Dear Friends in Christ,

On the last Sunday of the year, the Feast of Christ the King, we focus on Christ as King of the universe, yet He was a man condemned to die on a cross. What a mysterious paradox! The Kingdom announced by the prophets has already come! Where is this Kingdom? Here, in the midst of us! Within us! What is this Kingdom like? Christ makes it clear to us over and over again: “My Kingdom is not of this world!” (John 18:36) “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them...It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant,” (Matthew 20:25-26)

Dear Friends in Christ,

The three readings from today’s mass challenge us to do good work, be wise in our activity and to know how to take advantage of our time, because we never know when our time will run out. The parable Christ tells us sets the tone for today’s biblical message: we must use well the gifts we have received, not just by spending all our talents, but by multiplying their fruits.

There is a Castilian saying that goes: “Praying to God, but still swinging the hammer.” (A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando.) Faith is one of the talents that we must invest. We are each beneficiaries of something more valuable than the huge quantities of money mentioned in the parable. To bury it in mere fulfillment of the law, in routine, or to hide it would make us worthy of the Lord’s condemnation. Rather, we must live our faith, nourish it, give testimony to it, and share it.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today, we are invited to mull over the purpose of our existence: it is a warning from the God about our ultimate end. We should not therefore, play with life. “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” (Matthew 25:1).The end of each person will depend on the path chosen. Death is a consequence of the life —wise or foolish— that has been led in this world. Foolish maidens are those who have heard Jesus' message but have not put it into practice. Wise maidens are those who have incorporated it into their lives; that's why they enter the wedding feast of the Kingdom.

Dear Friends in Christ,

The construction of our STEM Center at our parish school is progressing and remains on schedule! The footings are poured, and concrete block has arrived on site! More visible progress should be noticeable soon! Over fall break the installation of our new PA system began throughout our entire campus. This new system will tie into our new STEM Center seamlessly. Not only does it improve communication between rooms, but it also enhances announcements, bell schedule changes, and increases security on campus.

Dear Friends in Christ,

This week on Wednesday, we will celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, a holy day of obligation. This provides us with the opportunity to rejoice that there are countless people who have gone before us who are now enjoying the beatific vision, all the glories of living within the love of the Most Holy Trinity.

Then on Thursday, we will celebrate All Souls Day. On this day we recognize that many who die in a state of grace are not immediately prepared to stand before God and see Him face-to-face. God cannot look upon sin. The only way possible for us to stand before an all-righteous God is if every attachment to sin is purged from souls. But we should ask, how many people die in such a state?

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Pharisees come up with a new plan to try to trap Jesus during one of their debates by bringing up the hot topic of paying taxes. They inquire, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Jesus ably distinguishes between the rights of God and human authority; clearly pointing out that we are bound by our conscience to be honest with God and with others.

Dear Friends in Christ,

From our Gospel for today we can learn: We have all been invited to heaven, but whether we get in or not depends on each individual person. Arriving there is the most important task of your life and mine. What’s the good of a comfortable lifestyle, a successful career if we lose our soul? As St. Teresa of Avila says about true wisdom, “In the end, the one who gets it is the one who is saved; and the one who isn’t saved doesn’t understand anything at all.”

Dear Friends in Christ,

So, you have friends, neighbors or relatives that you are hoping might become Catholic, what can you do? Well, first of all, pray for them. Include them in your rosary, pray for them at adoration and pray for them during the Mass. As the gifts are brought up, offer your intentions with those gifts.

Another effective action you can take is to simply invite them to Mass. Many never do this because they are not sure how to make the invitation or perhaps, they fear rejection. I would like to offer some suggestions on inviting friends or family to Mass.

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Church’s entire social doctrine is guided by the fundamental principle that every human life has innate dignity and incomparable value: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14a) As disciples of Christ, we are called to make a sacrificial gift of ourselves for the sake of our neighbor, for “to love someone is to desire that person's good and to take effective steps to secure it.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in veritate (Charity in Truth), no. 7.)

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our faith. Accordingly, it is vitally important that we receive our Lord properly and in a state of grace. I’ve now been here over six months and have observed how people are receiving communion. Without a doubt, a few reminders are in order.

First, some of you are not bowing before you receive the Holy Eucharist. At that moment, we are face-to-face with Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity. The Bishops of the United States have decided that we should reverence our Lord with a slight head bow or kneel.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Visible progress continues to be made at the construction site for our parish school’s new STEM Center! The old concrete foundation was demolished, and site prep has now begun! Besides the visible progress that is taking place, our school administration and staff has been busy building our expanded curriculum that will prepare our students for the technological world of tomorrow.

Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic School not only offers the important foundational core courses in math, English, science, social studies, and religion that we are known for throughout the community, we also offer many “specials” including Spanish, German, PE, Library, STEAM, Art, and Music. Our graduates can earn up to four high school credits that the area public high schools accept.

Dear Friends in Christ,

On September 8th, I celebrated my 25th year as a Catholic. Naturally a milestone like that induces a lot of reflection. The first thought is, “Wow, that’s a long time! And then, where did all of that time go?

It also produces thoughts of thankfulness for the grace that God has bestowed on my life. So, I want to express my gratitude for the men and women who have helped me along the way, both Protestant and Catholic. We don’t make our journeys alone.

Dear Friends in Christ,

How do you start your day? What’s the first thing to which you turn your attention in the morning as you get up?

For me, I love to do a morning offering. After I make up my bed, it’s the first thing I do in the morning.

What is a morning offering? Well, basically you are offering or should I say reoffering yourself to God, body, soul, and spirit. You are offering the good, the bad and the ugly of the upcoming day to Jesus your Savior for some very specific prayer intentions. There are several versions of this prayer. One that I like has these words: