Daily Reflections

If you would like to receive these daily reflections (written by various parishioners) in your email box each day, contact [email protected]

January 26, 2026 - Feast Days
We recently celebrated MLK Day and it got me reflecting on our celebrations of Feast Days. On a saints’ feast day, we are called to set aside time to remember the saintly lives that shaped the world through love lived with courage. Much like the U.S. holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr., the feast day of St. Teresa of Calcutta invites us to reflect on a life that awakened consciences and revealed human dignity. Dr. King confronted injustice with a prophetic voice that called a nation to account, while St. Teresa quietly served Christ among the poorest of the poor, restoring worth to those the world overlooked. One challenged a political system, the other touched individual lives, yet both were rooted in the same truth: every human person bears immeasurable value. Their days remind me that holiness and justice are not abstract ideals but are lived when love moves me to act, whether by speaking truth boldly or serving faithfully in small, unseen ways.                                   
Kurt Peterson
 
January 27, 2026 -  Why Do I Go to Church?
Do you ever feel like not going to church? Maybe it’s been a long week or a busy weekend, and you just don’t feel up to it. I feel that way sometimes too. So why do I go to church? Is it for the community? I love our community, but that’s not the reason. Is it for the homily? I value hearing God’s Word and the priest’s reflection, but that’s not the reason. Or is it to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? As sacred and special as that is for me, even that is not the heart of it.  I go to church to worship Him, because of all that God has done in my life and in the lives of my family. I go to give Him thanks and praise. Every part of the Mass is meaningful and beautiful, but worshiping God is the true reason I go.
Why do you go?                                                                                                                       
Kurt Peterson
 
January 28, 2026 -  Worthy
In the OCIA process, candidates are invited to discern whether they are ready to be fully initiated into the Church. When one of our candidates was asked if he felt ready to move forward, he offered a profoundly insightful response. He said there were still many things about the Catholic faith he did not yet understand, but he was not proceeding because he felt worthy. He was proceeding because he had been chosen.
His words immediately brought to mind the Apostles. They did not follow Jesus because they understood everything; they followed Him because He chose them. Peter himself fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Yet Jesus did not turn away. He chose Peter anyway.
If being with Jesus required worthiness, none of us would ever stand beside Him. Jesus chooses us not because we are perfect, but because He sees our hearts. It is His grace, not our merit, that makes us worthy. I am deeply grateful to be chosen for my weakness, because I will never be worthy of His love on my own. I am made whole, and even perfected, only through His grace.
Kurt Peterson
 
January 29, 2026 – Is It Real?
Growing up, I remember the slogan: “Is it real or is it Memorex?” Memorex made recording tapes, and the slogan suggested that sometimes it was hard to tell the difference between the original and the recording. Today, we have something similar called AI, Artificial Intelligence, which can make people look or sound better at the touch of a button. Technology can help us, but it can also hurt us; it all depends on how we use it.
God, however, is different. He doesn’t cover my flaws to make me appear better; He enters into them. He transforms me from the inside out, shaping me into the people He created me to be.                                     Kurt Peterson
 
January 30, 2026 -  Showing Up
Over the years of taking business improvement courses one common theme they all have is the act of showing up. At first glance, it seems simple, just physically be present, but spiritually, it runs much deeper. Whether in prayer, worship or acts of service, showing up builds discipline. By showing up, I place myself in situations where God can transform my faith. Faith isn’t only about belief; it is about response. It is an act of obedience and trust, it says, “I may not understand everything, but I trust you enough to be here. In showing up I am building relationships that nurture my soul. It’s in the daily showing up that habits of trust, patience, and gratitude are cultivated. In short, “showing up” is a spiritual practice in itself. It’s an intentional, humble surrender: making myself available for God’s guidance, connection with others, and personal transformation. When I start to feel doubts, I just need to show up. Kurt Peterson
 
January 31, 2026 - To Enter Heaven in Church
Around 30 years ago, when we were living in San Jose, we were sitting at Mass when an elderly woman suddenly collapsed onto the person next to her. The sound echoed through the church, and everyone turned to see what had happened. A doctor rushed to her side. Our pastor, Fr. Tom, asked the congregation to pray. The musician began to play softly as we all prayed for her. Soon an ambulance arrived, and the paramedics carried her out. After they left, Mass continued. The next day we learned that she had passed away during Mass.
We believe that during the Mass, the veil between heaven and earth is at its thinnest. What a beautiful and holy moment that was. Life’s fragility was placed before us in the most tangible way. Inside the church, she passed from this world into the next. While we were receiving Christ in the Eucharist, she was being received by Christ with open arms. I am blessed to have been part of that experience.               Kurt Peterson
 
February 1, 2026 - Perseverance 
Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This is not only a powerful lesson for life, but especially for the Christian life.
On my journey of faith, I have passed through both the valley of death and the mountain of the Transfiguration. There are moments when I clearly see and feel God’s presence, and other times when I cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The Christian journey is not for the faint of heart. It includes seasons of suffering, struggle, questioning, and doubt, yet also moments of joy, peace, and love—if we persevere.
For nearly fifty years, Saint Mother Teresa experienced a deep sense of God’s absence. Still, she held fast to the promise that God is real and continued serving others faithfully. She could have walked away, but quitting was never an option, because she trusted Him completely.
I question my faith at times, and when I do, I think of Saint Teresa, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul. Each experienced doubt and struggle, yet persevered because they knew God was present even if they couldn’t feel Him.
God, in times of uncertainty, remind me that You are never far from me. Give me the strength not to quit, but to finish my journey faithfully before I am called home.                                                                                   Kurt Peterson

January 19, 2026 - Worship
This past Christmas eve marked my 65^th anniversary of Baptism and it was our plan to attend midnight mass on the 24^th.  Germs interrupted our plans and I got a hacking cough/cold which precluded my attendance.   I have to say there haven’t been an awful lot of missed Sunday masses in those 65 years but this miss was particularly sad so I began to feel sorry for myself until l stopped to think about the many people throughout the world who are unable to go to mass, temple or church services because of the shortage of priests/ministers/Imams or being prevented in some way by politics, war, natural disasters from the simple act of coming together to worship God.  I think particularly of Catholics, but other religions are subject to the same impediments.  I recovered from my cold and had a delayed remembrance of my baptism…how very fortunate I am.  Each time I go to Mass I will remember those unfortunates who cannot worship openly and regularly and pray for them.  
Thank you, Lord, that I can worship you in a loving community.                                                    
Deacon David

January 20, 2026 - Sonlight
At Mass on December 21, 2025 the celebrant mentioned that the next day, the 22^nd, is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  That gave me the urge to shout out “alleluia” for the prospect of days growing longer as I am one of those people who doesn’t fare well with reduced sunlight.   While I complain about this I know of people, one of my sons included, who actually endure a symptom named seasonal affective disorder, aka S.A.D., due to fewer hours of daylight in winter. Thinking about “sun”light led me to think about another sort of “son”, Jesus, the Son of God, and how He brings light to the world year ‘round and how that light is essential to my life as a Christian.  Our recent celebration of Christmas included many lights decorating the inside and outside of our homes and buildings and that was, in a way, praise to the birth of Jesus.   A happy time to be sure despite the short days as we bask in the Sonlight…not a time to be S.A.D.                          
Deacon David

January 21, 2026  - Peace    
The community of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is widely known as welcoming and friendly and that certainly plays out when we are invited during mass to turn to those around us and offer a sign of peace.  The friendliness doesn’t begin there though but from the moment we enter the vestibule where there is someone available to greet newcomers and answer questions about the parish.   Eucharistic ministers and the lectors are waiting to greet us, and the ushers are available to guide us to a seat.  Everyone is smiling.  I don’t know how many hundreds of times I’ve experienced that feeling of welcome and peace that I so appreciate as I open the front door and join the community.  So, when it is time to turn to one another during mass to share peace, not only do I feel united with everyone ther, but I am totally aware of the presence of God in our midst.  Can anyone not smile and know peace?    May the Peace of God be always with you.                                                                          
Deacon David

January 22, 2026  - Clutter
January is the month where I not only to look forward to the new year and all the prospects for change and growth but also look back at the previous year to assess and contemplate the good things that I enjoyed but also to think about the things I could have done differently.  I’m reminded of our recitation of the penitential rite in which we ask forgiveness for “…what I have done and what I have failed to do….”    In previous years I would have more “have done” than “failed to do”.   At my age now I am more concerned with the “failed to do”.  It troubles me that there is so very much to do that I didn’t do due to (insert here numerous rationalizations).  Well, just as I’ve helped Jane clear up the clutter of the detritus of Christmas and put away the ornaments it is time to do the same with my thoughts and plans for the year.  I won’t spend time worrying about last year and resolve to have less of the “failed to do” when 2027 rolls around.  Let’s do that together.                    
Deacon David

January 23, 2026 -  Mercy
Yesterday I ruminated on what I thought about last year and today that led me to think about some aspects of my life further back, years back.  In the mass celebrated today the responsorial Psalm is “Have mercy on me, God, have mercy” and that reminds me of two phrases I’d walk around exclaiming at home, at work, in traffic, etct: “mercy God!”, and “praise the Lord”.  Neither of them bad but, thinking back, how I didn’t take into account that the people around me might have been annoyed at the constancy of my utterances.  While no one said anything to me one way or the other, I’m hoping in retrospect that what I said was not just a toss away phrase, but true prayer related to what I was doing or experiencing.  What I hope is that what I said was not an attempt at promoting my faith but rather one of expressing my faith.  Maybe I’m overthinking this, but I do hope that both asking for mercy and praising God in a daily way let people know that I was expressing my faith.  Lord, have mercy and Praise the Lord!                                                                                             
Deacon David
 
January 24, 2026 - Fashion
I read recently in the New York Times that it has become fashionable for people to wear/display a crucifix as a regular part of their daily wear, not for any religious reason but simply because they’re following a trend.   I don’t know what to think about this because first, I think it is not what the purpose of a crucifix is but then, as is said in Hollywood, any exposure is good.  I’d like to think that Jesus may approve because, deep down, people do know that the crucifix is a sacred symbol of what we believe: Christ died for ALL people and that might lead people to acknowledge the resurrection and hence the path to salvation.  I have never worn a crucifix, showing or not, and don’t anticipate joining this trend but I will pray that those who do will be aware of what we believe: Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.   Amen?  Amen!!                                                                                                     
Deacon David
 
January 25, 2026  - Follow Me
On January 11 we celebrated the baptism of the Lord and I was particularly struck by the second reading from Acts as it has applied to me. As a young man I was a nonbeliever, but I was graced by patient, faith filled people who allowed me the time to gain some understanding of Christianity as practiced in the Catholic faith.  To say I was ignorant is an understatement and my “arguments” specious.  God is good enough to have given me a somewhat open mind so, in time, my faith was born and grew enough to allow me to be accepted into the Catholic Church and be baptized. In the Acts reading we hear “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.  Rather…whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.”       I am living proof of this and I am grateful for his mercy in allowing me to now be one who is able to pass along the gift of baptism and share the love of Christ. 
Deacon David

