love You! Not because You have the power to grant heaven or hell, but simply because You are my God." 

As we commemorate this first week of Advent, we recognize one of the Church’s great missionaries on his feast day, December 3: St Francis Xavier. He was born in the 1506 in the kingdom of Navarre in present-day Spain. His family had its castle near the important city of Pamplona. His family is of Basque origin and his family spoke the Basque language. He left home to study in Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola, who is from the same Basque region. Xavier and Ignatius were ordained priests in 1537. Along with several other companions who were all studying for the priesthood at the University of Paris, they founded the Society of Jesus in 1538, a new religious order commonly known to the Catholic world as the Jesuits. He heart called him to go to the missions. He left for India as a missionary, stopping in different Jesuit missions in Africa along the way. In 1549, Xavier began the first Christian mission in Japan where he served  for over two years. In 1552, he set sail to begin the first Christian mission in China. However, he was not allowed to disembark his ship. He died of an illness while awaiting entry as he stayed on a nearby island off the coast of mainland China. He was canonized a saint by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, at the same time as Ignatius Loyola.

St Francis Xavier ranks among the greatest missionaries in Christian history. Historians place the number of baptisms that he administered at roughly 30,000 people, but that number may be much higher. A great deal can be learned from Xavier in the way he conducted his life and work with meaning and purpose. He was very driven in bringing Christ’s Gospel to others, yet he he saw God not just as a source of rewards or consequences, but always saw God as the ultimate source of love and grace. His missionary work was always accompanied by great enthusiasm and joy. He was always open to learning new things and open to adapting the Gospel message to a new culture. 

James 1:22 - Be doers of God's word

You must do what the Word tells you and not just listen to it and deceive yourselves. 

James 1:22

(New Jerusalem Bible translation) 

Catholic blessing of the Advent wreath at Mass - first Sunday of Advent - 30 November 2025

Lord our God,
we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: 
he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,
 he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,
 he is the Savior of every nation.

Lord God,
 let your blessing come upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath.
 May the wreath and its light
 be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.
 May he come quickly and not delay.
 We ask this through Christ our Lord.
 R/. Amen.

Catholic readings for Thanksgiving day mass - 27 November 2025

Reading 1 -  (Sirach 50:22-24)

Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Gospel - Luke 17:11-19

Reading I  - A reading from the book of Sirach: 

     And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb, and fashions them according to his will!
     May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; may his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days.

The word of the Lord. 

Responsorial Psalm

R.    I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. 

R.    I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works. 

R.    I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice.

R.    I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness.
The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

R.    I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might.

R.       I will praise your name for ever, Lord. 

Reading II - A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians:

     Brothers and sisters: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

The word of the Lord.  

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Gospel acclamation: 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel - A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke: 

      As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
      And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”
As they were going they were cleansed.  And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.  He was a Samaritan.
      Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?  Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

The Gospel of the Lord. 

Readings for a Catholic Funeral

1st Reading - Revelation 22:1-5a,6b-7

23rd Psalm 

2nd reading - 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Gospel - John 14:1-6

A reading from the book of Revelation

I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away."

The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son."

The Word of the Lord

Psalm 23


R: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me in right paths for his name sake. 


R: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. 

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil, 

for you are at my side. 

With your rod and your staff that give me courage. 




R: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. 

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  


R: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. 

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.




R: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. 

A reading from the second Letter of St Paul to Timothy:

Beloved: The time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John:

Jesus said to his disciples: 
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
 You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
 If there were not, would I have told you
  that I am going to prepare a place for you?
 And if I go and prepare a place for you,
 I will come back again and take you to myself,
 so that where I am you also may be.
 Where I am going you know the way.”
 
Thomas said to him,
  “Master, we do not know where you are going;
  how can we know the way?”
 
Jesus said to him,
 “I am the way and the truth and the life.
 No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The Gospel of the Lord. 

prayers of the faithful for a Catholic funeral

Priest:  My brothers and sisters, Christ is risen from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father, when he intercedes for us.  In confidence, we now join our prayers to his prayers as we pray for our brother. 

