1 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the solemnity of Mary mother of God

Introduction: On the first day of the new year, we honor Mary, the holy Mother of God. It was Mary’s willing obedience to God’s plan that enabled the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ and initiated what in time became Christianity. Today, as we commemorate the world day of prayer for peace, we look to Mary, the Queen of Peace. 

Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace.
Christ Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary.
Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and the splendor of the Father. 

PRIEST: God graciously blesses all of humanity. We now bring forward our needs to God with confidence and faith as we commemorate this first day of 2026:
 

1. That those who follow Christ may remain faithful throughout this New Year. We pray to the Lord.

2. That all who worship God in churches, synagogues, and mosques may grow in respect and tolerance for each other. For greater understanding amongst all religions. We pray to the Lord.
3. That peace may soon come in all the warn-torn corners of our world and in those communities torn apart by anger, violence, and disagreements. We pray to the Lord.

4. That we may continue to work for peace with justice in our words and our actions throughout the new year. We pray to the Lord.

5. That Mary the Mother of God may be an example to all of us of patience, compassion, and love. We pray to the Lord.

6. That this new year may bring fresh enthusiasm and strong growth to our community of faith and to all parishes throughout the Diocese of Jackson. We pray to the Lord.

7. That perpetual light may shine on all our dearly departed, especially those who have passed away in the year of 2025. We pray for the repose of their souls and for the souls in purgatory. We pray to the Lord.
8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts this morning. For all our prayers, spoken and unspoken. We pray to the Lord. 

PRIEST: Gracious God, you bless your people with peace and justice: accept our prayers and give us your help, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

1 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the solemnity of Mary mother of God - prison ministry

Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace.


Christ Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary.


Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and the splendor of the Father. 

PRIEST: God graciously blesses all of humanity. We now bring forward our needs to God with confidence and faith as we commemorate this first day of 2026:
 

1. That those who follow Christ may remain faithful throughout this New Year. We pray to the Lord.

2. That all who worship God in churches, synagogues, and mosques may grow in respect and tolerance for each other. For greater understanding amongst all religions. We pray to the Lord.
3. That peace may soon come in all the warn-torn corners of our world and in those communities torn apart by anger, violence, and disagreements. We pray to the Lord.

4. That we may continue to work for peace with justice in our words and our actions throughout the new year. We pray to the Lord.

5. That Mary the Mother of God may be an example to all of us of patience, compassion, and love. We pray to the Lord.

6. That this new year may bring fresh enthusiasm and strong growth to our community of faith and to all parishes throughout the Diocese of Jackson and in our Catholic community here at CMCF. We pray to the Lord.

7. That perpetual light may shine on all who have died, especially our loved ones and family members and those who have passed away in the year of 2025. We pray for the repose of their souls and for the souls in purgatory. We pray to the Lord.


8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts this morning. For all our prayers, spoken and unspoken. We pray to the Lord. 

PRIEST: Gracious God, you bless your people with peace and justice: accept our prayers and give us your help, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

1 January 2026 - homily for the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God - Luke 2:16-21

Today, as we celebrate the first day of 2026 and Mary Mother of God, we also celebrate the world day of peace with Pope Leo XIV. This annual new year’s message of peace dates back to Pope Paul VI in the year 1967. Pope Leo’s message this year for the world day of peace is “Peace be with all of you: towards an unarmed and disarming peace.” The Dicastery for Promoting Human Development in the Vatican explained that this theme invites all humanity to reject the logic of violence and war, and to embrace an authentic peace based on love and justice.”  Pope Leo XIV has used the phrase “unarmed and disarming” to describe the type of peace he hopes for the world. The Dicastery goes on to say: “This peace must be unarmed, that is, not based on fear, threats, or weapons. And it must be disarming, capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts, and generating mutual trust, empathy, and hope.” For the first time that Leo XIV is celebrating this world day of peace as pope, it is very helpful to hear his vision and to hear what he means by the words he uses. 

We celebrate the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God each year on January 1 to mark the beginning of the new year. Pope Paul VI instituted this Solemnity in 1970 when he wrote the following in his encyclical on devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary: “This celebration, assigned to January 1 in conformity with the ancient liturgy of the city of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the ‘holy Mother … through whom we were found worthy … to receive the Author of life.”

Today’s celebration emphasizes the relationship of Jesus to Mary, by ascribing to Mary the title Mother of God. Today’s celebration is an example of how we should venerate and honor Mary under all of her titles. Today’s celebration is also a good foundation for our understanding of Mary’s place in Christology, in the theology of understanding who Christ is. The Church puts the commemoration of this solemnity on the first day of the New Year to emphasize the importance of Mary’s role in the life of Christ, in the life of the Church, and in the history of salvation. 

