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Around the Parish – April 5, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Alleluia! He is risen!

On this most sacred day, we proclaim with joy the truth that stands at the very heart of our faith: Jesus Christ is alive. The tomb is empty. Death has been defeated. What once seemed like the end has become a new beginning. The Resurrection is not only the victory of Christ, it is the promise of new life for each one of us.

Throughout Lent, we have walked with the Lord through the desert, through sacrifice, repentance, and renewal. We have stood at the foot of the Cross on Good Friday, witnessing the depth of God’s love poured out for us. And now, on Easter morning, we stand before the empty tomb and hear the words that change everything: “He is not here. He has been raised.”

This changes everything.

The Resurrection means that sin does not have the final word. It means that no failure defines us forever. It means that even in our darkest moments, God is at work bringing about something new. The power of Easter is not just something we celebrate once a year. It is a reality meant to transform the way we live every single day.

How often do we find ourselves living as if the tomb is still sealed? We carry burdens, regrets, fears, and doubts. We settle into patterns of discouragement or routine. Yet the risen Christ comes to meet us precisely there. He calls us out of whatever tomb we have allowed ourselves to remain in. He invites us into freedom, into hope, into life.

Easter is an invitation.

It is an invitation to begin again. To return to prayer. To rediscover the grace of the sacraments. To renew our relationship with the Lord who never stops seeking us. No matter how far we may have wandered, no matter how long it has been, the risen Christ stands before us with mercy and love, calling us by name.

At the same time, Easter is also a mission.

If Christ is truly risen, then our lives must reflect that truth. We are called to be witnesses of the Resurrection in a world that desperately needs hope. This means choosing love when it is difficult. Offering forgiveness when it is undeserved. Standing firm in faith when it is challenged. Bringing light into places of darkness. Living not for ourselves alone, but for Christ and for one another.

In our families, in our parish, and in our community, we are called to be people of the Resurrection. People whose lives proclaim that Christ is alive. People whose joy is rooted not in circumstances, but in the unshakable truth that God has conquered death.

As we celebrate this Easter, I encourage you not to let this grace pass by. Let it take root in your heart. Let it shape your priorities, your relationships, and your daily life. Allow the risen Christ to renew you from within.

May the joy of Easter fill your hearts and your homes. May the peace of the risen Lord remain with you in the days ahead. And may you always know that Christ walks with you, leading you from death to life.

A blessed and joyful Easter to you and your family.

Alleluia! He is truly risen!

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.

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Around the Parish – March 29, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

From Hosanna to the Cross

Today we enter into the most sacred week of the year. Palm Sunday begins with joy, with celebration, with shouts of “Hosanna!” as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The people lay down palms and cloaks, welcoming Him as a king.

And yet, within minutes, the tone of the Mass shifts dramatically.

We move from triumph to suffering. From praise to rejection. From “Hosanna!” to “Crucify Him!”

Palm Sunday places before us a powerful and uncomfortable truth. The same crowd that welcomed Jesus would soon turn against Him. The same voices that praised Him would later condemn Him.

It is easy to look at that crowd and wonder how such a thing could happen. How could they change so quickly? How could they fail to recognize who stood before them?

But Palm Sunday is not just about them. It is about us.

How often do we welcome Christ when it is convenient, when it fits our expectations, when it brings us comfort? And how often do we turn away when following Him becomes difficult, when His teachings challenge us, or when the Cross appears in our lives?

Palm Sunday invites us to examine our own hearts.

Are we faithful only in moments of joy, or are we willing to walk with Christ even to Calvary? Do we follow Him only when it is easy, or do we remain with Him when the road becomes difficult?

The beauty of this day is that it does not end with failure. Even though the crowd turns, even though the disciples scatter, Jesus remains faithful. He continues forward. He embraces the Cross freely, out of love for us.

This is the beginning of Holy Week. It is not just a series of events to remember. It is a journey to enter.

We are invited to walk with Christ through these sacred days:

  • to sit with Him at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday
  • to stand at the foot of the Cross on Good Friday
  • to wait in hope at the tomb on Holy Saturday
  • and ultimately, to rejoice in the victory of Easter.

Do not let this week pass like any other.

Make time for prayer. Attend the liturgies of the Triduum. Enter into the mystery. Allow the Lord to draw you deeper into His love.

This week has the power to change us, if we allow it.

Let us not remain at a distance. Let us not be part of the crowd that comes and goes. Instead, let us be disciples who stay, who walk with Christ, and who trust that beyond the Cross lies the glory of the Resurrection.

Hosanna in the highest.

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.

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Around the Parish – March 22, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Apostolic

Each Sunday at Mass we proclaim in the Nicene Creed that we believe in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.” Over the past few weeks we have reflected on these marks of the Church. Today we consider the final one: apostolic.

To say that the Church is apostolic means that she is founded upon the Apostles, the men chosen and sent by Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel to the world. The word itself comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning “one who is sent.”

