Pastor's Note: February 2, 2025

Friends, 
Happy Candlemas! This day, also known as the Feast of the Presentation, is called such because in the Gospel proclaimed this day, Simeon the Elder says, “[…] for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Traditionally, the candles we use in church would be blessed. Candles in church are a reminder, and in some cases a perpetual reminder that Jesus is the Light of the World. He says in John’s Gospel, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Here’s a place for prayer today: Jesus is Light in three ways.

1. He’s Light like a flashlight: shining a Way of Life that leads to Truth, Freedom and Beatitude.

2. He’s Light like a campfire: radiating a light that warms and consoles when the vagaries and storms of life roil around and in us. 

3. He’s Light like a lighthouse: guiding us and reassuring us that the Way of Catholic Discipleship is more certain and safer than any alternative. 

Friends: secondly, an appeal. 

In today’s Gospel we also hear that St. Joseph offers, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” as a sacrifice to God in the Temple. We can glean from this that St. Joseph was not a wealthy man but that he gave a portion of what he did have back to God as a tribute, a gift, a sacrifice for this healthy baby boy that was born to he and his wife. He didn’t bring a bull or a sheep to sacrifice- those are too expensive. Instead, he brought two turtledoves; a much more affordable option (from R. Guardini, The Lord, pg. 7). I want to say thank you for all the ways, both big and small, that members of our community give so that our Church community can be and do all the things we’re called to be and do. So, thank you.

But, we are in need: as you know the cost of everything continues to go up. The same experience you have in your home is happening here at our Spiritual Home. I won’t bore you here with details, but if you’d like them, please feel free to contact me at the parish office (962-2311; [email protected]). So, let me make two appeals:

1. If you are able, please consider an affordable increase of your offertory gift. This will, of course, depend on your family’s circumstances. If you are in a position to do so, give it some thought and go from there. For 100 years we have pooled our financial resources so that we can take care of our parish community from within our parish community. 

2. We have a deep and urgent need for members of our community to step up and give their time to the parish community. We have some big events coming up: two Fish Fries (March 7 & April 4) and Spring Fest (April 26). These events can’t happen without us stepping up and making them happen.  We’re seeing a “changing of the guard”: parishioners who had taken on leadership roles for these events are, after doing their duty, rolling off. It’s time for the next generation to step up and assume the mantle of leadership within our community. 

   1. Fish Fry Contact: Ben Henningsen: [email protected] 

   2. Spring Fest: Suneal Menzies: [email protected] or [email protected]

I’ll be talking about all these things from the pulpit this weekend. In the meantime, know that you are loved dearly and prayed for daily.