14 January 2026 - homily for Wednesday of the 1st week of Ordinary time - St Felix of Nola - 1 Samuel 3:1-10,19-20

Felix of Nola, who died around the year 260 AD, is the saint we celebrate today. He was a priest in Nola, Italy near the city of Naples. He sold off his possessions to give his resources to the poor, but was arrested and tortured for his Christian faith during the persecutions of the Roman emperor. He became well known through the writings of St Paulinus of Nola. We often do not know a lot about the martyrs of the early Church, but in a time when many Christians suffered persecution, their example of faith of how they gave up their lives for Christ spoke very profoundly to the Christians of that era. 

These past few days, we’ve been hearing the story of Samuel, of how his mother Hannah came to the Lord in her shame and in her agony of being barren, of his mother's promise of her son to serve the Lord for his entire life if God would give her the gift of a son. We now see Samuel as a boy in his service to the Lord as an apprentice to the priest Eli.  God calls out to Samuel twice in the silence of the night, but both Eli and Samuel are not able to recognize the presence of the Lord with them. On the third call, Samuel is able to answer to the Lord’s call, telling the Lord that he is his servant and that he is indeed listening. The Lord consecrates Samuel as his specially chosen prophet who is able to transmit the Lord’s word to the people. 

We receive God’s call in in different ways.  Sometimes we want to hear the word of the Lord in the same way Samuel heard it, calling out to us in the silence of the night. More often, we hear God’s word in the silence of our hearts. Yet, we can easily mistake God’s call for something else.  Through the people in our lives and through our experiences, God is calling us to his love and to his service. He is calling us to come close to him. 

14 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the 1st week in ordinary time

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the father. 

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

Lord Jesus - you call us to faith.

Priest: As we journey through this first week in ordinary time, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father:

1. That we in the Church recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit working within us. May we use those gifts to serve God and serve others. 

2. That all Christians may work together as the Body of Christ here on earth. 

3. That we may have a greater sense of gratitude on our journey of faith, recognizing God’s abundant mercy toward us. 

4. For a deepening of our relationship with God through prayer and our participation at Mass. 

5. That the nations of the world cooperate for better stewardship of the resources God has provided us. 

6. For all engaged couples and newly married couples. That they invite Jesus to be a part of their relationship. 

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

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

13 January 2026 - homily for Tuesday of the 1st week in Ordinary time - St Hilary - 1 Samuel 1:9-20

We are now back to ordinary time after our journey through the Christmas season. We will start the season of Lent on February 18. Today, we celebrate the feast day of an important early Church Father and the Bishop of Poitiers in France in the 4th century, St Hilary. He was named as Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1851. A convert to Christianity as an adult, he was known to be very gracious and courteous. Hilary’s writings on the Trinity and on Christ’s divinity were important in the development of those doctrines in the Early Church. His voice was also very important in combating the Arian heresy that denied Christ’s divinity. At one point, Hilary was sent into exile for his beliefs. Here is a quote from St Hilary: “The chief service I owe you, O God, is that every thought and word of mine should speak of you.”

In yesterday’s 1st reading from 1 Samuel in the daily Mass, we heard of Hannah’s pain and shame of being barren, feeling abandoned by the Lord.  Hannah brings her sufferings to God at his sanctuary at Shiloh. She promises that if God gives her the gift of a son, she would dedicate that child to service to the Lord for his life, in contrast to the promises made by the males of the tribe of Levi, who serve the Lord from age 25 to age 50.  Her son would dedicate his service in the Lord’s sanctuary at Shiloh.  Hannah receives a blessing of peace from Eli, who prays that the God of Israel grant Hannah what she had asked of him in her prayers. Hannah is certainly a great example of faith and trust for us. 

13 January 2025 - prayers of the faithful for Tuesday of the 1st week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - You call us to be missionary in spirit. 

Christ Jesus - You bring us hope. 

Lord Jesus - You bring us the message of your Good News. 

Priest: With hope and faith, we now bring our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. For Pope Leo XIV and all our Church leaders. May God help them lead the Church to greater service, love, and compassion. 