At Jesus' birth, the shepherds visited him in the manger and told Mary and Joseph of the message proclaimed to them by the angels. Mary takes in what she hears and experiences and ponders these things in her heart. Mary, the first disciple, is not only Jesus’ mother, our mother, and the mother of the Church, but she is a great example of faith for us to follow. It is important for us to take in our experiences in our journey of faith into our hearts and to ponder them and reflect upon them. 

As we honor Mary today in a special way, let us all pray together a Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

28 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the feast of the Holy Family - prison ministry

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

Christ Jesus - you bring salvation to the world. 

Lord Jesus - you show us the way to the Father. 

Priest: As the family of the Catholic community of St Michael the Archangel here at CMCF, we join our Catholic family of faith throughout the world in our celebration of the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Jospeh, presenting our prayers to the God for the needs of all: 

1. We pray that our governmental leaders and Church leaders will help support our families in the decisions they make. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That in our Church and in our local Catholic communities, we be supportive of one another and welcoming to all. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That in our families, parents and their children may live together in mutual respect and love, forgiving each other’s weaknesses and supporting the growth of each other’s gifts. We pray to the Lord. 

4. We pray for those who are separated from their families, especially all the men and women who are incarcerated and all missionaries and members of the military who are serving away from their families. May we remember to include them in our prayers and in our love. We pray to the Lord. 

5. We earnestly pray for all those who are sick and afflicted. That the love of God bring healing and wholeness into their lives. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For our loved ones and family members who have died and who have entered eternal life. May they rest in peace. We pray to the Lord. 

7. 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: Loving God, you provided a loving family for your son. Help us to trust in you as we grow in love and mercy for all of our families. We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

30 December 2025 - homily for the 6th day in the Octave of Christmas - Tuesday - Luke 2:36-40

Today, in Luke’s Gospel, we hear of a widow named Anna who never left the Temple area. She worshipped God through fasting and prayer day and night.  Anna did this due to a calling she felt from God, since she would not have been able to persevere in such deep devotion without her faith.  While many were not able to recognize Jesus as the Son of God in the midst of his public ministry, Anna and Simeon instantly recognized Jesus as the child who would bring redemption to the people of Israel as foretold by the prophets. We're told that Anna was a prophetess herself: her act of love and prophecy call out to us today.

Where is God calling us to live out our faith?  Where are we called to go beyond the bare minimum? Just as Anna saw Jesus' true identity in the child Jesus who was brought to the Temple by his family in accordance to Jewish law for the Jewish purification ritual, where do we see Jesus in our world today? Where is Jesus present among us?

30 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the 6th day of the octave of Christmas

Lord Jesus - you call us to faith. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to hope. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to love. 

Priest: As we unite our prayers with the martyrs of our faith and with the community of saints, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father:  

1. That we as Christ’s disciples may recognize and honor the dignity which we have been given in being called children of God. 

2. For the grace to grow in wisdom. We pray that the Spirit give us insight into God’s presences in our experiences and help us to learn from them. 

3. That our Church leaders and governmental leaders proclaim justice and peace throughout the land.  

4. That family members may support one another and help each other grow in wisdom, age, and grace, and walk closer with God each day. 

5. That may God continue to accompany our children, youth, and college students through their Christmas break.  

6. For the sick and the afflicted. Tor those who need healing in mind, body, and spirit. 

7. For the prayers we hold in our hearts. 

We make our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

Prayers of the faithful for the 7th day of the octave of Christmas - 31 December 2025

Lord Jesus - you are the word of God made flesh. 

Christ Jesus - you are the prince of peace. 

Lord Jesus - you are the son of Mary. 

Priest; As we celebrate the joyful Christmas season and the end of the year of 2025, we bring our prayers to our heavenly Father:

1. That our Church leaders may we work together for peace and healing in our communities and an end to violence and anger. 

2. That the leaders of the nations, may they work together in unity to make the world a safer place. 

3. For all who are traveling for the holiday season. For safe travels.  For joyful new year celebrations for our families today and tomorrow.  

4. For those who are struggling to find food, clothing, shelter, and employment, that their basic needs may be fulfilled.  

5. For the sick and the afflicted. For all who need healing in their lives body, mind and spirit.  

6. For our first responders, the men and women in the military, veterans, and our medical professionals. 

7. For a good Christmas break for our children youth, and college students. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts.  

Priest: We present our present in joy and hope through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

31 December 2025 - 7th day of the Octave of Christmas - Wednesday - John 1:1-18

Today, we mark the last day of the year of 2025. We hear the poetic beginning of John’s Gospel today, the same Gospel that we heard on Christmas morning. We can compare what we hear in the beginning of John to some of the other Gospels. While Matthew begins with Jesus' genealogy and Luke starts with the story of the Elizabeth and Zechariah as parents of the man who would prepare the way for Jesus, the Gospel of John starts with the theological images of the Word of God, of a light shining in the darkness, of the Word of God being made flesh. John’s Gospel very eloquently expresses the truth about God and about the coming of Jesus into our world.

In our modern, practical view of things, we may wonder why John the Evangelist would begin his Gospel with a poetic description of the Word of God. The expression “Word of God” was commonly used among the Jews in ancient Israel. In the Hebrew Scriptures, God's word was active, creative, and dynamic. John describes Jesus as God's creative, life-giving, and light-giving word that has come to earth in human flesh. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God that created the world and that sustains it. Jesus assumed human nature in order to accomplish God's plan of salvation. He is the Son of God who does not cease to be God, but becomes a human being and our brother. 

If we are going to behold the glory of God, we will do it through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the word of God, the Logos that was with God in the beginning, the word that is God's total utterance. All that has been created, both the visible and the invisible, receives its being through him. As we mark the end of 2025, may we open our hearts to receive the word of God and to receive God’s light. 

prayer for lighting of the Advent wreath on the fourth Sunday of Advent - 21 December 2025

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light all four candles on the Advent wreath:

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal word took flesh on earth when the Blessed Virgin Mary with great joy placed her life at the service of your plan. As we light the four candles on our Advent wreath on this last Sunday of Advent, we lift up our minds and our hearts in hope to hear the voice announce God's glory. May we open our minds to receive the Holy Spirit in preparation for the coming of Christ into our world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

28 December 2025 - feast of the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - prayers of the faithful

Introduction: On the Sunday after Christmas Day, as we continue our celebration of the Christmas season, we honor the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Through hardships and adversity, the holy family placed their trust in God and grew ever stronger in their bond with each other. May we too place our trust in the Lord as we face the trials and challenges of life. As we continue our celebration of Christmas, may our families be consecrated in the love of the Holy Family. 

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

Christ Jesus - you bring salvation to the world. 

Lord Jesus - you show us the way to the Father. 

Priest: As a parish family, we join our family of faith throughout the world in our celebration of the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Jospeh, presenting our prayers to the God for the needs of all: 

1. That our governmental leaders and Church leaders help and support our families in the decisions they make. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That in our Church and in our parish communities, we be supportive of one another and welcoming to all. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That in our families, parents and their children may live together in mutual respect and love, forgiving each other’s weaknesses and supporting the growth of each other’s gifts. We pray to the Lord. 

4. We pray for those who are separated from their families. May we remember to include them in our lives and in our love. We pray to the Lord. 

5. We earnestly pray for all those who are sick and afflicted. That the love of God bring healing and wholeness into their lives. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For our loved ones and family members who have entered eternal life. May they rest in peace. We pray to the Lord. 

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

Priest: Loving God, you provided a loving family for your son. Help us to trust in you as we grow in love and mercy for all of our families. We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

28 December 2025 - bulletin reflection - Feast of the Holy Family

While the world finishes up its celebration of the birth of our savior on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then moves onto other things, we in our Catholic faith celebrate the joyful Christmas season. For the next three weekends, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, Mary the Mother of God, the feast of the Epiphany, and then close out the Christmas season with the Baptism of the Lord. These great celebrations during this holy season help us to reflect upon the birth of our savior in different ways. We then will enter ordinary time before we being the season of Lent in February. Blessings to all of you during these days of the Christmas season - Father Lincoln.

28 December 2025 - homily for the feast of the Holy Family cycle A - Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The Sunday after our celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas, we celebrate Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the feast of the Holy Family as we continue our journey through the Christmas season. 

Pope Pius XII spoke about the ideal of family life to which all families should strive: “The life of a family united in intimate love is so beautiful! You can see each member eager and prompt in fulfilling his duties,… in practicing justice, honesty, kindness, patience in bearing adversaries and in forgiving wrongs, of strength in the hour of trial and under the weight of toil. You can see the parents educating their children with love and in the practice of all virtues. In a family such as this God is honored and faithfully served and everyone is treated with goodness. Can there be anything more noble and more edifying.” This is the ideal example for all Christian families. We know in our human weaknesses, we often do not attain this ideal vision of family. 

