Around the Parish – January 18, 2026

Continued Maintenance

On December 30, 2025, we discovered a water leak in the rectory originating near the boiler room, caused by plumbing from the bathrooms on the upper floors. Once the leak was identified, the water was shut off immediately to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, the issue had already affected more than just the plumbing, it also impacted the boiler itself.

Because of the cold temperatures at the time, the boiler was temporarily restored so that heat could remain on in the building. However, we were advised that replacement would be the best long-term solution, since parts for this particular boiler system are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

After notifying our insurance company, we were instructed to bring in a professional remediation team due to concerns about possible mold. When the plumber opened the wall in the first-floor bathrooms, significant black mold was discovered inside. The remediation company promptly removed the affected wall sections, which included portions of two bathrooms on the first floor of the rectory.

While this situation was certainly unexpected, it is a blessing that it was discovered when it was, and that it can now be properly addressed. We have been informed that insurance will cover the full scope of necessary repairs, including a new boiler and complete restoration of the first-floor bathrooms. Although this project came as a surprise, it is an important and necessary step to ensure the rectory remains safe, healthy, and structurally sound moving forward. Our buildings have served the parish faithfully for many years, and as they now approach 75 years in age, occasional repairs and unexpected projects are sometimes part of responsible stewardship as we care for the spaces that support our parish life and mission. We are grateful that the cost of this repair is being covered, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and prayers as this work progresses.

A few thoughts for your week:

This weekend’s readings remind us that a good life is built on small, steady choices. It’s easy to think we need a dramatic plan or a major change to become better people, but Scripture points us to something simpler: showing up, being faithful, and doing what’s right in front of us. “Here I am, Lord,” can also mean: I’m present today, I’m going to do the next right thing, and I’m going to try again even if yesterday didn’t go well. In the Gospel, John the Baptist doesn’t make life about himself, he points to Jesus. That’s a great challenge for the week: in conversation, at work, and at home, can we become the kind of person who brings peace instead of tension, encouragement instead of criticism, and hope instead of negativity? Holiness often looks like ordinary maturity: staying calm, listening well, keeping your word, being patient, and treating people with kindness, even when you’re tired.

Pax et Bonum,
Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.