January 12, 2026- Compare and Despair
There’s a new phenomenon that is called “compare and despair”.  When people spend too much time on social media (especially teens), there is a tendency to compare their lives with those they see online.   Feeling inadequate, they soon become filled with despair.  
In times when comparison robs me from joy, I try to pray and also remind myself that what is most important is how God sees me.   I have been taught that we are all “God’s favorite” and truly believing that can help lift my spirits.  
Loving God, help us when we find ourselves comparing and despairing.  Remind us that we are all precious in your sight.
Darcy Wharton
 
January 13, 2026- A Sense of Belonging
A couple of months ago, my family and friends helped with The Gathering Inn.  It was on Thanksgiving and as usual, I struggled with what sort of meal prayer to pray because, quite honestly, the things I am most grateful for are food, shelter, and family- all things that our unhoused guests don’t have.  
Just a few minutes prior to the schedule time for prayer, one of the young guests (who was probably in her early 20’s) shyly asked the coordinator if she could say a few words to everyone.  What she said was incredible.  She said that a couple of weeks prior, she began using the services of The Gathering Inn and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she had a family.   She expressed gratitude for all of the volunteers and for the way that the other guests made her feel like she belonged.  It was quite touching.
I then told the guests that this woman’s comments felt like a prayer to me.  I was able to focus my prayer on being grateful for the sense of belonging we can find with people that feel like family.
Loving God, help us look for those who might not feel welcomed in our world and encourage us to reach out our hands and hearts.
Darcy Wharton
 
January 14, 2026- A Mistake-Making Place
Our oldest daughter had a wonderful third grade teacher.  I remember going in to volunteer each Friday and I was captivated by her style of teaching and the relationships she nurtured with each of her students.  She had a large poster of an eraser with the words “This is a Mistake-Making Place”.   I told her that the poster was even inspiring to me even as a volunteer.  My own tendency to avoid making mistakes shows up all the time in many places!   The poster was a great reminder that no one is perfect and it created an environment where it was safe to make a mistake.
That message on the poster is one that I think Jesus would endorse.  The kingdom of God is undoubtedly filled with mistake-makers and we are blessed to have a loving and forgiving God.
And if our mistakes hurt others, we are also blessed to have the sacrament of Reconciliation!
Darcy Wharton
 
January 15, 2026- Bringing Christ to Others
Did you know that we have over thirty volunteers who bring the Eucharist to the homebound?  It is such a blessing to the recipients!  Some of the ministers bring the Eucharist to assisted living and/or memory care facilities, and others bring the Eucharist directly to people’s homes.  
I see this ministry as truly living our Catholic values. We are all called to bring Christ to others, and these wonderful volunteers do exactly that.  I see the respect they have when placing the host into the pyxes and in talking with those who receive, I know how grateful the recipients are for their dedication and care.
Loving God, thank you for all of the volunteers who are dedicated to bringing the Eucharist to those in need each week.  
Darcy Wharton
 
January 16, 2026- A New Stage
Since my husband and I still have a total of six parents in their 90’s, we knew that there would be a stage of our life that would require us to be involved in caregiving.  We are now in that stage!  Most recently, Robert’s parents moved into an Assisted Living facility.  There have been bumps in the road, but overall, they are adjusting to this change.   Gratefully, after my mother-in-law experienced a fall in their home, they realized that they could no longer live on their own.
I have been so impressed with the caregivers at their facility.  These underpaid workers are tasked with helping the residents with showering, laundry, housecleaning, changing their clothes, assisting them in the bathroom, and helping them travel to and from the dining room. I admire how they do it with great care, dignity, and with a smile on their faces.
Loving God, when I am tempted to complain about doing menial tasks, remind me of workers like these who are able to model acts of service with exemplary grace.  
Darcy Wharton
 
January 18, 2026- Here I Am, Lord
Today’s responsorial psalm words are, “Here I am, Lord.  I come to do your will”.  How I wish this were my daily prayer!  I certainly try to have this desire in my heart, but then I find myself wanting to control things, not even concerned about whether or not I am open to God’s will.  Sometimes I even assume that my will is God’s will which is even more frightening.   
It can be uncomfortable and vulnerable to be completely open to what God wants.  What if I am invited to do something outside my comfort level?   The fear of being uncomfortable can prevent me from true discipleship.  In those times, I hope that the model of Mary’s “yes” will be my inspiration.
Darcy Wharton

January 5, 2026 – Follow the Star
During the twelve days of Christmas, as we honor the time it took for the three magi to reach the holy family, I’ve been thinking about the clarity with which the three wise men traveled to follow the star.  I imagine there was a great deal of uncertainty as they made their journey across the desert – what would following God’s invitation mean for their lives?  There would be sacrifice, and things would never be the same…and yet, they persisted in their journey as they followed the light.  
 
In today’s scripture we read of John’s caution in discerning between the “spirit of truth and spirit of deceit.”  The three magi were guided by the spirit of truth…a star…and it allowed them to trust what was ahead.  I pray that I may be open to what God has in mind for my life…to set aside my own longings and desires to experience the surrender and peace of following the light.
-Katie Maynard
 
January 6, 2026 – Can I Get a Witness?
Our Judeo-Christian faith is full of examples of incredible patriarchs and matriarchs leading us in their faith and trust in God.  Recently I’ve been thinking about the incredible women and men in my own family who have been living examples of discipleship and faithfulness.  Although many of them have passed away, it is clear, just as it is in scripture, that the lineage continues.  
 
These pillars of character and strength were not walking alone though…when I hear stories of my grandparents or aunts/uncles, I hear tales of their friendships which bolstered them in difficult times.  It is not only our children who pass along our story and legacy, but our friendships as well.  
There was incredible wisdom in Jesus calling the disciples together and sending them out together…we need others to be a witness to our life.  
-Katie Maynard
 
 
January 7, 2026 – Beloved
We are called to show kindness and humility rather than to be “right,” but it took me a long time to discover the truth of this statement, because it can feel so good to be “right.”  When I am led outside of my own ego though, I find connection rather than isolation.  As a parent, I’ve tried to have the humility to admit my own mistakes and seek repair with my children.  The temptation at times is to see this as weakness in parenting, but I’ve found that it leads to greater connection with my girls which has led to honesty and trust.
This week we hear over and over from John’s first letter that “God is Love,” and we are addressed as “Beloved.”  John wants us to know how dearly loved we are, that God desires for us to live outwardly from that love…and we will find God there every time.  Lord, grant me the humility to listen, show kindness, presume the good and to see others as “beloved” as I come to know, love and follow you in the midst of it all. 
-Katie Maynard
 
 January 8, 2026 – Arrivals
Recently, when I was at the airport, I was paying attention to those gathered at the baggage claim waiting to greet their loved ones.  The anticipation and excitement led to a joyful embrace as family and friends were reunited.  The season of Advent stoked this same anticipation as we waited and prepared our hearts and lives for Jesus…but Jesus waits for us too, and he doesn’t just park at the curb. 
As I walk this path of discipleship, Jesus is at every turn with great enthusiasm, ready to greet me with a smile, a hug and a big ol’ sign with my name on it. 
-Katie Maynard
 
 
January 9, 2026 - Surround Sound
Often when I am listening to an audiobook, podcast or talking on the phone, I have an airpod in one ear with the other ear open to the world around me.  Recently though, I happened to plug both airpods into my ears to listen to music, and I was amazed at the result.  The sound was incredible and it felt like I was hearing the music in full surround…like I was wrapped in the music.  
 
Jesus would often withdraw to a deserted place to pray, so that he could discern his father’s will and to be comforted in his prayer.  When we fully plug into God through prayer (with both ears), we hear Him the way he intends – in full surround.  
-Katie Maynard
 
January 10, 2026 - It Would Be Enough
“Enough” is a tough word to wrap my head around, because so often I struggle with feeling like I am doing enough, praying enough, or that I am enough.  Dayenu is a Hebrew word and Jewish prayer meaning, ”it would be enough.”  It refers to the Passover song which proclaims that if only a single act of the Exodus had occurred, it alone would have been enough to warrant gratitude to God.  
 
This prayer reminds me of the last line of St. Ignatius’ Suscipe prayer, “Give me only Your love and Your grace; and that is enough for me.”  In noticing the simplest examples of God’s love and grace around me, I am filled with surrender and deep gratitude and reminded that it is enough and I am enough.   
-Katie Maynard
 
 
January 11, 2026 – New Life
As we enter a new year, it is fitting that we celebrate Jesus’ moment of self-discovery through his baptism in the waters of the Jordan river.  There is no magic reset button when we celebrate the new year, but baptism is a good lens with which to view this threshold.  Our baptism is a gift of new life in Christ that is given to us on a singular day, but I make a choice to say “yes” to my faith each and every day.  
 
As I hear the voice of God exclaim, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” I am to hear those words for myself also…I am God’s beloved with whom he is well pleased.  My prayer is that I may live in those words as I walk into this new year.
-Katie Maynard

December 29, 2025 -   The Word Made Flesh
I awoke this morning to the cawing of a single crow.  Soon after I could hear another crow cawing in the distance.  As I listened carefully, I realized that the two crows were somehow communicating, their cawing taking on different tones and alternating back and forth over a distance.  Awhile back I watched a woodpecker teach another one how to get seeds from a bird feeder.  And I have just read about how fish communicate as well as how trees communicate through their root systems. The world is alive with consciousness and communication in ways I had never been aware of nor thought about before.  Now I wonder what they are saying to each other!
We just celebrated Christmas, where the Word became flesh, clearly God intending to communicate with us, but what is he saying to us with this gift?  So many of us receive the message differently.  For many it is just background noise, like the crows, or its a sweet story of a young woman giving birth in a stable. But when I look at how nature communicates, I’m filled with awe at the oneness of life itself. And how God-made-man speaks of an unimaginable oneness that invites us in.                                                     Jane Haproff
 
December 30, 2025 – Could’a Been a Star of Stage and Screen
Whenever I had to do an unpleasant task to do when I was raising children, whether it was folding mountains of laundry or chopping an onion which made me weep, I would say loud enough to be heard, “I could’a been a star of stage and screen but I gave it all up to wash dirty clothes!”  It has become a sort of family joke, that I emote very well and could have been an actress.   I was thinking about this the other day, probably when doing another unpleasant task, when I realized that I’ve been invited to play the biggest role of my life:  I’ve been asked to play Jesus himself!  That came as kind of a shock, but isn’t that what Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist ask of us?  Maybe not to “play” Jesus but to “be” him in the world.  So often I ask myself how can I be that.  He was God.  And the answer is to copy Him.  Doesn’t that just mean to act like him? And when I can do so, I bring him alive in this world.                       Jane Haproff
 
December 31, 2025 – Transitions
 As we transition to a New Year, many of us focus on resolutions, ways we will be better in the new year.  But this year I’ve become very aware of transitions of all sorts.  Three generations of us (myself, daughters and granddaughters) gathered to make our traditional Christmas cookies this year.   There was all the usual dividing up of who would do what, laughter, etc. except that I wasn’t doing much myself.   In fact I mostly sat back and watched, offering direction on occasion.  At one point a daughter said, “Mom I can’t believe you did this all yourself for all those years”, which felt good.  But it was bittersweet at the same time, stepping aside and letting the younger ones take over.  The youngest granddaughter (13) is experiencing that as well as she moves from the excitement of a childhood Christmas  and begins to take her place with the older grandchildren, talking about clothes and the good and bad use of technology in their lives.  Happy to be among the older cousins, but bittersweet to leave childhood behind.  I know several couples who have sold their homes and moved into assisted living facilities, another bittersweet moving from one way of living to another.  But I think that’s just what we are invited to do throughout our whole lives, transition from an old life to a new one, one that is more purposeful and intentional, as we move closer and closer to God, until we find ourselves in His arms.        Jane Haproff
 