2. That all Christians may cooperate and collaborate together to proclaim the Gospel and to work for peace and justice.  

3. For peace in those places torn apart by war, especially in Ukraine and in the Holy Land. 

4. For our elected officials, that the Holy Spirit will guide them in addressing issues of violence, injustice, and poverty, and to work more diligently for those who are forgotten by society. 

5. For healing and forgiveness in our families and in our communities. 

6. For healing and wholeness for the sick and the afflicted. 

7. For the faithful departed, for their entry into eternal life. 

8. For those who have been affected by winter weather and natural disasters. For recovery. 

9. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our heart:

Priest: We humbly present these prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

3 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the first Saturday devotion of Our Lady of Fatima

Lord Jesus, you the Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ, have mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you are Word of God made flesh: Lord, have mercy.

Prayers of the faithful:  

PRIEST:  God graciously blesses us in his love and mercy.  We now bring forward our needs to God with confidence:

1. That those who follow Christ may remain faithful throughout the challenging and difficult circumstances of life.

2. That God may grant wisdom to our governmental leaders in the decisions they have to make.

3. For peace in our communities that are torn apart by violence, terrorism, anger, or conflict.

4. That we may all be peacemakers who work for reconciliation, peace, and justice in our relationships.  

5. That our Mother Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, may be an example to all of us in her patience, compassion, and love. May Mary bless us in the new year of 2026. 

6. For all who have been affected by bad weather and natural disasters.  We pray for safety for all travelers. 

7. For the sick and the afflicted. For our dearly departed family members and loved ones, that perpetual light may shine on them.

8. For those prayers we hold in our hearts.  

PRIEST: Gracious God, you bless your people with peace and justice. As we commemorate our Mother Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, we ask that you accept our prayers and give us your help, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.  

3 January 2026 - First Saturday Mass in honor of Lady of Fatima - homily for Saturday Christmas weekday Mass - feast of the most holy name of Jesus - psalm 98

Today, we start our commemoration of the first Saturday devotion of Our Lady of Fatima, which was conveyed to Lucia, one of the Fatima visionaries, on December 10, 1925 when she was a postulant sister at the Dorothean convent in Tuy, Spain, when the Blessed Mother appeared with the child Jesus. This message states that Lucia is to make known that Mary will assist us at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all who on the First Saturday of five consecutive months confess their sins, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep the Blessed Mother company for fifteen minutes meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the purpose of making reparation to her Immaculate Heart.

Jesus stated in an appearance to Lucia in May 29,1930 that five Saturdays were chosen because there are five kinds of offenses and blasphemies that are made against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, namely: (1) blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception, (2) against her perpetual virginity, (3) against the divine and spiritual maternity of Mary, (4) the rejection and dishonoring of her images, and (5) the neglect of implanting in the hearts of children a knowledge and love of the Immaculate Mother. We are very glad to be able to honor the five first Saturday devotion again this year. 

Our psalm states: “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” The power of God is reflected in the holy name of Jesus, the feast that we celebrate today, January 3. Reverence for the Holy Name of Jesus arose in the apostolic era. St Paul in his Letter to the Philippians wrote, “So that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: Jesus Christ is Lord” (2:10-11). Just as a name gives identity to a person and reflects a person’s life, Jesus’ name reminds us of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done for us. This feast day in January for the Holy Name of Jesus dates back to the 15th century. In invoking Jesus’ name with reverence and faith, we are to turn to him with our hearts to implore his assistance: to invoke his help in spiritual trials, to help us resist temptation, and to receive God's grace and blessings in the midst of our journey of faith. 

11 January 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the feast of the baptism of the Lord - prison ministry

Priest - Penitential Rite:

Lord Jesus - you raise us to new life in the Holy Spirit.

Christ Jesus - you bring pardon and peace to the sinner. 

Lord Jesus - you are a light to those in darkness.

Prayers of the faithful:

PRIEST: Let us bring our prayers to God today, as he is full of majesty, power, and splendor, as we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord:

1. That through the waters of baptism and God’s holy word, Christ’s light may shine in the darkness of our lives. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That God’s love may enter our human animosity and complacency, bringing reconciliation to those who are divided and broken. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That God will encourage all peacemakers working in the world. May all of us work toward peace here at CMCF. We pray to the Lord. 

4. That those who are suffering in fear, anxiety, depression, and mental health issues may feel God’s healing love in their lives. We pray to the Lord. 

5. As Christ’s baptism is a sign of unity and salvation in the world, may the celebration of his baptism today inspire us to work toward Christian unity. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For healing for the sick and the afflicted, encouragement for the discouraged, and eternal life for the dying. We pray to the Lord. 

7. That the remembrance of our own baptismal promises inspire us to serve God and God’s people in different ways. 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: O God, you rule the earth with justice. Help us all according to our needs. We make these prayers through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever and ever. AMEN.

11 January 2026 - homily for the feast of the baptism of the Lord - Matthew 3:13-17

Every year, at the end of the Christmas season, we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. John is baptizing the people in the River Jordan, calling them to repent for their sins and proclaiming the good news that the kingdom is near at hand. Behold, Jesus appears to him seemingly out of nowhere, asking to be baptized himself. 

Already by the year 300 AD, the Eastern Church celebrated the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord on January 6. In the Western Church, this feast was mentioned in the Liturgy of the Hours. With the reforms of the Second Vatican Council that took place in 1969, the date for this Feast was set on the Sunday after the Epiphany. The Christmas Season concludes with the celebration of this feast. 

It is interesting for us to note that neither John the Baptist nor Jesus invented baptism. The Jews had practiced a type of baptism for centuries among the Jews as a ritual equivalent to our Confession. Until the fall of the Temple in 70 AD, it was common for Jewish people to use a special pool called a Mikveh as a means of spiritual cleansing, to remove spiritual impurity and sin. Jews commonly took this bath weekly on the eve of the Sabbath. Converts were also expected to take this bath before their entrance to Judaism. Many Orthodox Jews still retain the rite. John the Baptist preached that such a bath was a necessary preparation for the new era that would be inaugurated by the coming Messiah. Jesus transformed this ritual into the one single, definitive act by which we begin our life of Faith in him. 

We know that Jesus in his divine nature does not need to be baptized as the son of God, as we ourselves are baptized in his name and the name of the entire Trinity as we enter the Church and the Catholic faith. Jesus undergoes this baptism in the Jordan River as he begins his public ministry in Ancient Israel. At this point he has not started his teaching or healing ministry, he has not yet fed the hungry crowds, he has not yet publicly started his proclamation of God’s kingdom. In his baptism, God declares Jesus to be his beloved son as the Holy Spirit descends upon him like a dove. God is pleased with Jesus presence. 

Baptism is our initiation into the Christian community, into the Body of Christ. In the waters of baptism, we died to our old selves and we are cleansed from our sins and raised to new life. Through the anointing of the oil of chrism that is a part of our baptismal rite, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and we are permanently claimed as Christ’s disciple. We are claimed for Christ not because we have done something or earned something. We are claimed for Christ because we are open to the faith and open to being Christ’s disciple. 

The feast of the baptism of the Lord today reminds us of our identify and our mission. It reminds us of who we are and Whose we are. Through our baptism, we become the adoptive sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of our Lord Jesus Christ, members of his Church, heirs of Heaven and temples of the Holy Spirit. We become incorporated into the Body of Christ and made sharers in his priesthood of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to our life in the Holy Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments of the Church. (1213). Think of how many Catholics dip the fingers of their right hand into the holy water font and bless ourselves when they enter church for mass. This blessing with holy water from the font reminds us of our own baptism. When we bless ourselves with holy water, we should think of the fact that we are children of God; that we have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ; that we are members of God’s family; and that we have been washed, forgiven, cleansed and purified by the blood of the Lamb. It is our mission to continue Christ’s mission on earth by virtue of our own baptism. Blessings to all of you as our Christmas season comes to a close and we once again continue our journey of faith in ordinary time. 

11 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the feast of the baptism of the Lord

Introduction: This feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the last day of the Christmas season. At his baptism, Jesus sees how much he is loved by God the Father and how he is given the power to go out and spread the Gospel. We share in the responsibility to spread his message through our own baptism.

Priest - Penitential Rite:

Lord Jesus - you raise us to new life in the Spirit.

Christ Jesus - you bring pardon and peace to the sinner. 

Lord Jesus - you are a light to those in darkness.

Prayers of the faithful:

PRIEST: Let us bring our prayers to God, who is full of majesty, power, and splendor as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord today:

1. That through the waters of baptism and God’s holy word, Christ’s light may shine in the darkness of our lives. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That God’s love may enter our human animosity and complacency, bringing reconciliation to those who are divided and broken. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That God will encourage all peacemakers working in the world. We pray to the Lord. 

4. That those who are suffering in fear, anxiety, depression, and mental health issues may feel God’s healing love in their lives. We pray to the Lord. 

5. Just as Christ’s baptism is a sign of unity and salvation in the world, may the celebration of Christ’s baptism today inspire us to work toward Christian unity. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For healing for the sick and the afflicted, encouragement for the discouraged, and eternal life for the dying. We pray to the Lord. 

7. That the remembrance of our own baptismal promise inspire us to serve in different ways in our world. 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: O God, you rule the earth with justice. Help us all according to our needs. We make these prayers through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever and ever. AMEN.

11 January 2026 - The baptism of the Lord - bulletin reflection

As our Christmas season comes to a close today, we give thanks to everyone who had a hand in making our Christmas celebration so special. We had such beautiful music and such a beautiful church environment. We had beautiful liturgies with many people serving in different ways. We have a parish staff who always works so hard. We are thankful for the hard work of so many people. Our Christmas season now comes to an end and we embark on the days of Ordinary Time until we start the holy season of Lent on February 18. Blessings to all of you as we continue on our journey as disciples of Christ. Father Lincoln.  

8 January 2026 - homily for the Thursday after epiphany - 1 John 4:19 - 5:4 - Luke 4:14-22

All this week at Mass, we have been hearing readings from the first letter of John in our first readings. One of the main topics of this letter is love, which we’ve been hearing about all this week. Today, we are told that we cannot say that we love God if we do not love our brothers and sisters.  The letter does not say that we should love our brothers and sisters only when it is convenient or easy or in our own best interest, just that we are to love our brothers and sisters. It also says that this love is not meant to be burdensome. Easier said that done. Sometimes we need to grow into this love and forgiveness, to pray for it and to reflect upon it and to ask God’s grace to help us when it is difficult to do so. We also hear from the Gospel of Luke today, as Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him.  Perhaps this is the key to loving as God loves us, to rely on God’s Holy Spirit to help us to love and to help us to grow in this love. Like Jesus, we are to bring his Good News to all, to especially bring glad tidings to the poor and the oppressed. The Holy Spirit will lead us in doing this. It is something we cannot do on our own. 

8 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday after epiphany

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the nations. 

Christ Jesus - you are the prince of peace.  

Lord Jesus - you are our hope and our joy.  

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL 

PRIEST: The light of Christ is revealed to all the nations of the world during the season of Christmas. Let us turn to God our Father in our prayers, confident that he will listen to us: 

1. For the Church. That all who follow Jesus will continue to lead others to his light. 

2.For peace on earth. That the peace which Christ brings will become a reality for all nations. 

3. For all who have died or are suffering as a result of violence, warfare or natural disasters. We pray for an end to such violence and conflict.  

4. For all who are seeking meaning and purpose in life that, at the end of their searching, they will come to recognize Christ as the source of wisdom and light in the world.

5. For the men and women in the military. For our veterans. For our first responders. And for our medical professions. 

6. For all who are sick or afflicted. May the light of Christ lead them out of darkness and into healing and wholeness. 

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

PRIEST: Father of light, you revealed to people of faith your Word made flesh. Your light is strong, your love is sure. Draw us beyond the limits of this world into your eternal life. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

9 January 2026 - Friday after Epiphany - St Adrian of Canterbury - 1 John 5:5-13

In the 7th century, the Pope asked Adrian, an abbot of a monastery in Naples, Italy, to serve as Archbishop in Canterbury, England. Adrian turned down the request. However, in return, he agreed to serve the Pope as his assistant and advisor, ending up spending most of his life in Canterbury as a teacher and abbott. Adrian was originally from northern Africa. In the monastery in Canterbury, under his leadership, the facility became an important center of learning and attracted many scholars. He died there in the year 710. Several hundred years later, when reconstruction was being done on the monastery, Adrian of Canterbury’s body was discovered in an incorrupt state. His tomb became a popular place of pilgrimage and many miracles were reported there. 

Today, from the first letter of John, we hear about three ways that God gives testimony to us about Jesus.  First, there is the Holy Spirit who comes into the hearts of believers, after the time Jesus left the earth; the Holy Spirit testifies about who Jesus is and about what Jesus taught. Second is water, which points us to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. His baptism is a visible sign and testimony of God’s endorsement of the work of Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world. The third testimony is blood, signifying the death of Jesus on the cross that brings us salvation. These three things constitute God’s testimony about who Jesus is for us. While we celebrate Jesus’ birth in the Christmas season, we still remember the fullness of who Jesus is and what he brings to us. 

7 January 2026 - St Raymond of Peñafort - homily for Wednesday after Epiphany - 1 John 4:11-18

Raymond of Peñafort was born in Catalonia in Spain in 1175 into a noble Spanish family with ties to the royal house of Aragon. Catalonia is the region of eastern Spain that includes the city of Barcelona. He was educated as a philosopher, a canon lawyer, and civil lawyer. He was instrumental in the founding of the Mercedarians, a Catholic mendicant order established in Barcelona in 1218 that was dedicated to charitable works. Raymond entered the Dominican order at the age of 47. He was summoned to Rome to work for Pope Gregory IX to work on a compilation of the decrees of canon law, which was an important resource in the Church for many centuries until the revision of canon law in 1917. He served as Bishop of Tarragona in the region of Aragon in Spain and as the head of the Dominican order. He died at the age of 100.  

In the Gospel, Jesus is walking on the water, approaching the disciples as they are being tossed about by the rough seas. Rather than being comforted, the disciples are seized with anxiety and fear, thinking they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”  This is echoed in what we hear in the first letter of John: That God is love, and whoever remains in love remain in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. We are told that there is no fear in love, because perfect love drives out fear.  Yet, the world we live in can be very frightening. We can be fearful just thinking about the future. We can be fearful of the challenges and obstacles we have in trying to practice our faith in our modern world. But Jesus tells us to not be afraid. Even with the joyful spirit of our Christmas season, our lives during this time of the year may also be filled with stress, conflict, and unmet expectations. We are to bring the reality of our lives to God, to let our faith interact with our problems, our struggles, and the reality of life. If we place our hope and trust in God, then truly we have nothing to fear. 

7 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the Wednesday after epiphany

Lord Jesus - you are a light that shines in our world.

Christ Jesus - you are the prince of peace.

Lord Jesus - you are our redeemer and savior. 

Priest: As we are called to trust in the light that illuminates our path toward the Father, we bring God our prayers today:

1. For Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Kopeck, and all our Church leaders, that they may lead us in carrying the light of faith to all in darkness.

2. For the leaders of nations and all our governmental officials, that they respect religious freedom and protect those who are being persecuted for their faith.

3. For the faithful departed. For our deceased loved ones and family members. For their entry into eternal life. 

4. For those who struggle with addictions, mental health issues, anxiety, and depression. That they find a home in our faith.

5. For our children, youth, and teachers. That the Lord continue to lead them on their journey of faith. 

6. For the sick and the afflicted. For those in the hospital, hospice, and nursing home.

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

Priest: Heavenly Father, you light the earth with faith and fill it with blessings. Make your people a beacon of hope for all in darkness. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

6 January 2026 - Prayers of the faithful for Tuesday after epiphany

Lord Jesus - you are a light to the nations. 

Christ Jesus - you are our hope. 

Lord Jesus - you are the Son of God. 

Prayers of the faithful: 

Priest: As we continue our journey through the the Christmas season, let us bring our prayers to our loving and merciful God.  

1. Through our words and deeds as a Christian community, we may be a light to those who are searching for direction and a sign of hope for those seeking new beginnings. . 

2. That we my find deeper awareness of the signs along our spiritual journey. May we learn from the people and experiences in our lives how to recognize God’s presence and invitations. 

3. For God’s blessings in the new year of 2026, especially those facing difficult hardships and challenges on their journey. 

4. May God renew the gifts of the Spirit within us and inspire us with new ways to share the Good News with others. May the spirit of evangelization live within all of us. 

5. May we grow in our trust in the Lord on our journey of faith. 

6. For a great utilization of our gifts and talents. May we offer our gifts to God and use them in the service of God’s reign.   

7. For our first responders, for the men and women serving in the military, for our veterans, and for our medical professional. 

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

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

6 January 2026 - homily for Tuesday after epiphany - St Andre Bissette - 1 John 4:7-10

Today, we continue to hear from the first letter of John. Love is a word commonly used in John’s Gospel and in the Letters of John as well.  The love that John is talking about in his writings is not a romantic love, but rather an agape love that cares about the well-being of the other person.  This type of love is all about giving of our very selves to the other person whom we love. In agape love, we are called to give of ourselves to our brothers and sisters in the same spirit in which God gave himself to us through his beloved son. If we forget this concept of self-giving in the way we live out our faith, perhaps we forget about the very essence of what our faith is all about. In his writings, Pope Francis asks us to love others beyond our differences, to reach out to others in a spirit of peace, solidarity, and brotherhood. May we push through some boundaries this year that are keeping us from living out agape love in our lives of faith.

As we continue to hear readings from the first letter of John, we celebrate a rather new saint who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010: St Andrew Bissette. Bissette was a Holy Cross brother who was born in a small town outside of Montreal, Canada in 1845. One of 12 children who was orphaned at the age of 12, he did poorly in school and worked as a laborer as a boy. His devout faith and spirit of holiness as a boy inspired his pastor to recommend him for the congregation of the Holy Cross, where he worked a porter as a consecrated religious brother for many years at the College of Notre Dame in Quebec. Inspired by his countless acts of holiness and mercy, he attracted a large following, similar to the following that Padre Pio and John Vianney inspired. The faithful wrote Bissette many letters and visited him in huge crowds, wanting his blessing and wanting to be in his holy presence. A saint like Andre Bessette points to the way that small acts of holiness and kindness can bring the love of God to others.  Always in frail health, he ended up living until the age of 91, dying in 1937.  Let us unite our prayers with the prayers of St Andre Bessette today.  

4 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the Feast of the epiphany - prison ministry

Penitential rite - Priest:


Lord Jesus, you gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom. 


Christ Jesus, you come to us in word and in sacrament. 


Lord Jesus, you will come in glory with salvation for your people.

Prayers of the faithful:

PRIEST: Let us bring our prayers to God today as we celebrate the Epiphany. May we trust that God will respond to our prayers out of his love and generosity:

1. Through our words and deeds, may we in the Church be a light to those who are searching for direction and meaning. May we be a sign of hope for those seeking to begin again. We pray to the Lord. 

2. For God’s blessing during the new year of 2026. May God fill the coming days with health of body, mind, and spirit. May he renew the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us. We pray to the Lord. 

3. May God inspire us with new ways to share the Good News with others. May we share our faith with the men here at CMCF. We pray to the Lord. 

4. Like the three Magi, may God’s light guide us through the unknown in the coming days as we rely more deeply on God’s love and care for us. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That we may all have a deeper awareness of our gifts and talents. Like the three Magi, may we offer all our gifts to God and use them in the service of God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That our hearts may be filled with joy as we recognize God’s many blessings to us in our faith, our relationships, and our opportunities. May we never lose our sense of wonder. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For those who will be starting our program to study the Catholic faith that is starting in January. That their search for Christ and a Christian community will lead them to an ever-deepening experience of Emmanuel, God with us. We pray to the Lord. 

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

PRIEST: O God, you rule the earth with justice. Help us according to our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

4 January 2026 - Prayers of the faithful for the Feast of the epiphany

Introduction: The bright star in the sky drew the Magi from a distant land to visit the newborn king and to offer him precious gifts. Today, we are drawn to our liturgical celebration of the Epiphany by our King, Christ our Lord. May we offer him our own precious gifts, our prayers, our hopes, and our hearts.

Penitential rite - Priest:
Lord Jesus, you gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom. 


Christ Jesus, you come to us in word and in sacrament. 


Lord Jesus, you will come in glory with salvation for your people.

Prayers of the faithful:

PRIEST: Let us bring our prayers to God today as we celebrate the Epiphany. May we trust that God will respond to our prayers out of his love and generosity:

1. Through our words and deeds, may we in the Church be a light to those who are searching for direction and meaning and a sign of hope for those seeking to begin again. We pray to the Lord. 

2. For God’s blessing during the new year of 2026. May God fill the coming days with health of body, mind, and spirit. May he renew the gifts of the Spirit within us. We pray to the Lord. 

3. May God inspire us with new ways to share the Good News with others. We pray to the Lord. 

4. Like the three Magi, may God’s light guide us through the unknown in the coming days as we rely more deeply on God’s love and care for us. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That we may all have a deeper awareness of our gifts and talents. Like the three Magi, may we offer all our gifts to God and use them in the service of God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That our hearts may be filled with joy as we recognize God’s many blessings to us in our faith, our relationships, and our opportunities. May we never lose our sense of wonder. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the catechumens and candidates in our OCIA program. That their search for Christ and a Christian community will lead them to an ever-deepening experience of Emmanuel, God with us. We pray to the Lord. 

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

PRIEST: O God, you rule the earth with justice. Help us according to our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

4 January 2026 - feast of the epiphany - bulletin reflection

As we continue our celebration of the Christmas season this weekend, we celebrate the visit of the three Magi to the Christ child in the feast of the epiphany. I remember as a youth visiting the cathedral in Cologne, Germany, where the remains of the three Magi are interred. The remains of the saints and the martyrs were very important for the cathedrals of medieval Europe, as the more important the saint or martyr, it became a more important pilgrimage destination. The three magi appeal to our imagination and to our faith as they visit the Christ child and bring him precious gifts. We give thanks for the luncheon we are having at Holy Savior at the Sunday morning mass to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. Blessings to all of you this weekend. Father Lincoln. 

4 January 2026 - homily for the feast of the epiphany - Matthew 2:1-12

In the dictionary, the definition of the word “epiphany” is (1) the manifestation of a divine or supernatural being or (2) a moment of sudden revelation or insight. Both of these definitions would apply to our celebration of the feast of the epiphany today. It is also known as the feast of the Magi or the feast of the three kings. However, it may be interesting to note that the Scripture passage from the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel does not state that there were three Magi; this number has been passed down through tradition, assuming that the number of Magi equaled the number of gifts that they brought Jesus. The feast of the epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, twelve days after Christmas Day. However, in the United States, after the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in 1970, epiphany is always celebrated in our country on the Sunday after January 1, so that more of the faithful would be at Mass for that celebration. 

This year, we have been commemorating the Jubilee year of Hope, inaugurated by Pope Francis on December 24, 2024. The Jubilee year ends on the feast of the epiphany. This Jubilee year has been a special time of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and pilgrimage. Many of us have gone on different pilgrimages this past year to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope. Ultimately, the story of the three Magi is the story of pilgrims on a journey. There is an element of mystery to the Magi, as it is only told in Matthew’s Gospel and we really do not much about them, other than that they were searching Jesus. Their search and their quest for Jesus is what the story of Magi is all about. And they asked a very important question: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” It is a question that seekers and searchers still ask today. Where is Christ? In the midst of our struggles and our despair, where is Christ our hope? 

The Magi discovered that Christ perhaps is not found where we expect him to be. The Magi went first to Herod, thinking that the newborn king would be with those in power and authority, or at least they would know where to find him. Often, we find Christ when we reach out to those in need, in the poor, in the outcasts, and those on the margins. Often we will find Christ exactly where the Magi found him - in the place where the light dispels the darkness. 