The family is the basic unit of society instituted by God and ratified by our Lord Jesus Christ.  We Catholics should see the family as a Christian institution, blessed by our Lord at the wedding feast of Cana and united in holiness in the sacrament of matrimony. Through the family, the parents and children and extended family members journey together as disciples of Christ. 

In our Gospel today, Joseph protects his family in the face of danger and violence.  Just as the angel announced Jesus’ upcoming birth to Joseph in a dream, so the angel communicates in dream Herod’s plans to harm Jesus. Joseph follows the angel’s command, taking Jesus and Mary to Egypt. They return only after receiving word in another dream that it was safe to do so.  

Today’s Gospel comes from Matthew. We will be hearing from Matthew throughout the cycle A of Sunday readings throughout this liturgical year. Matthew’s Gospel presents Jesus as the messiah as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. We can see parallels the Holy Family's flight to Egypt to the story of Moses leaving Egypt for the promised land in the Book of Exodus.

Next weekend at Mass, we will hear the story of the three Magi who traveled a long difficult distance from the East to find the baby Jesus and to honor him as the newborn king of kings. While the story of the Magi is filled with wonder and joy, it is in contrast to the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, showing that not everyone received Christ’s birth with joy and obedience. Herod’s jealousy and nefarious goal is very different from the way Joseph obeyed the angel and did everything he could to protect his family. The Holy Family's flight into Egypt and the massacre that Jesus is saved from remind us of the struggles and sacrifices that are required from humanity as we journey as disciples in faith. 

I had mentioned that we are called to live out the values of our faith as families, but often we can miss the mark. The end of today’s Gospel tells us that the child Jesus grew up and became strong in wisdom and received God’s favor. Our families are to help us grow in holiness, but no family is perfect. In our human weaknesses and imperfections, we can still grow in holiness and wisdom in our families, but we have to work at it and make the effort. Our journey of faith as individuals and as families is about how we grow in holiness and in love. May we give thanks for our parents and for our families today. In our families, may we help each other grow in holiness and obedience, in forgiveness and mercy, in virtues and love. May the Holy Family be an example for us on our journey. 

Prayers of the faithful - 26 December 2025 - Feast of St Stephen - Octave of Christmas - Friday

Lord Jesus - You are the glory of Israel - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - You are the long awaited Messiah - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - You are the Prince of Peace - Lord have mercy. 

PRIEST: As we commemorate St Stephen and the martyrs of the faith today at Mass during the octave of Christmas, we bring our prayers to our God of love and mercy: 

1. For the members of our Christian family, that they may have joy and peace throughout the Christmas season. 

2. For our governmental leaders, that they lead the people with peace and justice. 

3. For those who suffer for their faith or are persecuted for their faith. May the Lord give them strength and courage in their struggles.  

4. For those who live with illness and frailty. For their caregivers and family members. For healing and wholeness. 

5. For the homeless, the poor, and the hungry. May they receive the help they need. 

6.  For our family members and loved ones who have died. For the faithful departed who entered eternal life in 2025. For the souls in purgatory.  

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

PRIEST: O God, your care for us is constant. We ask that you hear the prayers that we make in faith and trust through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever and ever.  AMEN.  

26 December 2025 - homily for the feast of St Stephen Martyr - Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

The day after the celebration of the birth of our savior, we commemorate and honor the first martyr of the early Church, St Stephen. Even though Stephen’s martyrdom is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, we don’t know a lot about him other than what is recorded in that account in Acts.  Stephen was a very important martyr in the early Church. Scripture scholars believe that he was probably a Jew who had lived outside of Israel and who was greatly influenced by Greek culture. We do not know the circumstances of how Stephen converted to the Way of Jesus or how he became a leader in the early Church, but Acts of the Apostles describes how he worked great wonders and signs amongst the people. Stephen died by being stoned by an angry mob. Scripture, however, is not entirely clear as to whether the mob was acting outside the auspices of Jewish law or was following the results of a trial by the Sanhedrin. As we hear those in our modern world who are being persecuted for their faith, both in our own country and in other parts of the world, as we see our own religious liberties here in the United States curtailed and limited in different ways, perhaps the story of Stephen has even more resonance and meaning.

25 December 2025 - homily for Christmas Day Mass - John 1:1-18

We want to welcome all of you to Christmas Day Mass this morning. We usually have some visitors and extended family members and out of town guests here with us for the holiday Masses. We want to extended a warm welcome to all of you at Holy Savior. 