January 1, 2026 – Happy New Year
I just read a lovely book titled This is Happiness where  a series of unfortunate things have happened to a young man.  On a bicycle ride with an older man, Christy, who he looks up to and who has also just experienced a major life disappointment, the younger one asks Christy why he’s not more disappointed.  Christy replies “This is happiness”.  He claims it’s not a state of being like most of us think it is; rather it’s just a recognition of the pleasure of  riding a bike along a country road on a sunny day and being alive to experience it.  
May the New Year bring us all that kind of simple happiness.                                                              
Jane Haproff
 
 
January 2, 2026 – As Good as It Gets
My nephew, Rob, is struggling with a serious cancer diagnosis and treatment that has left him hospitalized in Southern California for weeks.  Just when he is well enough to be released, another complication pops up.   I call him often just to try and cheer him up, though his mood has been consistently one of acceptance.  When I spoke with him a few weeks ago, however, he was on the verge of discouragement.  I called a few days later and he reported that some old friends had dropped by to visit and as they sat there laughing and reminiscing, Rob said “It doesn’t get much better than this. Good friends visiting in a place where I am being well taken care of, the food is good, the bed is comfortable, my pain is being managed, I’m surrounded by people who love me.   At this time and in this place…all my needs are being met… yeah, it doesn’t get much better.  ” I hung up realizing I was the person whose spirits had been raised.                                                                                                
Jane Haproff
 
January 3, 2026 –  Airplanes
Recently while flying to visit a sick friend I realized I was in a metal vessel hurtling through the air at an altitude of 35,000 feet.  Flying involves a lot of faith and prayer for me until I come to the place of putting myself in God’s hands, realizing that wherever I am and whatever happens, He is there .  Then I thought of the plane differently.  It became a microcosm of the goodness of God:  there was laughter, care for others by staff, love that couples and families displayed, pain and sorrow evident in crying babies, equality as we all squeeze into smaller and smaller seats,  accommodating, helping people with baggage, sharing snacks and napkins.  Yes, there was selfishness, but it was so obvious among all the good I experienced that it had no power.  I think that’s what Jesus is all about when He asks us to join Him in being the goodness that overpowers all else.                                                 
Jane Haproff
 
January 4, 2026  - Who Am I?
“God, whose love and joy are present everywhere, can’t come to visit you, unless you aren’t there.”  Angelus Silesius    This reminds me of a Zen koan, a sort of puzzle to be solved that reveals something about the Divine.  As I meditated on this,  I realized that this hits on one of my own spiritual struggles and that is  trying to control my own ego.  When I am able to lose myself in meditation, I am most strongly aware of the presence of God. When I can still that strong inner voice that continually parses out and judges levels of creation and the actions of others then I become aware of God’s presence all around and within me.  And this brings me back to that oneness with which I began my reflections this week.          
Jane Haproff
 

December 22, 2025 - ‘My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord’
 
Today the Gospel reading is Mary’s Magnificat, which she recited in the joyful presence of her relative Elizabeth. Preceding this verse, Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel who told her she would give birth to the Son of the Most High. She later went ‘in haste’ to visit Elizabeth. After Ellizabeth pronounces ‘blessed are you among women’, Mary responds: 
 
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed…’
 
It is fitting we encounter Mary’s faith in the 4th week of Advent. Although she sings of God’s greatness and rejoices in her Savior; the promises of God, and of the angel, are not yet realized. Her joy is not based on what has happened, but on her faith in the promises of God. So it is with us. I often am in circumstances where God’s promise of healing and restoration are still in the future. In this way, Mary models for me, and all of us, how we are to live in Advent and beyond. We wait in joyful hope for Christ to become ever more real in our lives. And our hope is not in vain, it is based on the faith of Mary, so confident of the promise that she could sing, ‘my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.’
Daryl Grigsby
 
 
December 23, 2025 - A Sudden Arrival
 
Years ago I attended Mass on the 4th Tuesday in Advent. The priest’s homily was on a phrase from the prophet Malachi: ‘suddenly there will come to the temple, the Lord whom you seek.’.   Father  noted that scripture seldom uses the term ‘suddenly’.  Father mentioned that the Gospel of John says, ‘a little while’, and Mark often uses ‘immediately’; but ‘suddenly’ is rarely found in scripture. Dictionaries note ‘suddenly’ refers to a quick and unexpected event. But Father asked rhetorically, “how does the Lord come ‘suddenly’ to those who seek”. How can God’s arrival be unexpected if you are seeking it?  Though this was many years ago, I still recall this homily. Father then noted that God arrives ‘suddenly’ because God is far beyond all we can expect, imagine or anticipate. Thus the Lord always arrives ‘suddenly.’ The God I craft in my own image, the often ‘too-small’ God of my thoughts, is cast aside for a God whose love is beyond comprehension, whose love is beyond reckoning, and whose presence is always closer than  I think. Let’s open our hearts to the sudden arrival of the God of creation and transformation.
Daryl Grigsby
 

December 24, 2025 - Salvation and Peace
Today’s Gospel reading contains the Benedictus, the prayer of Zechariah following the unexpected birth of his son, John. The phrases from it that most often resonate with me are ‘knowledge of salvation’ and ‘guide our feet into the way of peace.’
 
First, I find being reminded of ‘the knowledge of salvation’ helpful to my forgetfulness regarding how God has impacted my life. ‘Knowledge of salvation’ implies that we know, and are assured, that we are on the road to healing, transformation and conversion. Salvation is not a ‘one and done’ event - it is - rather - a journey, a road toward the authentic human person God is calling me to be.
 
The second reference about being guided into the ‘way of peace’, reminds me of the vital role internal and social peace play in my life. When I am anxious, fearful, distressed, I cannot be the person God is asking me to be. However, when I am at peace with myself and with others, when I remember the importance of ‘peace’ in the scriptures - it brings comfort and freedom. At his birth the angels declared, ‘peace to people of good will’, and at resurrection Jesus appeared with the words, ‘peace be with you.’ As Father reminds us at Mass, ‘the peace of Christ be with you always…’
Daryl Grigsby
 
December 25, 2025 -  The Nativity of the Lord :  ‘Grace upon Grace’
 
Today’s scripture readings underscore the meaning, message and power of Christmas. For Catholics, Christmas is central to the liturgical year. It is far more than gifts, sparkling lights, parties, decorations, and trees. Every year I ponder which is more significant, Christmas? Or Easter? After a few minutes I realize that is an unnecessary comparison. It is not either-or, but both. Christmas is God’s identification with the fullness of my humanity, with the birth of the Son of God. Born not in a temple or on a throne, but in a small village where there was no room for his birth. Easter is the victorious culmination of both his ministry and his Passion. They both are necessary in our faith journey.
 
I am continually amazed at the reading for today, ‘of his fullness we have received, grace in place of grace.’ Other versions interpret that as ‘grace upon grace’. Either one shows that Christ’s coming among us enables me, through faith to receive and share, ever-increasing amounts of grace. Therefore, the celebration of Christmas is not a day, or even a season, it is recognition that Christ has entered our world and our lives to offer the gift of Himself. As the writer of Hebrews notes, the partial utterances of God have now given way to the Son, ‘the very imprint of his being’. The Incarnation is thus the beginning moment when we receive, forever, grace upon grace.
Daryl Grigsby
 
December 26, 2025 -  Feast of St. Stephen: A Vision of Heaven, and of Jesus
 
Today scriptures tell of the martyrdom of St. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church. His ministry among the people was so profound and threatening to the establishment that some sought his execution. During his stoning outside the city gates, today’s reading notes Stephen saying, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ Remarkably, surrounded by hate, intolerance, and violence, Stephen saw an open heaven and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. 
 
His vision of Jesus was so clear that it overshadowed the hatred of those around him. This image leads me to wonder, to what extent do I see Jesus in the midst of difficult circumstances? I was recently at Mass with priests from Nigeria. During the Eucharist they sang a hymn in their Igbo language. When I later asked the meaning of the words, they noted, ‘in the communion, heaven and earth are joined together.’ They declared that the riches and grace of heaven are joined to earth in the Eucharist. That Jesus is present in the Bread and Wine reminds me that Jesus is present always and everywhere. In the midst of trouble, difficulty, sickness, depression, and at in death. May the faith of Stephen remind us to look to see the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
Daryl Grigsby
 
 
December 27^th, 2025 - We Have Seen the Lord
 
Today is the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelis where the reading includes the powerful passage from the 1st Letter of John.
 
‘What was from the beginning,
what we have heard,
what we have seen with our eyes,
what we looked upon
and touched with our hands
concerns the Word of life —
for the life was made visible;’
 
John affirms the reality of their experience with Jesus Christ. He declares they have heard, seen, looked upon, and touched, the Word of life. Thus, his faith, theology and practice began with his  experience and encounter with Jesus. When I read these words, I am reminded of the primacy of my own experience as fundamental to my faith. Everything in the liturgy, Catholic tradition, Catholic doctrine, and church teachings have their origin in our individual and collective experience with God. 
 
It is important that I connect what I have experienced through Jesus Christ to my own faith journey. Our liturgy and tradition and teachings are important but cannot replace our own encounter with God. They confirm, nurture and enhance our faith, but without our own encounter, their impact is limited. I am reminded, like John, of the importance of hearing, seeing and touching, the Word of life - through faith and memory. Through our faith and encounter with Christ, we can, alongside John the Apostle, and Mary Magdalene declare, ‘I have seen the Lord.’ 
Daryl Grigsby
 
December 28, 2025 - Are We a Holy Family?
 
Today’s reading celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is fitting that the scriptures are clear about placing Jesus in the context of a family. None of us are separate entities outside the influence and sphere of our family. Jesus Christ, the one upon whom the Holy Spirit fell, the heavens opened and a voice declared, ‘You are my beloved’ - begins life in the midst of his family. His father had dreams about what to do when facing choices, his mother pondered promises and messages in her heart. Without a doubt, their faith and devotion were integral to his spiritual growth. When he later quoted Psalms and Prophets in his ministry, he most likely heard them first from his parents.
 