Today, we commemorate the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the Magi gave to the Christ child. We receive the greatest gift of all in Jesus himself. He is a gift to us by his very presence in our lives. 

The Magi left their gifts with Jesus, but they did not leave empty-handed. Their encounter with Christ is something they carried in their hearts their entire lives. We too are to carry the gift of Jesus that we receive in our hearts and in our faith throughout the year. 

On the week of Christmas, I had mass with the inmates on Christmas Day, as well as that Friday and Saturday. We had a lunch of chicken and desserts that I had gotten from the Gleaners food bank, as well as sweet potatoes and greens from our garden that we made in the crock pot. They loved the soda pop that I brought too - that is a special treat that they rarely get. On Friday and Saturday, with our inmate ministers, we visited the infirmary at the prison, praying with the men and giving them donuts and Nabs crackers and Little Debbie treats. Many of those men are terminally ill and will die there in the beds of the infirmary. I am glad that we could bring some momentary joy to them. Sometimes it is not just the gift we bring, but our prayer, our love, and our presence. We all have busy lives. We all have work and family commitments and other obligations. But do we make time to pass on the gifts we receive from Christ to others? 

I will leave you with a quote about the feast of the epiphany by St Peter Chryologus, Bishop of Ravenna, Italy from the fifth century and a Doctor of the Church: 

Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in the tiny body (of a baby). As they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die.

2 January 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Friday before epiphany

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the nations. 

Christ Jesus - you are the prince of peace.  

Lord Jesus - you are our hope and our joy.  

Prayers of the faithful: 

PRIEST: The light of Christ is revealed to the nations of the world during this holy season. Let us now turn to God our Father in prayer:

1. For the holy Church. That all who follow Jesus will continue to lead others to his light. 

2.For peace on earth. That the peace which Christ brings will become a reality for all nations. We pray for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land. 

3. For all who have died or are suffering as a result of violence, warfare or natural disasters. We pray for an end to such violence and conflicts.  

4. For all who are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. May they be led to Christ, who is the source of wisdom and light in the world.

5. For the parishes of our Diocese. That we may build strong communities of faith in order for us to be powerful witnesses to the presence of God in the world. 

6. For all who are sick or suffering, neglected or bereaved. That the light of Christ will lead them out of darkness. 

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

PRIEST: Father of light, you revealed to people of faith your Word made flesh. We ask that you draw us beyond the limits of this world into your eternal kingdom. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.   

2 January 2026 - Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen - homily for Friday before Epiphany - 1 John 2:22 -29

Today we celebrate the feast day of two important early Church fathers who were good friends. Basil the Great was born in Cappadocia in 329. He is most well known for his defense of the faith against the heresy of Arianism. He served as bishop of Caesarea, located in modern-day Turkey. He wrote important works on monasticism, theology, and canon law. He died in 379. 

Also born in 329, Gregory of Nazianzen met Basil when they were both studying in Caesarea in Cappadocia. He later became Archbishop of Constantinople. Like Basil, he is known for the defense of the faith against heresies. Both of them were strongly drawn to a monastic life, having spent time as hermits in silence and prayer. Gregory died in 389. Both Gregory and Basil were named Doctors of the Church in 1568 by Pope Pius V, along with St Athanasius and St John Chrysostom. They are not only great examples of scholarship and Church leadership, but also in following lives of holiness and prayer. 

Our first reading today is from the first letter of John in the New Testament. The opening of this reading asks a very strongly worded question: “Who is the liar?” This opening question may strike us as rude and provocative, but I think this opening question is posed by John to get the reader’s attention, to show what a travesty it is to deny our faith. A couple of times, it states in the reading the importance of remaining in Christ. For if we remain in him, his truth will remain in us.  

Jesus is Emmanuel

Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, God in the present tense. Not just God who was and God who will be, but God in the eternal present.  Always present. 

(Paraphrased from the December 2025 edition of The Word Among Us) 

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.