Yesterday, at the Christmas Eve Mass, we heard the traditional story of Christ’s birth from Luke’s Gospel, of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, of being turned away from the inn, of the angels proclaiming the good news of his birth, of the shepherds visiting the Christ child the stable. However, it is good to hear the Christmas story in a different way, which is why we hear from the first chapter of John’s Gospel on Christmas morning. Instead of hearing about Jesus born in the manger, we hear of Jesus as the eternal word of God, of the word of God becoming flesh and making its dwelling amongst us, of beholding his glory as the only begotten son of the Father, revealing God’s grace and truth. 

Our celebration of Christmas is about Christ’s incarnation, of God coming to earth and taking on human bodily form, of the Word of God becoming flesh and dwelling amongst us, in the words of John’s Gospel. It is this theological miracle we honor when we recognize Christ’s birth in our celebration of the Christmas season. The weeks of Advent were a time of waiting, anticipation, and preparation for the joyful celebration to come. But Advent was more than waiting for the birth of baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. It is about the end days that will come in the culmination and fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation.  

We hear of Jesus today as the word of God that existed in the beginning. If we go back to Genesis, the first book of the Bible, God initiates the work of creation by speaking things into existence through his word, by stating: “Let there be light.” Now, at Christmas, that word takes flesh through Christ’s birth. In our secular world, we have Christmas trees and Christmas lights everywhere, sometimes as early as the beginning of November, right after Halloween. But in the Catholic Church, the tree and the lights do not come out until Christmas Eve, when Christ the Light enters the world through his birth. 

From Jesus’ birth in humble manger in a stable in an insignificant town outside of the places of power and wealth, the world saw that Jesus would be a servant and a friend of the poor and the marginalized. Not only did he assume human flesh, but he entered in humility and poverty. Yet, in humility and servanthood, he would be a light shining brightly in the world. 

In 1992, I was serving as a missionary at a soup kitchen and food bank in Winnipeg, Canada. The Mennonite congregation in Winnipeg that helped sponsor my work asked me to speak at the Christmas Eve service at their church on the topic of how I experienced Christ the light in my life. Even in the midst of working with homeless people struggling to survive in a frigid Canadian winter, I very much felt the presence of Christ the light accompanying us in our ministry at the soup kitchen and food bank. Our journey of faith should always be about relationships: our relationship with God and our relationships with our brothers and sisters and the community. In those relationships, in no matter what else is going on in our lives, the light of Christ can burn brightly. I certainly felt that at the food bank and the soup kitchen. 

I wish all of you and your families joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of our savior.  

Litany of St Joseph

We will be praying the litany of St Joseph at the mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Cycle A, which the Gospel reading is the dream of St Joseph from Matthew's Gospel: 

Litany of St Joseph 

Lord have mercy…. Lord have mercy.


Christ have mercy … Christ have mercy.


Lord have mercy … Lord have mercy.

St. Joseph … pray for us.


Husband of Mary … pray for us.


Foster father of our Lord … pray for us.


Protector of the Church … pray for us.


Defender of families … pray for us.


Example for all fathers … pray for us.


Guardian of expectant mothers … pray for us.


Patron of travelers … pray for us.


Servant of Christ … pray for us.

Minister of salvation… pray for us. 

Joseph, you trusted in God … pray for us.


You listened to the angel … pray for us.


You showed great patience … pray for us.


You cherished the Virgin Mary … pray for us.


You provided for your family … pray for us.


You bravely kept them safe … pray for us.

Most chaste spouse .. pray for us.


Patron to the poor … pray for us.


Hope in times of difficulty … pray for us.


Saint of happy meetings … pray for us.


Comfort to the dying … pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

God made St Joseph master of his household. And put him in charge of all that he owned.

Let us pray: O God, who in your inexpressible providence were pleased to choose Saint Joseph as spouse of your most holy Mother, grant, we pray, that we, who revere him as our protector on earth, may be worthy of his heavenly intercession. Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Quote - Marcel Prout - seeing with new eyes

 “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” (Marcel Proust, 1871-1922, French novelist and literary critic) 

May the Lord help us have a new vision during this Advent season of preparation, helping us put our focus on our faith and to what is important.

Prayer for the lighting of three candles on our Advent wreath - 3rd Sunday of Advent

Lord God, on this Third Sunday of Advent, the witness of John the Baptist leads us to Christ and helps us prepare a path for the coming of our Lord. With joy, we light three candles on our wreath today as we get ever closer to Christmas Day.

May we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ on Christmas, experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

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 extend 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 scenes 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. It 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 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 - he matters. We want our children and youth to realize that they matter. That the Mass always tries to speak to you as children and youth. Our parish is here for everyone - our adults, our seniors, our college students, our youth, and our children. Our Masses 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. Advent hope helps us look 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. Advent 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.