After His resurrection, Jesus entrusted His mission to the Apostles. He commanded them to preach, to baptize, to forgive sins, and to celebrate the Eucharist. They were not only witnesses to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, but also the foundation upon which the Church would be built.

This apostolic foundation continues in the Church today through what we call apostolic succession. The authority and mission entrusted to the Apostles did not end with their deaths. Instead, the Apostles passed on their leadership by laying hands on those who would succeed them. Those successors are the bishops of the Church.

Because of this, the Church today remains directly connected to the Apostles. Our bishops stand in that same line of succession, and through them the Church continues to teach, sanctify, and shepherd God’s people.

This also reminds us that the faith we profess is not something invented in modern times. The teachings of the Church are the same faith that was handed down by the Apostles themselves. When we listen to the Church’s teaching, we are hearing the faith that traces its roots all the way back to those first disciples who walked with Jesus.

But the Church is not only built on the Apostles, she is also sent like the Apostles. Every Christian shares in this apostolic mission. Through our baptism, we too are sent into the world to witness to Christ through our words, our actions, and our lives.

So when we profess that the Church is apostolic, we are declaring two things: that the Church remains firmly rooted in the teaching and authority of the Apostles, and that we ourselves are sent to continue their mission.

The Church is apostolic because she remains faithful to what the Apostles handed on, and because Christ still sends His people into the world today.

Thoughts for your week ahead

Give your spouse and loved ones the best of you, not simply what is left of you. God will always be a faithful Father. Our call is to be faithful sons and daughters. Faith does not mean having all the answers, but trusting that God is with us, that He will have the final word, and that good will ultimately triumph over evil. When we live with that trust, peace begins to fill our hearts.

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.

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Around the Parish – March 15, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Catholic

Over these Sundays of Lent, we have been reflecting on the words in the Creed where I deliberately slow down:

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”

This week, we reflect on the word catholic.

This word is often misunderstood. Some think it simply means Roman Catholic, as if it were just a name or a label. But the word catholic means something much deeper.

It means universal.

It means that the Church is not limited to one place, one culture, one language, or one moment in history. The Church exists throughout the world. At every hour of the day, the Mass is being offered somewhere. The same faith is being professed. The same sacraments are being celebrated.

What we do here each Sunday connects us to something far greater than ourselves.

It connects us to the entire world.

It connects us to every generation that has come before us.

It connects us to the saints.

The faith we live is not something that was invented recently. It is not something that changes with opinion or popularity. It has been handed down, protected, and preserved.

This is what it means to be catholic.

It also means that the Church is for everyone.

Christ did not come for a small group of people. He came for the world. The doors of the Church are open to every person. Every background. Every nation. Every sinner seeking mercy.

To be catholic is to recognize that we belong to a family much larger than ourselves.

When I slow down at that word catholic, it is a reminder that the faith I live is not mine to redefine. It is mine to receive. It is mine to live. And it is mine to share.

Especially during Lent, we are reminded that our faith is not meant to remain private. It is meant to shape how we live. How we love. How we forgive. How we witness to others.

Because to be catholic is not simply to belong.

It is to participate.

It is to carry forward what has been given to us.

It is to live in communion with Christ and His Church.

Thoughts for your week ahead

Never forget that you are part of something greater than yourself. Your faith connects you not only to God, but to countless others who walk the same journey. Take comfort in knowing you do not walk alone. At the same time, recognize that your life is meant to be a witness to others. The kindness you show, the patience you practice, and the faith you live may be the very thing that helps someone else draw closer to God. .

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.

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Around the Parish – March 8, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Holy

Over these Sundays of Lent, we have been reflecting on the words in the Creed where I deliberately slow down:

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”

This week, we consider the word holy.

This word can be confusing, because when we look at the Church, we see people. And people are not perfect. We see weaknesses. We see failures. We see sin. And yet, every Sunday, we stand and profess that the Church is holy.

How can this be?

The Church is holy not because her members are perfect.

The Church is holy because her Lord is holy.

The Church is holy because she is the Body of Christ. She is holy because Christ continues to live and act through her. She is holy because He has given her the sacraments, which heal us, strengthen us, and make us holy.

Holiness is not something we create. It is something we receive.

And Lent is the season when we are reminded of that most clearly.

Lent calls us to conversion. It calls us to look honestly at our lives and to recognize where we have fallen short. Not so that we become discouraged, but so that we can be renewed. So that we can be restored. So that we can become who we were created to be.

The holiness of the Church does not come from the perfection of her people. It comes from the mercy of Christ.

Each time someone goes to confession, the holiness of the Church is made visible.

Each time someone forgives another person, the holiness of the Church is made visible.

Each time someone chooses prayer, chooses charity, chooses faith, the holiness of the Church is made visible.

When I slow down at that word holy, it is a reminder that holiness is not just something we admire in others. It is something we are called to live.

Holiness is not reserved for saints in stained glass windows.

It is the calling of every baptized person.

It is your calling.

And Lent is the time to begin again.