The response to each prayer will be: Lord hear our prayer.  

1. In baptism, our brother was given the pledge of eternal life. May he now be admitted to the company of saints. We pray to the Lord.  

2. For our brother who received the body of Christ, the bread of life, that he may be raised up on the last day. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For all gathered here today, that they may be sustained by their faith and by the knowledge that they will be reunited with their brother one day in God’s heavenly Kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

4.  Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the Kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For the family and friends of our brother, that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord.

6. Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day.  Show your mercy to those who suffer unjustly these sins against your love. Gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts today. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Lord God, giver of peace and healer of souls, hear the prayers of our Redeemer and the voices of your people.  Grant all those who sleep in Christ a place in your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.  AMEN.  

27 November 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Thanksgiving Day Mass - prison ministry

Introduction: As we gather for Mass on Thanksgiving Day, let us recall our blessings and what we are thankful for. Let us bring to our minds the specific times when we have felt the presence of God who has gifted us with life and love, with mercy and salvation, and with goodness beyond our imagination.

Penitential Rite:

Lord Jesus - you call us to have joyful and grateful hearts.

Christ Jesus - you join us to give thanks to our Heavenly Father.

Lord Jesus - you bring us new life - Lord have mercy.

Priest: With grateful hearts and with confidence in God’s care and mercy, we place our prayers before him this Thanksgiving day:

1. We pray in gratitude for God’s loving care, we pray that God will guide our Church leaders, including Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Kopacz. We pray to the Lord.

2. We pray for our nation and our state of Mississippi. We pray for God’s help for our president, our governor, and all our national, state, and local elected officials. We pray to the Lord.

3. We pray for our family, friends, and loved ones. We pray for God’s blessings for them today, especially those most in need of God’s assistance at this time. We pray that all of our families feel our love and prayers reaching out to them.  We pray to the Lord.

4. We pray for the faithful departed and for our loved ones and family members who have gone before us, that God may grant them entrance to eternal life. We pray to the Lord.

5. We pray in gratitude for those who keep us safe: our first responders, the men and women in the military, and our medical professionals, especially those who are not able to spend Thanksgiving with their families. We pray to the Lord.

7. In the silence of our hearts, we present our personal prayer petitions this morning. We pray to the Lord.

Priest: Hear our prayers, loving Father, on this Thanksgiving Day. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

14 December 2025 - homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Cycle A - Isaiah 35:1-6a and 10 - Matthew 11:2-11

This Sunday is known in the Catholic liturgical calendar as Guadete Sunday, from the Latin word to rejoice, as we are filled with joy and we rejoice that the celebration of our Savior’s birth will soon be here. 

The prophet Isaiah speaks of great joy that will come from the realization that God is in our midst, that he is there to restore us and save us. Isaiah is speaking to a people in exile, who hope to return to Israel through the help of God. According to Isaiah, God’s saving power will be recognized in all of creation, as the desert and parched land will bloom with joy and burst into joyful song. Isaiah challenges those who live in fear and who feel abandoned to be strong and to not be afraid, that God is here to save us. As the people heard this message of joy as they anticipated coming back from exile, we hear this message in the midst of our reality as well, as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. We are called to have faith in Christ’s ability to restore and renew humanity. 

Violet is the official liturgical color of Advent, alluding to the penitential tone of the season. Like Lent, Advent is a time for us to repent from our sins, to receive absolution from God, and to be in the state of grace for Christmas. On Guadete Sunday, in the midst of Advent, we have rose as our liturgical color, alluding to the upcoming joyful celebration of our savior’s nativity that will soon be here. We joyfully await Jesus’ coming at Christmas, just as we joyfully await his coming in the end times. 

While this is Guadete Sunday and the prophet Isaiah speaks of rejoicing, the Gospel message from John the Baptist has a different tone. Last Sunday, in the 3rd Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, John the Baptist was calling the people to repent, paving the way for Jesus’ coming as the Messiah, saying that one mightier than he would be coming, baptizing not with water, but with the Holy Spirit and with fire. But then, the people see Jesus starting his public ministry and his proclamation of God’s kingdom, healing the sick and befriending sinners and outcasts, not meeting their expectations of the coming Messiah. In Matthew’s Gospel today, John is behind bars in prison. He sends word to Jesus: Are you the Messiah, the one we are awaiting, or do we wait for someone else? Jesus does not give a yes or no answer, but he tells them to look at what they see: people being healed and being made whole and the Good News being proclaimed to the poor. 

Do we see the miracles that Jesus is enacting in our own day? Are we open to the awesome wonder and power of God’s kingdom? Or are we so entrenched in our own perspective and our own little corner of the world that we are not open to all our faith can be? 

In the Gospel, Jesus tells John’s disciples that if they open their eyes and judge with their hearts, they will be able to see and witness who Jesus really is. Words are important. But what we see is important too. And then it does not end with what we see. We are called to act. 

This Saturday morning, there was a gathering of the deacons and the deacon candidates and their wives in Winona. The deacons gather every year during Advent, and I usually meet with them as the vicar general of the Diocese. I was asked to speak to them, and was asked what topic I wanted to address with them at this gathering. I decided to speak to them about homilies and about writing the prayers of the faithful, speaking about those topics from my perspective and to talk about the importance of those elements in the mass that are the responsibility of the deacon or the priest. I will also speak to them about the importance of our ministry in the community. One of the things it says about deacons in the Catechism, is that they share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way, not only in assisting the bishop and priests in the divine mysteries of the sacraments, but also in dedicating themselves to various ministries of charity out in the community (CCC 1570). The Catechism states that it is appropriate and useful for the ministry of the deacons in the Church liturgical and pastoral life and in its social and charitable works, to be strengthened by the grace of their ordination (CCC 1571). 

I bring up my talk to the deacons because it is not just the priests and deacons called to action, to participate in liturgical and charitable works of the Church, but all of us according to our state, whether lay or ordained, have our proper role in these works. I am grateful for all the ways so many people in our parish participate in these ministries and charitable works in the Church and in the community. We encourage those who not yet involved in these actions to pray and discern and see where God is calling you. This is not just a call to us during Advent, but it is a call to us each day on our road of discipleship. 

14 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the Third Sunday in Advent cycle A for prison ministry

Penitential rite - priest 

Lord Jesus - you give sight to the blind. 

Christ Jesus - you bring light to the darkness. 

Lord Jesus - you are the way to eternal union with the Father. 

Priest: As we rejoice in the coming of Lord on Guadete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we pray for those who yearn for joy, wholeness, peace, and consolation in their lives: 

1. That we in the Church may reach out to those who still need to be evangelized with the Gospel message. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That the world may bloom with justice, peace, and solidarity. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That we listen to the prophetic voices that speak out in the world against divisions, persecution, or complacency. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For our Jewish brothers and sisters, for their celebration of Hanukkah. May the light of the menorah brighten their days and fill them with God’s love. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That we may bring God’s care and compassion to those who find life burdensome and those who live in fear. We pray for all the men and women here at CMCF who are struggling through life. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For all the men and women who are being released from incarceration.  May God open new doors and new opportunities for them to use their gifts and to support their families. We pray to the Lord. 

7. That all of us may seek out forgiveness and healing during these holy days of Advent. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For our prayer intentions spoken and unspoken. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: As you sent your son to us to bring the kingdom of God into our midst, may we respond with the prayers we make today, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

14 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the 3rd Sunday in Advent cycle A

Introduction: Today we celebrate Guadete Sunday, a day of great joy in the midst of the Advent season, symbolized by the liturgical color of rose. Through our eyes of faith, we sense Jesus’ presence with us even as we prepare for the celebration of his nativity. Let also also give glory for the ways Christ’s presence is already with us: in the Eucharist, in God’s holy word, and in our encounters with each other.

Penitential rite - priest 

Lord Jesus - you give sight to the blind. 

Christ Jesus - you bring light to the darkness. 

Lord Jesus - you are the way to eternal union with the Father. 

Priest: As we rejoice in the coming of Lord on Guadete Sunday, we pray for those who yearn for joy, wholeness, peace, and consolation:

1. That we in the Church may reach out to those who still need to be evangelized with the Gospel message. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That the world may bloom with justice, peace, and solidarity. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That we listen to the prophetic voices that speak out against divisions, persecution, or complacency. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For our Jewish brothers and sisters, for their celebration of Hanukkah. that the light of the menorah may brighten their days and fill them with God’s love. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That we may bring God’s care and compassion to those who find life burdensome and those who live in fear. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For all who are seeking new employment or who are out of work, that God will open new doors and new opportunities for them to use their gifts and support their families. We pray to the Lord. 

7. That all of us may seek out forgiveness and healing during these holy days of Advent. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For our prayer intentions spoken and unspoken. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: As you sent your son to us to bring the kingdom of God into our midst, may we respond with the prayers we make today, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

14 December 2025 - Guadete Sunday - Third Sunday in Advent - Bulletin reflection

This weekend we celebrate Guadete Sunday, a symbol of joy in the midst of the Advent season as the day of our savior’s birth draws near. I know that all of us are so busy during this holiday season with different gatherings and events and our preparations for Christmas. We priests are very busy going to Advent reconciliation services at the different parishes in the area. We always schedule the reconciliation services for Yazoo City, Clinton, and the two main Vicksburg parishes on the same week, so we priests can arrange our schedules to help each other. Our Advent reconciliation service here in Clinton will be this Wednesday, December 16. I hope that you have time in your busy schedule to be a part of this Advent devotion. Have a blessed week everyone. Father Lincoln.

11 December 2025 - homily for Thursday of the 2nd week of Advent - Isaiah 41:13-20

We have been hearing a lot from Isaiah during the daily masses of this Advent season.  In fact, all of the first readings from the daily masses these first two weeks of Advent have been from Isaiah.  It is important to note the context in which Isaiah has been preaching and prophesying in the midst of the exile of the people of Israel to Babylon. They had seen their city and Temple destroyed. They were forced into a foreign land away from their native language, culture, and religion. Yet, in the midst of their misery and suffering, Isaiah tells them: things are not what they seem.  Isaiah tells them that God can turn the reality they experience in life upside down. In previous readings we’ve heard from Isaiah these first two weeks in Advent, we’ve been told that the lion and the lamb – mortal enemies – will lie down with each other in peace. We’ve been told that the deaf will hear, the blind will see, and the poor will rejoice. Today, we hear that the desert will become a marshland and that the wasteland will become a great forest planted with trees such as cypress and pine.  In the midst of their sense of abandonment and suffering, God tells them: I will help you, fear not! We may feel distant or abandoned by God at times in life, but we are told that God is there with us on our journey no matter what. 

St Damsus I is the saint today, who served as Pope from 366 to 384. He had served under Pope Liberius, following him into exile, and was elected Pope after him. But, a minority group elected another pope at the same time, and there was great turmoil and division for many years after this. In addition, he constantly battling heresies and uneasy relations with Bishops in both the East and the West. However, one highlight of his pontificate was the encouragement of St Jerome in his biblical studies and in the development of the Vulgate Bible in Latin. He also encouraged Latin as the official language throughout the Church in its liturgies, as Greek was still used by some communities. As I hear of the saints in the Early Church, it was always a time of great political turmoil, internal Church struggles, and battling heresies. As we face our own challenges as a modern Church, may we be encouraged by the stories of the saints who faced the struggles and challenges of their day. 