Today’s focus on the family is important. We live in a time when the consequences of dysfunctional families are evident. Abuse, neglect, violence, intolerance, drug addiction, poverty and other issues often arise from challenges faced by families today. Today’s reading reminds us we all have a role as fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and cousins; we can have positive impacts on our family members. When I often read about mass shootings, one common feature is an individual isolated from their family. We may not be Mary or Joseph, but we can do our part in creating, at least in part, a Holy Family.
Daryl Grigsby
 
December 15, 2025 - Comfort in the Familiar
As we dive further into the Christmas season, I enjoy all the activities my family and I do every year. From our Christmas playlist to the decorations in each of their spots, to the cookies we always bake, this time of year almost always looks the same. I find great comfort in this, knowing there is so much familiarity in a time of year that is often so chaotic. I find God’s love similar; it is always there, steadfast and familiar. No matter what life throws my way, I find comfort in knowing I am always loved and that some things never really change.
Sarah Pipitone
 
December 16, 2025 - Pop Quiz
My calculus professor is a big fan of pop quizzes. I, however, am not. Not knowing what is going to be on the quiz, nor when I’m going to have to take it, makes me incredibly nervous. The remedy to this is to review the material as it comes, rather than just waiting for the tests. But this can get tiring, and it is easy to put off studying for a quiz you’re not even sure will come, especially as the work starts piling up. This reminds me of a recent gospel reading, to stay vigilant for you do not know the day nor the hour the Lord will come. It is a great reminder to make time for my faith, even when I’m busy, for I do not know when the Lord will come, but I want to be prepared.
Sarah Pipitone
 
December 17, 2025 - Nicknames
Jesus has so many names. The Lamb of God, the Messiah, the Good Shepherd, the Son of Man, the Son of God, Christ, Savior, Redeemer . . . the list goes on. That’s a lot for a birth certificate. But some of them are less like names, more like titles or epitaphs. Like the Lamb of God, reminding us that He sacrificed Himself for us, or Shepherd, that He is protecting us and guiding us. But one of my favorites that we often use during this Advent season is Emmanuel, which translates to “God with us.” It reminds me that God made himself human, just like us, to be with us and to live our experiences. Emmanuel reminds me to look for Him in the ordinary, to feel Him with me throughout my life.
Sarah Pipitone
 
December 18, 2025 - Spotify Wrapped
Around the beginning of December, Spotify, a major music streaming platform, releases a review of your listening from the past year in a little presentation called your “Spotify Wrapped.” It tells you who your top artists are, what songs you listened to the most, and how many minutes you spent listening. Everyone I know looks forward to the day the “Spotify Wrapped” is released and enjoys comparing their results and sharing their music taste. I wonder how this principle could be applied to other things. Would my “Prayer Wrapped” show statistics on how often I went to church or read my Bible, maybe how many minutes I spent in prayer? Would I be proud to share those statistics with my friends?
Sarah Pipitone
 
December 19, 2025 - Finding Your People
Whenever I talk to people about my friends, one of the comments I’ll often receive is “Wow, it really seems like you’ve found your people.” It’s true, my friends are similarly academically focused, but we enjoy doing goofy stuff together too. Community is so important, and when you’ve found the right one you seem to thrive. It’s one of the things I love most about SSPP - we’re a community. It feels like everyone knows each other and while we mostly gather for prayer, anyone who’s been to a parish event knows we know how to have a good time too. I’ve found my people at SSPP, and I hope you have too.
Sarah Pipitone
 
December 20, 2025 - The 12 Days of Christmas
Everyone knows the classic Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Between the swans a-swimming, geese a-laying, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and partridges in pear trees, a grand total of 184 birds are gifted by the end of the song. That is a ludicrous number of birds, but the recipient also gets forty golden rings, so I’d say it’s a fair trade off. Proliferation of fowl aside, the gift giver in this song is extremely generous, showing their love with gifts. God gives us abundant gifts in the same way. Though they are not always material, they are generous, in great multitudes, and - most importantly - meant to be shared.
Sarah Pipitone
 
December 21, 2025 - Glow
As we get deeper into winter, the sun sets earlier and every night feels longer. It is difficult to stay optimistic when the world is literally so dark. But as we string our houses and Christmas trees with lights, everything seems to glow. And week by week, we light a new candle in the Advent wreath. As the darkness is dispelled by each lit candle, we are reminded that Jesus, the Light of the World, is on his way. It may be cliche to say, but it’s true that it is so easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the season but I try not to forget the reason for it all. 
Sarah Pipitone

 December 8, 2025 - Peace Begins with Me
 
My desire for peace on Earth and in the hearts of all people sometimes feels like an impossible dream. In a world that seems chaotic and divisive, I often feel helpless. But I can turn to my faith for strength and direction.
 
One of my parents' favorite prayers, which I heard often while growing up is The Prayer of Saint Francis:
 
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy…”
 
As I prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas, I desperately want to share His love and peace with others. I hope that by touching people through acts of kindness, they can see and feel the love of Christ through me. While there is so much I cannot change, I am certainly capable of doing little things that may make a big difference in someone's life to bring them peace.
 
While I long for tranquility everywhere, I know it must start with me first. I believe worldwide peace is possible. It begins with each and every one of us accepting the love of Christ into our hearts. So true are the lyrics to a song from my childhood choir days,
"Let there be peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me."
 
I pray that everyone can feel the healing, forgiving, loving and true peace that Jesus brings.
Maria Montalvo
 
  
December 9, 2025 - In Good Hands
 
Our family recently celebrated the 1st birthday of our twin granddaughters Ezra and Halo. It was a beautiful celebration of gratitude for this double blessing from God.
I was especially pleased to see so many people (of all ages) from their church in attendance. I left the party that day giving thanks to God for more than I expected.
 
Our son and his wife live out of the area and have found a wonderful faith community to which they are wholeheartedly dedicated. It warms my heart knowing they have these amazing people in their lives to give moral, emotional, and spiritual support. Raising five kids, including a set of twins, in these difficult times is no easy feat. I believe they are in good hands through God’s hands, right where they are. They have a strong foundation built by a deep and transformative connection with Jesus, fostered by a church that has welcomed and guided them with open arms. May God continue to bless the members of church communities and organizations who faithfully do His work all over the world.
Maria Montalvo
 
  
December 10, 2025 - Gifts from the Heart
 
 ‘Tis the season of giving and the retailers are finding every possible way to get us to buy, buy, buy. Ads pop up online, promotional emails flood our inbox, sale flyers and booklets fill our mailbox, banners hang on storefronts, and billboards flash along the side of the freeway. I’m trying very hard to ignore it all and focus on what I really want to accomplish this holiday season.
Is the season about giving? Yes. Is it about shopping? No.
 
There is so much I can give to others that has no price tag and needs no box, wrapping, or postage. I want to do so much more than just give “material things” this Christmas. I want to give more of myself — intangible gifts from the heart.  
 
So many possibilities come to mind: giving love, companionship, and encouragement; giving time, attention, and a listening ear; showing kindness, patience, and understanding; offering solace, guidance, and words of wisdom; extending trust, empathy, and respect; providing support, a helping hand, or simply a hand to hold; sharing a meal, an experience, or an outing; offering a blessing, a promise, or a prayer. Now, more than ever, people need human interaction and spiritual connection. I certainly do.
 
Jesus, help me to slow down so that I may recognize and be more sensitive to the needs of others. Guide me in the ways I can give of myself, not just for Christmas, but always. To you I give thanks and praise. You are the true “reason for the season” who makes all things possible.
Maria Montalvo
 
  
December 11, 2025 - Treasures
 
Fond memories are absolute treasures! Within each of us is a valuable chest full of past experiences, sometimes buried so deep within us, we may forget they even exist. Recalling them may take effort, digging, risk. Some memories are sealed tight, too painful to open — just yet, but others are easy to recall and can make us smile or even laugh out loud. Every positive memory is a priceless gem worth searching for.
 
Especially during the holiday season, I love finding these hidden treasures. I might uncover a precious photo to admire, a funny story to retell, a meaningful event to relive, or a long-lost tradition to restart. I believe there are little diamonds in the rough just waiting to be rediscovered by each of us. Let’s dust them off, polish them with love, cherish them, and allow their luster to brighten our spirits. May they inspire us to continue revisiting our beautiful past as we celebrate the present.
 
Within our treasure trove humbly lies our greatest gift and most precious gem of all — Jesus Christ, shining brighter than ever, yet often hidden from view amidst the hustle and bustle of the season. Some have yet to discover Him for the very first time.
 
As we walk together through Advent, I pray we find peace in reminiscing, joy in making new memories, hope in embracing His wondrous love, and purpose in sharing the greatest story ever told. May our treasures reveal a newfound sense of awe and wonder for all of God’s blessings. 
Maria Montalvo
 
  
December 12, 2025 - The Power of Music
 
Music warms my heart and touches my soul in a deeply profound way. It inspires, motivates, and consoles me. It can give me a burst of energy and  help me relax and unwind. It can change my mood in an instant. Music prompts memories, taking me back in time with amazing clarity. It sparks ideas and conveys thoughts in ways that words alone cannot. It triggers a range of emotions from sadness and empathy to joy and gratitude, and everything in between. 
 
Music brings me to tears quite easily. When I’m at Mass I often have to hold back tears. It’s so moving to hear the congregation singing in harmony, led by the beautiful choir and sweet voices of children, accompanied by several talented musicians. Sometimes I feel God’s presence so strongly that I can barely sing because I’m overwhelmed with emotion. 
 
Music’s power to influence is undeniable. Sharing it breaks barriers and brings people together. Music has definitely changed me in the most positive ways. I truly believe we can change the world one heart, one song, at a time.I was not blessed with musical abilities, but I am sincerely grateful that I can hear God’s voice through music as I continue to dance to the melody of life. 
 
“Music can change the world because it can change people.”
 - Bono
 
Maria Montalvo
 
  
December 13, 2025 - Taste and See
 
My husband and I come from huge Mexican families which have Catholic and ethnic traditions that have been carried on for many years. One of my favorites is making and eating tamales during the Christmas season.
 
While we enjoy every bite of this delicious entree, the meal itself lasts only a short time relative to the steps involved in making them. The process takes much time and many hands, especially when mass produced (several hundred) for our huge extended family. The process of preparing the tamales is just as significant and meaningful as the reward.
 
Time and attention is given to getting all the ingredients ready before family members gather to participate in the tamale making ritual. The recipe is followed closely, as passed down by our ancestors. Their memory is kept alive every time we come together to partake in this tradition, much like our community gathers to celebrate the Eucharist, to ready our hearts for The Lord, and break bread together in memory of Jesus.
 
Together, we savor these handmade tamales with gratitude, knowing the love and tradition that is wrapped in each and every one. Similarly, when we receive the body and blood of Christ with our community, we are united in His loving presence, giving thanks for all our blessings. Actively participating in the preparation of something special allows us to truly experience all its flavor. I appreciate all the ways I can “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:9
Maria Montalvo
 
December 14, 2025 - True Joy
 
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be quite overwhelming for some of us. As Christmas nears, I hear the clock on the wall ticking… loudly. My invisible Santa suit is definitely weighing me down. I feel like I need a red cape on my back and a big “S” across my chest instead. With little time and limited resources, I inevitably find myself scrambling to “make it all happen.” The unnecessary stress I put on myself can smother the joy leading up to Christmas — if I let it. I know I’m not alone.
 
I turn to God for guidance and remind myself that some things I simply cannot control. I CAN, however, control how I react to situations and where I place importance. I have found that if I simplify my life and remain Christ centered, I receive much needed peace. If I tune out the noise around me, I hear what God is whispering. If I abstain from consuming what is unhealthy, I taste the fruits of the Spirit. If I ward off cold-heartedness, I feel the warmth of Christ and others. If I look beyond materialism, I’m able to witness the true meaning of Christmas.
 
