Pastor’s Note 1/10/26

Dear Parishioners:

Plenty of things in our life each day remind us of who we are, what we’ve committed to do, and what we’re all about in our daily dealings. We might think of the wedding ring that spouses wear as a reminder each morning of their promises of marriage—to live faithfully and show sacrificial love to one another. There may be the clothes worn to work, perhaps even a uniform, that help situate us within our specific job or occupation. Trophies, awards, or plaques on our walls at home or work can point us toward the best of what we have become—and still strive to become. We could call these identity markers, reminders of our goals, pursuits, and purposes day to day. On this day of the Baptism of the Lord, we mark the baptism of Jesus, a moment when he opened up and sanctified the waters of baptism for us. In doing so, Jesus makes baptism for us the identity marker. Through the saving waters of baptism, we are immersed into the life of Jesus, into the very life of God himself who claims us as his beloved sons and daughters by adoption through Jesus. What does it mean to carry and live this identity as a beloved daughter or son of God? To take the image of baptism itself, we are plunged into the life of God himself, we are immersed into God’s love, we find our permanent, true belonging in our relationship with God. To recall our baptism is to be reminded of this fundamental, inerasable identity: we are children of God, made to live in his love and strive for the kingdom of God that Jesus has made known to us.

Also, I do wish to express my apologies for recent inconsistencies in the communication of Mass times, particularly over the holy days of the past weeks. I recognize the inconvenience and will be working to ensure future clarity in this area.

God’s Peace,

Fr. John