12 de diciembre de 2025 – Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – Lucas 1, 39-47

Estamos aquí en nuestra parroquia, juntos como una comunidad de fe alrededor de la mesa de nuestro Señor.  Esta noche, celebramos la solemnidad de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, una celebración muy querida en nuestra comunidad hispana. La imagen de la Virgen de Guadalupe no solo está ubicada en la tilma de Juan Diego.  Su imagen también está ubicada en los corazones de todos los fieles que la invocan con ternura y confianza. La Virgen de Guadalupe infundió el espíritu de vida en los corazones de los primeros evangelizadores. Además, ella avanzó la conversión de muchas personas que no conocían al Señor. La Virgen de Guadalupe protege la Iglesia de nuestro continente en los momentos muy difíciles. En verdad, la Virgen de Guadalupe es un símbolo que tiene mucho significado en nuestra fe y en nuestra cultura. 

En el Evangelio de esta noche, escuchamos sobre la visita de la Virgen María a su prima Isabel.  En muchos sentidos, su visita a Isabel es una peregrinación de fe. Millones de peregrinos van a la basílica de Nuestra Señora de  Guadalupe en México cada año como una manifestación de su fe. Somos aquí en nuestra parroquia en Mississippi en los Estados Unidos esta noche. No estamos en la basílica de nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en México. Pero, en nuestros corazones, somos peregrinos llenos de fe y de amor a la Santísima Virgen en su entrañable amparo como Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Esta noche, llegamos a la iglesia para acordarse de la capilla que la Virgen pidió a Juan Diego, una capilla donde ella prometió mostrar todo su amor, compasión, auxilio y defensa a los moradores de este continente y amadores suyos que la invoquen y en ella confíen.

Hoy, damos gracias a la Virgen de Guadalupe, porque ella está cerca de nosotros, porque ella nos cuida y nos cobija, como a Juan Diego, con el pliegue de su manto.  Alabamos a la Virgen de Guadalupe, la Madre de Dios, porque Ella es la discípula más perfecta del Señor, porque Ella es su primera misionera.

Oremos - Madre nuestra, ven a nuestra ayuda a fin de que vivamos fraternalmente unidos y siempre seamos solidarios, generosos y serviciales.  Madre y Reina de México, protege a los más débiles de nuestras comunidades: a los niños y a los ancianos, a los pobres y a los enfermos, a los emigrantes y los desempleados.  Finalmente, Virgen bendita y gloriosa, te pedimos que cuides de todas nuestras familias.

12 de diciembre de 2025 - oraciones de los fieles de la misa de nuestra señora de Guadalupe

Oraciones de los fieles - 

Sacerdote:  Pongamos hermanos, nuestros ojos en Jesús que, para salvar al mundo, quiso nacer de santa Virgen María, y oremos por nuestra nación, por los pueblos de América Latina y por el bien de todos los hombres:

1.- Para que el Señor, que quiso que la santidad de la Iglesia se prefigurara y culminara en la perfección de María, conceda a los cristianos de México y de los Estados Unidos y a sus párrocos ser vivo reflejo de aquella santidad que resplandece en la santa Madre de Dios. Roguemos al Señor. 

2.- Para que nuestra nación, que hoy venera con solemnidad a María Virgen bajo la advocación de Guadalupe, alcance una paz verdadera y estable y vea alejada de sus ciudadano las injusticias y los egoísmos mutuos. Roguemos al Señor. 

3.- Para que el ejemplo de la fortaleza de María, que sufrió crueles dolores al pie de la cruz, sea consuelo para los que sufren y esperanza para quienes se sienten decaídos. Roguemos al Señor. 

4.- Para que los cristianos que hoy celebramos la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, demos a los ciudadanos de las naciones de México y los Estados Unidos un claro testimonio de fe cristiana y una colaboración eficaz a la prosperidad de nuestros pueblos. Roguemos al Señor. 