With this in mind, I pray for all those who are struggling this holiday season. Let us open our hearts to the joy that Christmas brings and let nothing steal it from us. As challenges come and go, how wonderful it is that God’s presence is steadfast! May our faith be as well. True joy comes from knowing God is with us — always.
Maria Montalvo

December 1, 2025 - Dad and I
My dad was born before World War I and orphaned as an early teen.  He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star during World War II.  His unit liberated a concentration camp, and he remarked that he never understood how human beings could treat one another like that.  He also witnessed first-hand the courage of Japanese-American soldiers.  As a citizen, he lived through the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, September 11, and the conflict in Afghanistan.  He was proud to serve, believed in ideals over self-interest, and a just cause.  He recognized the scars: physical, emotional, and spiritual that violence leaves.  He saw that his faith was equally his relationship with God and his relationship with his fellow man. He saw the world the way Jesus did, with a kind heart.  A favorite expression of his called for walking in the shoes of another person before judging them. 
            If living, I think he would ask how we have arrived at this point as a society:  our leaders blame the powerless for our societal problems; we staunchly and rightly defend unborn life  but don’t do enough to preserve quality of life for those already born; children of God are rounded up and sent to places that are less safe and with little hope; these same are referred to with words typically applied to toxins and unwanted pests.   My dad would be appalled. He used Jesus’ teachings to guide his life, as do I.  How can I make a difference?
Ray Frink
 
 December 2, 2025 - Different is OK
The option for the poor is emphasized in the Catholic faith.  I have written before about Jesus’ repeated call to service to the marginalized in society.   Words like option and marginalized are code words for being different.  I recently read an article detailing the understanding an evangelical pastor developed when he learned his son was gay.   The strongest forces in that relationship were love of God and love of one another.  Love and faith prevailed.  I have seen and read true stories where the power of love was sometimes successful and sometimes failed to overcome differences of skin color, class bias, and bigotry.  In my life I dated young ladies of brown color, tall, short, and older.  I know gay couples and lesbian partners who love each other and have built lives together that serve their communities.   Looking back on all of this and reflecting on what Jesus’ words and actions mean for me, all reduces to the second great commandment:  Love my neighbor.  I think the most inspiring and powerful substance I will ever encounter is love.   When it is allowed to operate to its fullest, love is messy, it is painful, I can easily make it complicated, but in the end, the reward is greater than can be imagined.  It is always a good time for me to reflect on how I have allowed love to operate in my life.  It is OK to be different in the light of God’s love. 
Ray Frink
 
December 3, 2025 - Jesus’ Way
Rev Benjamin Cremer, a Wesleyan pastor said: “One lesson that we Christians have not learned in the last 2000+ years is that Jesus had no political control over the Roman Empire and he still changed the entire world. We keep trying to change the world the way the Roman Empire did, instead of the way Jesus did.”  This thought unsettles me as any message from the Holy Spirit should.  
I am compelled to ask myself if I am more like the apostles who wanted to form an invincible army of followers with weapons of steel that would drive out the Romans or an invincible army whose weapons are mercy, compassion, and service.  Wherever you or I stand on difficult issues in our Church or world, we are lured into making rules and regulations to have our way, rarely asking if that is Christ’s way.   I have to constantly remined myself that the Holy Spirit is present and Jesus walks beside me.   It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword, but service to the least of my brothers is mightiest of all.  I have time, talent, and treasure. Time is the most valuable, I have some talent, and treasure is the least important.  It is nice to have treasure, but Jesus reminds us that time and talent are what he seeks.  Let’s go change the world the way Jesus did.  
Ray Frink
 
December 4, 2025 - Let Go
When our son, Greg, was a toddler, he developed symptoms of a hip infection that required a blood draw.  I was already an MD.  He was too young to understand what was happening, so as I held him for the phlebotomist, Greg got one hand free and hit me in the chest, proclaiming loudly, “Bad Daddy, Bad Daddy”.  He has no recollection of this (he still loves his father) but I remember it clearly.   With as much knowledge and experience as I had, both inside and outside of medicine, this tore at my heart.  I am not a hard person, but can be hardened to emotions in the room when the circumstances need me to be calm, clear, and dispassionate. This ability is something I look for when needed and it always seems to come.  I recognize that there is a price to be paid.  As I have grown older and had time to reflect on this behavior, I now realize that this was a gift from the giver of all gifts, but the cost of holding anxiety and worry inside is that it needs to be released later.  The problem arises when I hold it in and move on to the next problem without reflection.  It’s OK to be strong, to be the one others turn to, but I must remember that Jesus our Lord shares all that we do and asks us, when we need to, to just let go.
Ray Frink

December 5, 2025 - Sin of Anger
I committed a sin that I will call the ‘cancer of anger in the world’.  I had an exchange with my new insurance agent over the phone. The prior agent had retired.  The details are unimportant except to say the insurance staff conceded that the changes and notifications should have happened differently.  At one point I raised my voice.  You who know me, know that I don’t curse or insult, but I have a powerful voice, useful as a lector, but not for expressing frustration.   That was my sin.  Then the Holy Spirit spoke.   I realized that anger had crept into my voice and into our society in ways that are destructive.  The human injustices I read about, the degradation of our environment, the abandonment of the less fortunate both at home and abroad, violate Christ’s and the Church’s teachings about caring for all of God’s children and this beautiful planet we inherited from our forebears and borrowed from our children.  I won’t get angry though.  I learned from my exchange with the insurance agent that keeping the Trinity foremost in my mind when I initiate a task will prevent the ‘cancer of anger’ from infiltrating my reactions.  I have much to do both on a personal and civic level for the homeless, the hungry, and those living on the margins of society.  Daily, I will ask, Lord, what are WE going to do today.
Ray Frink
 
December 6, 2025 - Volunteer
     President Teddy Roosevelt said: “Far and away the best prize life has to offer is the chance to work hard on work worth doing.”  Surveys show fewer people volunteer their time. I volunteer because Jesus asks and because I have the opportunity to teach.  I volunteer because when I do, I interact with strangers for a goal outside of my experience.  Volunteering strengthens my Church and my faith.  It also reenforces my belief that no one should be hungry or homeless, and that we are stewards of the natural world, never asking anything in return, Luke 6: 32.
     Except for years when school involved irregular and exhausting hours, I have volunteered, and even then, the schoolwork was worth doing.  Since then, my volunteer work included our children’s activities and still includes SS Peter and Paul.  Over the years, volunteer activities changed; some stayed the same.   I can no longer climb on a roof, but I will move boxes of produce and help fill and hand out hundreds of bags of groceries.  I’ll move blocks of frozen fish and lead hour long walking tours. I lector and usher. 
 St Teresa of Avila said, “Christ has no body but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks with compassion on this world.”  Arthur Ashe said: “Start where you are. Use what you have.  Do what you can.” A saint, a tennis legend, and a president can’t all be wrong.
Ray Frink
 
December 7, 2025 - The Reclamation Sacrament
 I have heard the word reclamation many times.  It has referred to old neighborhoods with decaying buildings, reversing the effects of mining and the lumber industry, and in woodworking, the use of previously used wood.  For me it has a more important meaning which accompanies the Sacrament of Reconciliation.   I availed myself of Reconciliation recently.  The next day I heard a reflection based on 1 Maccabees 4 and Luke 19:45 about reclaiming the temple in Jerusalem. It struck me that reclamation is happening in the sacrament of reconciliation.   I am reconciled to God. I reclaim my life and I am reclaimed.  By admitting my errors and praying to do better, I am reclaiming my life physically because much of the sin I commit comes from the world around me.  I reclaim my spiritual life by bringing my mistakes to God. Reclamation always involves transformation:  removing the interior of an old building, planting new trees and restoring healthy soil, shaving boards to be square for use, or changing habits and avoiding temptation.  Spiritually I can improve my prayer life, make use of the sacraments, and reflect on how God is present in the circumstances of my life.  Reconciliation allows me to begin the reclamation process.   Then I can build a new spiritual and physical life of the type Jesus describes in his ministry guided by prayer, the sacraments, reflection, compassion, mercy, and service.    
Ray Frink


Reflections for the week of November 24-30, 2025

November 24, 2025 - The Kingdom of God 
I have been frustrated and angry for the past few days. I’m in the middle of a battle over my favorite pecan tree.  The battle is with… a squirrel.  The tree has a full, heavy crop this year, the best we have had in years. The pecans are large and not quite ripe, but Mr. Squirrel doesn’t seem to be that picky.   He spends day and night running back and forth between the tree and various places in the yard where he hides his precious treasure.  I know from past experience that he has a terrible memory, and most of these will sprout as baby pecan trees in places where I don’t want them. And did I mention, pecan sprouts are really hard to pull up?
This morning, I was weeding one of my flower beds and found several buried pecans. Spirit caught my attention and whispered—"the kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seeds, or like a squirrel that hides nuts… Some will sprout here and some there.  Some will be eaten and some lost. But there will be enough for everyone—the squirrels and the birds and even for stingy you.”  God’s grace is abundant.  Even the silly little squirrel seems to know that.  And I think God also understands that unlike the birds of the air, as a human I need my reassurances. So the little wire mesh bags I bought to protect some of the pecans are ok too.                                                           
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio 

November 25, 2025 - Right in Front of Me
We were in Taos and Santa Fe recently.  I was struck by the beauty of landscapes that were unfamiliar—high desert. Maybe it was because we were on vacation and more relaxed, or maybe it was the difference in terrain, but everything was beautiful.  It was as if I were seeing with new eyes. I remember Thomas Merton writing about his experience of standing on a busy street corner in Louisville and having a moment of realization that everything is connected: “I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all these people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. It was like waking from a dream of separateness, of spurious self-isolation in a special world.” I supposed moments like this are pure gift. We can’t make them happen. But maybe we can make ourselves susceptible to the grace of Spirit that shows us a reality that we often miss.  On the flight home, I was looking out the window of the airplane at the clouds. We were flying above them, and they were fluffy and full. It looked like we were in a magical land of snow castles. Funny how people will go to amusement parks and pay money to experience fantasy lands and then get on a plane and not even look out the window. Abba, help me to see the beauty and joy of life all around me and have gratitude.    
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
 
November 26, 2025 - Ceremony at Taos Pueblo
We visited Taos Pueblo, the home of the Red Willow people who built the pueblo between 1000 and 1450 A.D. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited communities in the United States and a World Heritage site. The historic village of 19 acres contains multi-story structures made from traditional adobe bricks. There is no electricity, and water comes from a stream. Central is an adobe Catholic church.  As we approach the season of Advent, I will share their Christmas tradition which is a mix of native tradition and Catholicism.  As the sun sets on Christmas eve, a group of men carry a large statue of the Virgin Mary out of the church and through the village—a posada. The procession is accompanied by ancient hymns, drumming, and celebratory rifle fire, which echoes against the adobe walls.  Bonfires are lit around the village, and the deer dance is performed. 
Learning about this celebration, I was struck by how peoples from all different cultures have received the Catholic faith and made it their own. Given that the faith was brought by the same foreigners who attacked the village and stole much of their land, how did they not reject the faith based on the behavior of the Spanish who brought it?? And yet they seemed to have recognized something beyond the bearers of the message. And they made connections to their own intuitive experiences of God. The Spanish didn’t bring God. He was already there.                                    
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio 
 
November 27, 2025 - Jesus at the Airport
Traveling during a government shutdown has its risks.   Add to that a storm in the east and flight delays are inevitable. Ugh.  The delays during our recent trip reminded me of a similar experience many years ago.   It was an experience where I encountered Jesus in the form of a little nun in the O’Hare Airport.  I was in my early thirties and thought being a strong female meant being assertive and somewhat demanding.  My flight had been cancelled, and I was in line with every other frustrated person stuck in Chicago. When I got to the counter, I was assertive and demanding. After all, it was the airline’s responsibility to put me on another flight, and no, waiting until the next day was not an option.  I was not rude, but I was demanding (and maybe a bit entitled).  Then this short, petite woman behind me in line, said, “you know it’s not her fault.” She had all the telltale signs of being a Sister… I sheepishly nodded and adjusted my tone.  I don’t remember what happened regarding my flight, but I do remember the nun all these years later.  I remember how she showed up and was a reminder from God to be gentle with my fellow humans on this journey of life.                                                                   
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
 
November 28, 2025 - “Shepherds that Transcend Partisanship”
 
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops just concluded their fall meeting in Baltimore a couple of weeks ago. One report on the meeting shared a quote that I found particularly helpful in these tense political times. Pope Leo’s representative to the United States, papal nuncio Cardinal Christophe Pierre, commented on political divisions present in American life and perceived issues present among the U.S. Catholic bishops. He said,
“In our engagement with public life, we are not chaplains to parties or distant commentators, but shepherds who bring the breadth of Catholic social teaching into civic discourse in a way that transcends partisanship.”  
 
Why do I find this statement so compelling? Maybe because I have been searching for a way to express the idea that as a Christian, by following Jesus I am not bound by party or nationality or ethnicity.  This is not the same as saying, everyone is allowed their point of view, or about being wishy washy to avoid conflict. For me it is the very hard work of rejecting labels and containers and faithfully discerning what God calls me to do in each new situation.                                                 
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
 
November 29, 3035 - Dilexi Te – To All Christians on Love for the Poor
I am part of a group of online friends who are reading Pope Leo’s Dilexi Te, which translates to “I have loved you.” It references Rev 3:8-9 where the Lord is speaking to a very poor Christian community that was treated with contempt. “You have but little power… I will make them come and bow down before your feet.” At a time when so much of our world seems to be in turmoil, I find Pope Leo’s choice to continue Pope Francis’ focus on the Church’s care for the poor both challenging and very hopeful. We have only read the first few sections. To me, the verses in Revelation seem to say, you who feel unworthy of love, you who think you are forgotten, I, the God of the universe, love you. I see you.  
 
In Dilexi Te, Pope Leo writes, “ [Today,] a culture still persists, sometimes well disguised, that discards others without even realizing it and tolerates with indifference that millions of people die of hunger or survive in conditions unfit for human beings. God has a special place in His heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and He asks us, His church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.” 
Lord, help me to overcome my indifference and unconsciousness about the needs of the weakest. Help me to love like you!                                                                            
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
 
November 30, 2025 - Preparing for Advent
This is the first Sunday of Advent. I had planned to write something about how God sent Jesus into the midst of conflict, into poverty, into great risk… into the brutality of the Roman Empire, to a family of poor refugees who had to flee for their lives.  In a time when so much of the world is suffering, remembering the setting of the first Christmas is important.  God is with us in our suffering.  God is with us as the Body of Christ as we meet our brothers and sisters in their suffering and serve as Christ’s hands and feet. 
 
But before I sat down to write, I was looking out my back window with my cup of coffee, and I noticed a doe and a young buck munching on the grass and leaves. Sweet, but not unusual.  They were under a tree just below the rock wall that holds my herb garden. As I watched I saw a little flash of something…an ear.  Oh, I thought, there are three.  Then, like a magical, animated Christmas card, ears and eyes popped up above the rosemary and disappeared again only to pop up a few feet further along the wall. There were not three but six deer munching. God showed up in surprising gifts of black noses and big dark eyes and large soft ears. I was delighted!  God is full of surprises. Always with us—both in suffering and in joy. Come, Emmanuel!                              
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio 

Reflections week of 11-17-25
November 17, 2025 - A Month of Reflection
More than any other month, November invites us to pause, remember, and give thanks. On November 1st, we celebrate All Saints Day, honoring all the saints, known and unknown, who now rejoice in the presence of God as part of the Church Triumphant. These holy men and women remind us that we, too, are called to holiness and to live lives that reflect God’s love. On November 2nd, All Souls Day, we pray for all the faithful departed who have gone before us. Through our prayers, we unite ourselves with them in hope and love, trusting in God’s mercy and promise of eternal life. On November 11th, we observe Veterans Day, giving thanks for the men and women who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice. May we remember them in our prayers, asking God to bless all who work for peace and freedom. And on Thanksgiving Day, we turn our hearts to God in gratitude for His endless blessings, for the gift of family and friends, and for His faithful presence through every season of our lives.
Each of these observances calls me to remember, to pray, and to give thanks. Lord in this November, let me take time to slow down and reflect on God’s goodness. In remembering others, we also remember the One who has given us all things.                         
Kurt Peterson
 
November 18, 2025– Preparation
“I go to prepare a place for you… and I will come again and take you to myself.” John 14:2-3.  Reading these words reminds me of an ancient Jewish tradition where the betrothed groom, prior to the marriage begins an expansion onto his father’s home for them to live in. He would return for the wedding and then take his bride to their new home.  I picture Jesus as the Bridegroom, lovingly preparing a home for His bride. Though Jesus is not physically here, he’s not distant or gone. He’s getting things ready for me. That thought fills me with both comfort and challenge. Heaven isn’t just about someday, it’s about now. Each day, Jesus is shaping my heart, teaching me to trust, forgive, and love more like Him. I want to live ready, so when He calls, I’ll recognize His voice and follow Him home.
Lord Jesus, thank You for preparing a place for my soul.  As I wait, prepare my soul for that place. Help make me ready to live with You forever. Amen.                                                                 
Kurt Peterson
 
November 19, 2025 – Healing                                                                                                                                       
Our bodies are an amazing creation of God—what He designed is truly mind-blowing. About a month ago, I scraped my wrist badly. The wound was large, and I had to resist the urge to pick at the scab as it healed. Over time, new skin formed underneath the scab and little by little, the scab fell away until there was no trace of the injury left.
As I watched that healing process, I couldn’t help but think about how God does the same with our emotional and spiritual wounds. When we let Him, He begins to restore what’s been broken. But just like with a physical wound, healing takes time; and sometimes the hardest part is not reopening what He’s already started to mend.
Jesus, I bring You my wounded heart. Help me to trust Your timing and let Your love make me whole.                                                                                                                                                                                       
Kurt Peterson
 
November 20, 2025 - How Much More Will He Do?
We recently refreshed our dining room, and one meaningful change was replacing a large mirror with a large painting. The painting shows a field of spring flowers and includes the verse from Matthew 6:28: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.” This verse is especially dear to my wife, Sarah’s, heart. Jesus reminds us to look at the world around us and to see how the flowers and the birds live free from worry. They do not stress over tomorrow;  God provides everything they need. How often I forget that truth! Worry adds nothing to our lives. In fact, it often takes away our time, our peace, even our health. Jesus gently points us back to trust: if God cares for the lilies and the birds, how much more will He care for us?
So today, I choose to rest in that promise and reorder my heart toward what matters most.
Lord, I will seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness first. Give me strength to do so. 
Kurt Peterson
 
November 21, 2025 – Love Letters from God
When Sarah and I were first dating, I spent a summer on tour with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps. We couldn’t see each other, but we wrote letters constantly. We would have Mail Call in places like Racine or Des Moines, which was the highlight of my week. Each letter helped me know her heart better, even from miles away.
It’s the same with God. We can’t see Him face to face, but He’s written to us through His Word. If I want to know Jesus, I must read His love letters, the Bible, and listen to what He’s saying. That’s how a real relationship grows.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105                                  
Kurt Peterson
  
 
November 22, 2025 – Barking
Our dog Izzy can be a little too protective of our home. If someone she doesn’t know comes to the door, Amazon, UPS, or a stranger, she barks like she’s guarding a castle. But when one of our children, grandchildren, or some friends she knows arrive, she doesn’t bark. Without seeing them, she somehow knows who they are and waits eagerly to greet them. It’s amazing how she can sense the difference.
In a way, God is like that with us. He knows who belongs to Him before we even knock. He recognizes the hearts of His children and welcomes them with open arms. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Just as Izzy finds peace and joy when family comes to the door, God rejoices when we come to Him. And like Izzy, we too can learn to discern—to guard our hearts from what doesn’t belong and to open them wide to the One who does.                                                         Kurt Peterson

November 23, 2025– It Would Have Been Enough
During the Passover Seder, the Dayenu is sung as a reminder of how God blessed His people during the Exodus. Each stanza ends with the word Dayenu, meaning “It would have been enough.” It’s a declaration that every blessing from God stands on its own — that even one act of His goodness would have been enough reason for gratitude.
Too often we slip into a “what have You done for me lately” attitude, looking for the next blessing instead of giving thanks for the ones already given. But every gift from God is an expression of His grace, not something we have earned.
This Thanksgiving, our family will do our own Dayenu — recounting the blessings God has poured out on us. And if He gives us no more, the ones He’s already given “would have been enough.”                                 Kurt Peterson

November 10, 2025 - Pope(s)
Today’s mass is the Memorial of St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church.  There have been fourteen Popes who’ve taken the name Leo and five of those have been canonized to sainthood.  The present pope has taken that name, Leo XIV.  The name Leo derives from the Latin word for lion, an animal known to be strong and courageous.  Today’s recollection of St. Leo the Great tells of a man who displayed strength and courage in his leadership of a church growing in an unwelcoming world by displaying the attribute of caring for the poor.  He reportedly cut his cape in two with his sword to share with a beggar who had no cloak against the cold.  Pope Leo XIV has followed his predecessor in focusing his efforts in serving the poor, the immigrant, the unhoused and following the example of Jesus not simply with words but with actions and exhortations to world leaders and us.  Lord Jesus help me to practice what I preach and follow the example of all those Leos who followed/follow you.       Deacon David
 
November 11, 2025 - Another Church Guy: Bishop
Today at mass we memorialize St. Martin of Tours, Bishop.  He is known for his goodness, mercy and service to the poor.  I only know of him because the pastor of the St. Martin of Tours parish in L.A. was the leader, teacher, mentor and friend Jane and I came to know as the Director of the Lay Mission Helpers Association.   He accepted, trained and sent us to our three-year mission in Nyeri, Kenya in 1969.  Msgr. O’Leary (R.I.P.) followed the example of St. Martin by recruiting, training and sending people like us to share our skills and knowledge with the native people amongst whom we lived and worked.  That was our job: to work ourselves out of a job.  It may seem counterintuitive, but we needed household help there, so we hired a houseboy who helped care for our young children, clean the house, wash clothes and let us work in the town.  He became a part of our family.  We used our small stipend to pay his wages, to buy gas and local produce and not much else.  We like to think we did a bit to help alleviate poverty by our lives and work.   Pray that our models, St. Martin, Msgr. O’Leary and all those who devote their lives to service of others will continue to lead us in our faith to do the same.                     Deacon David

