Reflection by: Fr. Alberto Bueno, T.O.R.
My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today we begin, in earnest, the winter portion of Ordinary Time. But this week is also the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, celebrated as an octave (January 18-25) throughout the Catholic Church, as well as by many other Christian churches and denominations. Throughout these eight days let us fervently pray that, under the guidance of the One Spirit, all Christians may work together to bring about the end of all divisions so that we may all be one Church untied in Christ, thus healing the broken Body of Christ, the Church, living signs of the, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Eph. 4:5-6). In today’s gospel from Saint John (Jn 1:29-34), John the Baptist signals Jesus out, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” By calling him the “Lamb of God”, he is telling his listeners and us that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. Jesus is the One who will bring about the reign of God. He is truly the Paschal Lamb, the true and eternal offering for our restoration, through God’s grace, into right relationship with the Father; a relationship humanity broke through disobedience and sin. God, in and through Christ, restores us in Jesus, who offers Himself, lovingly, embracing the Cross becoming the eternal Sacrifice giving witness, with His Blood, before the eternal throne of the Father. May we follow in the footsteps of Christ, ending all divisions, and putting away all sin from our hearts and lives. Amen.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
These two words do not adequately express my sincerest gratitude to so many who have helped in our Christmas celebration. We started our pre-Christmas Craft Fair on November 29th. The Social Committee once again came forward to bring it to a success. An Advent Day of reflection was held on Saturday, December 6th with over 60 in attendance. We are grateful to Joe Brown who was instrumental in planning this Advent Day of Reflection and all who were Presenters.
As we were coming to the end of the Advent Season, our decorating committee came forward to create a beautiful Christmas décor with the flowers, trees and the manger display assisted by our maintenance staff. The Christmas Concert on the afternoon of December 14th helped us to enjoy the beautiful music of the season. We are grateful for the English and Spanish adult choirs, our instrumentalists and of course our music directors. Thank you one and all for the beautiful and uplifting music.
Fr. Alberto and I, along with the parish staff would like to express our sincerest gratitude for all the cards, gifts, personal greetings and food items that we received. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Know that you are remembered in prayer. We wish all of you a very Happy, Healthy and Blessed 2026.