5. Por los fieles difuntos. Por su entrada a la vida eterna. Por los almas en el purgatorio. Roguemos al Señor. 

6. Por los enfermos y los afligidos. Por sanación en cuerpo y espíritu. Roguemos al Señor. 

7. Por las oraciones que tenemos en nuestros corazones. Roguemos al Señor. 

Sacerdote:  Dios nuestro, que has querido que santa María de Guadalupe fuera ayuda y patrona de nuestro pueblo, escucha nuestras plegarias y haz que, confiando en su ayuda poderosa, obtengamos los bienes que te hemos pedido. Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. 

12 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe

Lord Jesus - You were born of the Virgin Mary 

Christ Jesus - You are the Prince of Peace.


Lord Jesus - You are our savior and our redeemer. 

Priest: As we celebrate our Lady of Guadalupe today, we present our prayers to our Heavenly Father through the intercessions of our Mother Mary: 

1. That the Church be sustained by the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and be open and responsive to God’s will.


2. That aided by the prayers of Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, hatred, violence, and cruelty in the world will come to an end.


3. That Mary, untouched by the stain of sin, may be an example and inspiration for all, that we might aspire for purity in body, mind and heart.


4. For our brothers and sisters who have consecrated themselves to Jesus through Mary, that trusting in Mary’s prayers and example, they will firmly renounce the works of Satan and resolve to follow Jesus more closely.


5. That all of our loved ones who have died may find their home in heaven with Our Lady and the saints.


6. That through the prayers of our community, and those we hold within our hearts, we may be ready to respond to God’s will as Mary did.


7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For those who have asked for our prayers. 

Priest: God of salvation, you reveal your steadfast love in Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Mother of your Son. We ask that you never grow weary of reaching out to us to overcome the ways we stray from your plan for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

12 December 2025 - homily for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Friday of the 2nd week of Advent - Luke 1:39-47

In 1531, almost 500 years ago, a lady from heaven appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac hill in Mexico. The lady identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. She requested that a church be built on that site. However, the bishop asked Juan to bring him a sign that this was truly the Blessed Mother. Mary sent Juan Diego to the top of the hill to collect roses to give to the bishop as his sign, where roses wouldn't normally grow in winter. Juan collected the roses in his tilma, a type of poncho made from cactus fibers.  When Juan unfurled his tilma to give the roses to the bishop, an image of Our Lady was revealed, miraculously printed there. This image that still appears on the tilma today; it on display in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. 

Modern technology cannot explain how that image of our Lord got on that tilma and how it has been preserved for so many years.  Over the centuries, Our Lady of Guadalupe has appealed to the hearts of the faithful throughout the world. Miracles and cures are attributed to her healing power. Millions of pilgrims to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico each year. Even today, Our Lady of Guadalupe is an image of hope and liberation in Mexico and throughout Latin America.       

This is the second celebration of Mary that we have had this week, as we celebrated our Blessed Mother on Monday in our country’s patronal feast, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. These celebrations show how important Mary is as the mother of our Church. Just as Elizabeth called Mary blessed among women, we proclaim Mary blessed as well as we honor her as our Mother.

Today, may we look to Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe as examples of faith speaking out to us from a time and place so different from our modern world. It is a message that still resonates today. May the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the image of a poor native woman who will bear a child, help us to prepare a place in our hearts for the upcoming birth of Christ into our world.  May Our Lady of Guadalupe inspire us to help others in our community and in our world as a symbol of unity for all of us who live in the Americas.  

16 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the Tuesday of the 3rd week of Advent

Lord Jesus - you are of the tree of Jesse

Christ Jesus - you are the morning star. 

Lord Jesus - you are Emanuel, God with us.  

Priest: In the midst of our Advent journey, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. For justice in our world. That we may strive to fulfill our duties to others and use our gifts to ease their suffering and promote the well-being of our brothers and sisters

2. For the healing of violence in our communities. That God will heal and comfort those who have experienced violence, free their hearts from fear, and help us to comfort and support them. 

3. We pray for the sick, for all who are in the hospital, hospice, and nursing homes, for healing for us in body, mind, and spirit.