November 12, 2025 - We Are Family
There is no dispute that there is much disharmony in our society linked largely to our political persuasions.  People seem quicker to judge and be argumentative about everything from the colors you prefer to the make of car you buy.  While I like to look people in the eye and smile at them, I’ve noticed lately that not everyone takes that in a positive way.  Jane’s given me permission to relate to you an experience she had in an airport recently:  She was sitting and waiting for the call to board her flight. She was in a wheelchair parked in an area with several other folks in wheelchairs.  After eating a gooey snack with her coffee, she realized she had no napkin…and so did another of the wheelchair ladies.  That woman left her wheelchair and offered Jane a couple of napkins just as another woman approached and offered her a wet wipe.   Jane thanked them both profusely and both she and the others exchanged smiles.  A moment later Jane dropped her cane and was about to get up to retrieve it when the napkin lady went over and picked it up for her.  Smiles and thanks again.   Jane’s takeaway:  no one asked about her political affiliation or ethnicity or pronoun…they were all responding to a need, just as Jesus would’ve done.  Once again, I’m reminded of Rodney King’s question…”can’t we all just get along?”  Jane’s airport experience leads me to think that we can.                                         
Deacon David
 
November 13, 2025 - “Gimmies”
This is the time of year that I feel so very sorry for the mail carriers in my neighborhood where we still have deliveries to the house.  You know what I’m talking about.  The requests for donations, not just from politicians across the country (can you spare just $3.22?) but also every nonprofit organization saying their cause is running out of funds so please send what you can. I can, and do, easily disregard the politicos but my heart tugs my hand towards my checkbook for the groups that serve the poor, the homebound, the homeless, the hungry and so on.   When I bring the mail in, I often say to Jane that there are nothing but gimmies in today’s mail.  I hate to dismiss these requests in that way but there are just so many.  Then Jesus’ admonition to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned rings in my conscience.  What do we do?  What do you do? You’re right, do what you can and thank God for your good fortune and know you are appreciated.  Above all I continue to pray for those who struggle to feed their children and find a warm place to sleep.   I pray that the leaders of the world will respond to the needs of all people, not just those who contribute to their campaigns.   I do have to remember that these needs are constant, throughout the year and remember the parable of the widow’s mite…she gave all she had.  I don’t think I could do that, but I’ll try to give more.                                               Deacon David
 
 
November 14, 2025 - What Happens Next?
We recently met with our long-time dinner and discussion group and the topic for the evening was “what do you think happens to us when we die”.  You might think that the discussion would’ve taken fifteen or twenty minutes in total, but it took more than that as we considered what the catechism tells us, what philosophers tell us and what our individual life experiences tell us.  Of course, in the end, no one knows but each of us said something about the concept of heaven. Where is heaven?  Will I see my loved ones in there?  And so on. What is God like?  Is he/she touchable?  Is he/she just a spirit?  How about judgment day?  How about atheists…where do they go?  What about sinners…where do they go and for how long?  Oh my! More questions than answers. The Bible tells us Jesus said his house has many mansions (so is it like Beverly ills)?)HillHills?). In short it was a great discussion which led to no answers but renewed our belief in the reality of God both in our lives and in what we anticipate.  I pray for those who don’t believe or those who haven’t heard the Good News and those who don’t have the freedom to gather and discuss what we, in our limited ability, have opportunity to do.                       
Deacon David
 
November 15, 2025 - What Do I Want?
The Communion antiphon for the mass (Saturday. Weekday) today uses a portion of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want….” That is so true for me. I am very fortunate to be a part of the O.C.I.A. team who meet with folks who have taken the sometimes-difficult step of seeking more information about the Catholic church.  The first step in their process is to join a group called Inquiry.  They are encouraged to ask questions, any questions about who, what, why, where and how related to the mass, priests and deacons, stories they’ve heard and so on.   On a recent night six women not only asked questions of we two facilitators but each also told all of the group of their own faith journeys and reasons for checking out the Catholic church and what they want and expect of the Catholic church.  As it is each time I am a part of such a discussion I am called to remember my own journey of faith and becoming a member of the church and most especially, looking back 65 years or so, at what it was I wanted and what it is I still want.  Having heard the stories of these six women has given me the joy I was told I’d experience of knowing Jesus, receiving Jesus in the Word and the Eucharist and being able to share that joy with people who want what I’ve been given in such abundance.                                   
Deacon David
 
November 16, 2025 - Rain
About a week ago we got some rain, and it tamped down the ever-present dust in the air where we live.  I thought for awhile about how rain happens and what an awesome gift it is.   Rain not only cleanses the air we breathe but it cleanses the world and blesses the land. It gives growth to the food we eat, the trees that shade us and the flowers that give us joy.  Those thoughts led me to remember a song we have sung in church that, once sung, lingers for days repeating the refrain…”rain down, rain down, rain down your love on your people “.  I took the time to think about the abundance of love and gifts I have received and continue to receive which, like the rain, fall on me whether I deserve them or not
The story doesn’t end there because those gifts are not given/received for me alone.  I am to share them, pass them on, give them away.  Some of those gifts have been the many       T-shirts imprinted with pictures and sayings given to religious ed teachers at SSPP, such as a recent one with the words: God is good, all the time.  I wear those shirts as I go about my daily chores and while at Safeway recently a lady remarked to me “…I like your shirt, amen”. Other shirts have evoked similar responses.  Gifts?  We too are a sort of rain by how we live our lives and, in a way, nourish others.   Thank God for the rain, thank SSPP for such a simple way to communicate our faith and thank you for raining down your love on me.    
Deacon David

November 3, 2025- So Many Souls
 Yesterday, as we celebrated All Souls Day, we had a chance to reflect on all of the souls who have left this earth. It can be so difficult to feel the loss of our loved ones.  So many of you have lost spouses, siblings, children, family, and friends.  As I age, the number of losses continues to grow.  I have found that the words contained within the Catholic funeral liturgy sum up what we believe about those who have died. “Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed, not ended.”  This means that we can continue to pray for those who have died, and I believe they are praying for me as well.  What a beautifully consoling message!
Darcy Wharton
 
 November 4, 2025- A Simple Mailing
 About six weeks ago, I had some extra time at work and I offered to put labels on envelopes for our financial statement mailing.  Others had done about 300 of them, but that left 2300 labels left for me!  I soon discovered that I recognized so many of the names.  There were families whose children are the same age as mine and they served as catechists when I was coordinating the parish’s middle school program.  There were others that I knew from choir and Ladies Guild and other ministries.  I recognized many of the families because I have facilitated the baptism of their children.  There were many families that I haven’t seen in years.  However, as each of the labels went on, I prayed that their time at our parish is (or was) fulfilling in some way.  I hope they found God here in this community.  This simple mailing allowed me to feel even more connected to all of you.  Thank you for your presence in our community!
 Darcy Wharton
 
 November 5, 2025- An Everlasting Bond
 A gentleman walked into the parish office a couple of months ago and wanted to speak with a priest.  He mentioned that he had some questions about the afterlife.  Since Fr. Renier was away on the pilgrimage, our office manager suggested that perhaps he speak with me.  
 The conversation was a beautiful one.  He simply wanted assurance that he would see his wife in heaven and that they would recognize one another.  His love for his wife who had passed away eight years ago was palpable.  
 There are a lot of mysteries surrounding what happens when we die, but I am confident that the God who loves us will reunite us with our loved ones one day.  We are all likely familiar with stories of people who have had near-death experiences and many talk about seeing their relatives.  This makes perfect sense to me. It was nice to know that I was in the right place at the right time to reassure this sweet man that he would once again see the love of his life.  In the meantime, he can rest assured that God’s (and her) loving presence surrounds him.
Darcy Wharton  
 
November 6, 2025- Where There is Love
 Our middle daughter Sarah got married two months ago in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  It was a beautiful and meaningful event.  While I would have loved to have had at least one of my daughters choose a church wedding, none of them did.  However, each of the weddings was filled with love.  Since I believe that God is love, God’s presence was there.  In this most recent wedding, we heard it in the kind words spoken about my daughter and her husband.  We witnessed deep love in the vows exchanged and we saw it in the hugs and happy tears with friends and family and in the traditions like the father-daughter and mother-son dances.
 God’s love clearly cannot be limited to a building.  I pray that I can always be on the lookout for God in expected and unexpected places!
 Darcy Wharton
 
 November 7, 2025- Let Them
 About a year ago, I was introduced to podcasts produced by Mel Robbins.  She has articulated a theory called “let them” which helps people understand that they don’t need to worry so much about what other people think of them.  It can be easy to get too fixated on getting people to see us in a positive light and in her mind, that’s a waste of time.  She suggests moving on!
 Jesus basically said the same thing to his disciples when he said, ““Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.”  It seems that Jesus knew that it is a waste of time festering resentment or holding onto anger when people disappoint us.  Mel Robbins follows up “let them” with the idea that we should then say “let me”.  For example, if we think someone thinks ill of us, we “let them”, and then we say, “let me” decide to move on or to forgive.  Following Jesus’ directive to “shake the dust off my feet” is a great way to remember that I can only be responsible for my own thoughts and actions.  This can lead to a greater sense of freedom to follow God more faithfully.
Darcy Wharton
 
 November 8, 2025- Hypocrisy
 For some reason, I have become more aware lately of hypocrisy.  I can easily become frustrated and disappointed in that kind of behavior, especially when I find it in people in authority or leadership or in someone for whom I have previously held great respect.  However, I recall learning in psychology that we see things in others that we fail to see in ourselves.  
 If that’s true, I have a lot of work to do!  Jesus’ question, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” is a painful reminder that humility is the best path.  
 
Loving God, help us see ourselves more clearly and see others in the light of your love.
 Darcy Wharton
 
 November 9, 2025- Honoring the Places We Pray
 Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica.  At first glance, it might seem odd that we have a feast day celebrating a building.  After all, most of our feast days celebrate saints or beliefs we hold strongly.  Lately, though, I am beginning to see it differently.  A few months ago, my husband and I were fortunate to be able to go to Italy.  We did not get to Rome, but we saw MANY churches in the Tuscan region! Many of the churches are no longer functioning as parishes, but are open for people to go in to visit.  In doing so, I was overcome with a sense of awe in considering ALL of the people who have prayed in those buildings through the centuries.  I also considered all of the people who were part of constructing these beautiful buildings, knowing that in some small way they were contributing to the worship of many.
 
 There is something sacred about honoring the places where we gather as believers.  It now makes complete sense to me that we honor the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, the official ecclesiastical seat of the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome.  
 
Thank you, Lord, for giving us special places of beauty in which we can gather to worship you. 
 Darcy Wharton

October 27, 2025 – Grounded
Static electricity, which is often caused by friction, can build up on a radio antenna and interfere with the signal, resulting in static or noise.   A good grounding, however, provides a path for this static to safely discharge preventing it from interfering with the radio’s reception.
 
When it comes to our relationship with God, the friction of our lives can interfere with our ability to hear and see things clearly.  But when we ground ourselves with prayer, community, scripture and the Eucharist, we increase our reception of the “signal.”   It’s the same set of instructions Jesus gave his disciples as they encountered fear and rejection: pray, trust and share a meal.  
-Katie Maynard
 
 October 28, 2025 – Great Amen
Amen is the Hebrew word meaning, “so be it” and it is a declaration of faith, belief and conviction.  When we collectively sing the Great Amen at the conclusion of the Eucharistic prayer, we join in this declaration together as we celebrate what has taken place at the consecration.
 
This past summer, our Sunday 5pm choir was stretched in new ways with the absence of some of our choir members and instrumentalists.  It was so touching to see the ways that everyone helped one another, especially when it came to the Great Amen…because without melody, we were frozen in our tracks.  Week after week, we practiced the mass parts in new ways, and eventually it all came together.
 
It's true that in times of struggle and vulnerability, it can be tempting to believe we are alone.  But when we turn and lean on each other, the melody comes together and we find our Great Amen.
-Katie Maynard
  
October 29, 2025 – Nonverbal Cues
My youngest daughter recently got braces, and as she laid in the dental chair with her mouth wide open, I found myself watching her hands, feet and breath movements.  For most of the time, her feet were moving back and forth, most likely a sign of generalized anxiety from what was happening in her mouth.  Occasionally though, her legs would have sporadic fits of movement and her breathing would quicken, signaling discomfort from the contraption holding her mouth open, and the sour-tasting dental cement.
 
As a mother, I was a bit of a nervous wreck, not being able to hear her speak, but I immediately advocated for her and squeezed her hand, when I saw her nonverbal cues asking for help.
I think God watches us in this way too, when we can’t find the words to express what we need or when we need His help or intercession.  He is watching our feet and our breath, and is ready to be our comfort and greatest advocate.
-Katie Maynard
 
 October 30, 2025 – Moments of Whoa
Recently I volunteered to be a chaperone for my daughter’s Sly Park science camp.  On the last day of the week, our hiking guide and Sly Park teacher led us to one of the oldest Douglas Fir trees in the forest, aptly named “Grandpa Doug”.  He then shared impactful and formative moments from his own life in the forest.  He called these moments his, “Moments of Whoa” and encouraged students to think about their own moments during the week of camp.  
 
One boy came back from his journaling and shared that during his time in silence, he started to think about his childhood and, “all the good and hard moments.”  It was seemingly a new experience for him to reflect in this way, and I couldn’t help but think that this is exactly how God’s grace works.  In the quiet of our hearts, when we are able to notice our own moments of grace (whoa), or movements of the Spirit…the experience of awe and wonder changes us and draws us closer to God.  
-Katie Maynard
  
October 31, 2025 –Salvation History
The sixth-grade faith formation curriculum is one of my favorites, as it intersects so beautifully with the students’ social studies curriculum at school.  This past week, I invited the students in our faith formation class to gather around the maps of Ancient Israel on the wall, and their hands were flying up in the air as we talked about Mesopotamia, the Fertile Crescent and the story of Abraham.   They loved sharing what they already knew, and noting the connections between our faith in the God of Abraham, and the ancient world and civilizations of their textbooks.
 
The truth is that it is impossible to separate our faith from history, because that is where God finds us…reaching into our everyday lives for our salvation.
-Katie Maynard
 
November 1, 2025 – Thresholds
Maggie, our family dog, is just the sweetest pup.  She is so snuggly, gentle and fun, but she has a little “hang-up” when it comes to doorways and thresholds, especially when the floor is slippery in any way. Almost on a daily basis, we will hear her whimpering on the other side of a doorway, calling for our help to get across.  It doesn’t take much, in fact the only thing she needs is for one of us to be near and encourage her…letting her know that it’s okay and she can do it.
 
This feeling is familiar as I approach a transition to something new, especially when it seems precarious in any way.  The anticipation of crossing can be the hardest part and sometimes I just need someone else to walk with me.  Of course, there are people in my life who are there to help, but today as we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, we remember those who have come before us in faith: encouraging us and walking with us across the thresholds of life.
-Katie Maynard
 
 November 2, 2025 – Bristlecone Pine
The Bristlecone Pine grows at high altitude in arid regions and is known to be highly resistant to harsh weather and bad soils.  This past summer when we visited Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, we saw these pine trees, some of which are thousands of years old.   These trees stand firm and rooted in the desert rock, weathered and shaped by the sun, wind and sand.  
 
Today, as we celebrate All Souls Day and remember our loved ones who have passed away, I invite you to consider the bristlecone pine.  Our loved ones, although no longer with us in this life, are there with and for us…standing firm and rooted in our lives.  They are resilient enough to share our burdens and our sorrows, and in fact our relationship continues to be nurtured and shaped by our petition and their intercession.  
-Katie Maynard
 

October 20, 2025 - JMJ
When I was in school, the nuns had us write JMJ (for Jesus, Mary and Joseph) at the top of all of our work as a reminder that our work belongs to God.  We  did this in every class throughout grammar school .  I asked my older sisters, who were either in high school or working, if they did this, and they replied no; that it was a nice idea but it wasn’t appropriate for the workplace.  I was shocked!  I wondered how honoring God like that could ever be out of place and I responded in a rather proud and huffy way, that I would always give honor to God like that!   Of course by the time I started working out in the world I realized how easy it is to put JMJ on a piece of paper and how much more difficult it is to demonstrate it with my life.
Father, help me to consciously dedicate all of my work to you each day, with the same fervor and certainty that I had as a young girl.                                                                                                         
Jane Haproff
 
October 21, 2025 - Bridges
Recently David and I spent several days with our son who has a house on the Hudson River overlooking the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in New York.  The view of the river with the bridge just off to the right is beautiful.  One morning I sat there watching cars pass over the bridge in the slight distance.  I could make out the different shapes and colors of the vehicles as  they moved across the bridge.  I was struck by how they all shared the same goal:  to get across the river, but no two vehicles looked the same or drove the same to get there.  There were buses, semi-trucks, pickup trucks, mini-vans, sports cars,  and SUVs in all different colors.  One bright orange SUV stood out, even more than some of the trucks!  I was fascinated at how everyone moved in their own way, in their own style of vehicle and at their own speed.  And I wondered if that’s what we might look like to God, all of us wanting to achieve the ultimate happiness that He offers,  but all of us seeking it in our own ways. It was then that I felt joy and gratitude that I move along that bridge of life with a community that has nurtured me with opportunities to experience a foreshadowing of the happiness that awaits me at the end of the journey.                                 Jane Haproff
 
October 22, 2025 - Dark vs. Light
Bishop Barron gave an interesting definition of St.  John of the Cross’ dark night of the soul.  He explained it does not refer to depression as many think, but to the struggle to purge oneself of attachments  that may get in the way of making God primary in our lives.   He describes a two-step process  where the first phase is to rid oneself of pleasures of the senses that might interfere with God, the second step being to purge the soul of attitudes, concepts and ideas that might be substitutes for God.   I began to attempt to put some of this into place, ridding myself of what I thought might be false idols so to speak.  And I found how incredibly difficult it is!  Discouragement was waiting at every corner.  First, I’d  slip into old habits, then feel as if I had short changed God, recognize that God loved me anyway, warn myself that I didn’t want to slip into scrupulosity, then forgive myself.  As I repeated this cycle, I felt a sort of darkness of defeat hanging over me, even though I was doing all of this for God.  Then I wondered could this be what St. John was referring to as the dark night!   That childhood part of me that wanted to be a saint (but not a martyr) decided then to start over but gentler with myself.   That night as I closed my eyes, I saw light instead of darkness and decided that I will just continue trying to be a visible sign of God’s love to others and let go of sainthood!  I do so want nothing to come between me and God though…                                                                                                                                                     Jane Haproff
 
October 23, 2025 - “Those Were the Days My Friend,
Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end…”   
That old song floats through my head often these days. I continue to think that I’m the same person who heard it for the first time and wonder why my old friends are not.  As various infirmities catch up with each of us in one way or another I find myself thinking so much more often about the passage of time.  Some of this is nostalgia, but more often it is with an awareness of and immense gratitude for all of the good that I have been given.  Some of our friends are not as lucky, having lost most of their family already,  having no grandchildren to help them figure out their phones,  no one they can trust who lives close enough to be their medical proxy.  But the biggest loss I regret for some of those closest to me, is that they have no faith.   One of my close friends has stage four cancer, does not believe in God and is terrified of dying.  She asks me to pray for her, believing it may provide some kind of good luck charm, but she has nothing, no hope of seeing God that she looks forward to.  We talk about it sometimes, but she remains firm in her disbelief. Sometimes  I want to sing the above refrain to her, adding that those days…they don’t end.   We are formed by them, and we take them with us as part of who we are as we pass into another way of being, and that my friend, doesn’t end.                                                 
Jane Haproff
  
October 24, 2025 – The Sabbath
Rabbi Abraham Heschel in The Sabbath makes a distinction between what is sanctified by God and what is sanctified by man.  He reminds us that the acts of God make the seventh day  different.   God rested, blessed and hallowed the seventh day.  Jewish tradition holds that this day is not meant to be a “day of rest” to recover from work; rather it is a day to allow ourselves to be sanctified; it is a window apart from ordinary life that opens time.  And time is a dimension where we can find the essence of God because, as Heschel puts it: “There is no quality that space has in common with the essence of God.”  Only time, which is ”eternity in disguise” can provide that.  
These words about time haunt me. I love the idea of the sacredness of the sabbath as a special time set aside in order to focus on God’s presence.  The reverence, the longing, the commitment to experience the presence of God in time, in events and in the sabbath, since He cannot be fully recognized anywhere else is beautiful.  But it evokes a sadness in me that is connected to my firm conviction, my experience, that God is present here in time and space.  He is in fact present everywhere…but especially in the Eucharist and in each other, the Word, and in the priest who celebrates Mass.   I feel sad that others don’t know this and that I so often take that awareness for granted.                                                                    Jane Haproff  

October 25, 2025 – The Stranger
The other day a dirty, poorly dressed man wearing a torn blanket  wrapped around himself walked down our street, paused and looked around as if lost.   He   came over to the curb,  cleaned out our storm drain then proceeded down the street, stopping often and staring into space. We watched him from our window, not knowing what his needs were and trying to figure out how to offer some kind of help. Then he was down a side street and gone.  A few days later he returned.  This time his actions were a bit more erratic and the question was whether it was safe to approach him.  Each time I stood there, seeing the face of Jesus in this man and  wanting to do something.  As I dithered, he was gone again. It’s easier when someone approaches me and asks for help. I don’t have to figure out what to do.   The thing is I don’t know how to approach a stranger and offer help.  Though of course I do; I offer help to strangers under all different circumstances when the need is apparent:  a cell phone to someone clearly locked out of a car; helping a mom with grocery bags and a crying baby, covering a deficient amount in a grocery bill in line at the store.  Then I wondered:  how many times does Jesus, the stranger,  have to walk down my street before I throw caution to the wind and engage with him?                                                                      Jane Haproff
 
October 26, 2025 – The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor
Today’s readings deal with our attitudes toward the poor.  The irony of this isn’t lost on me, given the reflection that I wrote yesterday.   So I am pondering poverty, and what it means.  There are so many ways to be poor in our society.  There is or course the poverty of not enough money but there is also the poverty of loneliness, lack of community, poverty of ritual, poverty of mobility…the list goes on.  These problems and lacks have always existed, but their effects are worse when living in a culture of plenty where life’s excesses are constantly on display in commercials and social media where everyone is having fun.  These things are on my mind because a good friend just died; a very social person who lacked community and mobility.   He was ready to die, in fact yearned for it, so this is a good death, and I am happy for him.  But the shortages that were part of his later years sadden me.  He had the resources to pay for the care he needed, but money doesn’t solve all of the things that can be missing from a life.   Fortunately, he had a deep faith that kept him going.  And now he is wrapped in the arms of the Lord where there are no shortages and he lacks for nothing because the Lord hears the cry of the poor.              Jane Haproff