4. For all who are suffering. That God will heal the wounds of discrimination, guide all who lack focus and direction in life, and help all who are struggling with addictions and mental illness to have a new beginning. 

5. For our children, youth, and college students as they finish the semester. That God will give them strength in their studies and accompany them during their time of Christmas vacation.  

6. For the protection of earth's resources. That God will give wisdom and understanding to our role as steward of God’s creation.  

7. That God will help us prepare a place in our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas time. 

8.  For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. For those who have asked for our prayers. 

Priest: With Advent joy and hope, we present these prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

16 December 2025 - Tuesday of the 3rd week of Advent - St Flannan - Zephaniah 3:1-2 and 9-13

In the midst of our Advent journey, we celebrate a saint from Ireland who lived in the 7th century. St Flannan was the son of an Irish chieftain. He was educated by monks, who also taught him farming. He made a pilgrimage to Rome, where the pope made him the first Bishop of Killaloe. He was known for traveling around his diocese and drawing crowds to his preaching and the miracles he performed. He also was a missionary to the Hebrides islands in Scotland. He died in the latter part of the 7th century. 

As we hear about this Celtic saint today, we hear from the prophet Zephaniah in our first reading. Zephaniah brought God’s message to the people of Judah six centuries before Christ's birth, bemoaning the injustices and the corruption that he saw. He spoke of the need for conversion, repentance, and renewal. This is not a message of doom and gloom, but rather a message of hope, of a remnant that is humble and that stays true to the Lord, who will live out their faith and pass it forward to the next generation. We hear this message as we prepare for our Advent reconciliation service here at Holy Savior tomorrow evening, where we will have an opportunity to acknowledge that we have indeed sinned and to ask the Lord for forgiveness. We give thanks for our Advent prophets and saints who help us and guide us in the season of preparation.  

 

11 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the second week of Advent

Lord Jesus - you are the Son of the Most High. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us God’s wisdom. 

Lord Jesus - your kingdom is without end. 

Priest: With hope and joy during this second wee of Advent, in these days of waiting and preparation, we present our prayers to you today: 

1. We pray for our children, youth, college students and their families, that the Lord may accompany them always on their journey of faith.  

2. For the Gospel of Life, that we will work to protect human life, especially the unborn and the vulnerable.   

3. As we look forward to the joys of the Christmas holiday season, our hearts are with those families who in the last year have lost loved ones. We pray that our belief that the souls of the deceased are in the loving care of the Father. 

4. In this season of preparation for Christmas, we pray that we may be conscious of those who are in financial distress and that we may, in the true Christian spirit, share with them what we ourselves are blessed to have.

5. We pray for love and reconciliation in our community, particularly in families, and that we make a special effort to reach out to those who are lonely or in need.

6. For the prayer we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: Generous God, as we prepare for the brith of our savior, we thank you for our many blessings.   Continue to look with favor on us as we present these prayers through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord for ever and ever.  AMEN.  

10 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the second week of Advent

Lord Jesus - you are of the tree of Jesse

Christ Jesus - you are the morning star. 

Lord Jesus - you are Emanuel, God with us.  

Priest: In the midst of our Advent journey, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. That we may strive toward justice in our world and to the fulfillment of our duties to others. 

2. For the healing of violence in our communities. May God heal and comfort those who have experienced violence and free their hearts from fear.  

3. We pray for the sick and the afflicted. For all who are in the hospital, hospice, and nursing homes. For healing for all of us in body, mind, and spirit.

4. For all who are suffering. May God heal the wounds of discrimination, guide all who lack focus and direction in life, and help all who are struggling with addictions and mental health issues. 

5. For all of our students as they finish the semester. May God give them strength in their studies and accompany them during their time of Christmas vacation.  

6. For the protection of earth's resources. May God give wisdom and understanding to us in our role as steward of God’s creation.  

7.  For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

With Advent joy and hope, we present these prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.