Thoughts for your week ahead

Holiness begins in the ordinary moments of life. It begins when we choose to do what is right even when it is difficult. It grows when we turn back to God after we have fallen. Never be discouraged by your weaknesses. Instead, let them remind you of your need for God’s grace. The Lord does not call us because we are already holy. He calls us so that we may become holy, one day at a time.

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.

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Around the Parish – March 1, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

One

Last Sunday, I mentioned that there is a moment in the Creed where I deliberately slow down.

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”

This week, I would like to focus on the first of those words: one.

At first glance, it seems obvious. Of course there is one Church. But when we look around, unity does not always seem so clear. Even within our own parish, we have different personalities, different preferences, different opinions, and different ways of seeing things. And yet, every Sunday, we stand together and profess that the Church is one.

This unity does not come from us.

It comes from Christ.

The Church is one because she has one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Our unity is not based on agreement about everything, nor is it based on getting along perfectly. It is based on belonging to Him.

This is important, especially during Lent.

Lent is a time when we turn back to Christ. And as we turn back to Him, we also turn back toward one another. Sin isolates. Sin divides. Sin convinces us that we stand alone. But grace restores unity. Grace reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves.

Unity does not mean uniformity. It does not mean we are all the same. It means we are all moving in the same direction.

Toward Christ.

When I slow down at that word one, it is a reminder to me that the Church does not belong to any one person. It does not belong to the priest. It does not belong to a group. It belongs to Christ. And each of us has been brought into that unity through Him.

This Lent, perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is this:

Am I building unity, or am I contributing to division?

Unity is built through charity. Through patience. Through forgiveness. Through prayer for one another.

Each time we profess those words, “I believe in one Church,” we are not simply stating a fact.

We are accepting a responsibility.

A responsibility to live as one.t becoming who we truly are in Christ.

Thoughts for your week ahead

Unity begins in small ways. It begins when we choose patience instead of frustration, understanding instead of judgment, and kindness instead of silence. We cannot control the actions of everyone around us, but we can control the spirit we bring into our homes, our parish, and our relationships. When we choose to live with charity, we reflect Christ to others. And often, the unity we long to see in the world begins with the quiet decision to live differently today.

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.

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Around the Parish – February 22, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Slowing Down for What Matters

Each Sunday at Mass, when we pray the Creed, there is a moment where I deliberately slow down.

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”

Some of you may have noticed that I do not rush through those four words. That is intentional.

During Lent, we slow down. We simplify. We return to what is essential. We examine who we are and where we are going. And those four words in the Creed are not decorative. They are essential. They describe the very identity of the Church Christ founded.

And if we forget who we are, we will forget how to live.

For the next four Sundays of Lent, I would like to reflect with you on those four words: one, holy, catholic, apostolic. These are called the four marks of the Church. They are not slogans. They are gifts from Christ. They are promises. And they are responsibilities.

When we say the Church is one, we are professing unity in faith, unity in worship, and unity under Christ. In a world fractured by division, unity is not easy. It requires humility and charity.

When we say the Church is holy, we are not claiming that her members are perfect. We are proclaiming that her Lord is holy and that He continues to sanctify us through the sacraments. Lent reminds us that holiness is not optional.

When we say the Church is catholic, we mean universal. The Church is for every nation, every culture, every generation. The faith does not belong to one time or one group. It is entrusted to all.

When we say the Church is apostolic, we proclaim that she is built upon the foundation of the apostles, handed down faithfully through the centuries. Our faith is not invented. It is received.

These four words are not small. They contain our history, our mission, and our future.

This Lent, I invite you to listen more closely when we reach that line in the Creed. Do not rush through it. Let the words settle. Let them challenge you. Let them remind you who you are.

Because Lent is not simply about giving something up.

It is about becoming who we truly are in Christ.

Thoughts for your week ahead

Remember yesterday and learn from it. Dream about tomorrow and trust God with it. But live for today, because today is the gift you have been given. When we begin to act as though life is a blessing, it starts to feel like one. A true friend strengthens you with prayer, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope. And what truly differentiates families is not simply how many members they have, but how many are willing to lend a hand in trials rather than stand by as spectators.

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.

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Around the Parish – February 15, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Standing at the Threshold

This Sunday always feels like we’re standing in a doorway.

Lent is just around the corner. Ash Wednesday is nearly here. We can already sense that familiar shift, from Ordinary Time into a season that asks more of us: more honesty, more intention, more willingness to let God work on us.

And fittingly, the Gospel this weekend places us right at the heart of what Lent is really about.

Jesus tells us that He has not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Then He goes further, much further, than anyone expects. It’s not enough, He says, to simply avoid murder; we must examine anger and resentment. It’s not enough to avoid adultery; we must look honestly at what we desire and how we love. Faith, Jesus makes clear, is not about checking boxes or doing the bare minimum. It’s about the heart.

That’s uncomfortable, and deeply freeing at the same time.

Lent is not meant to be a season of spiritual self-punishment or gloomy obligation. It’s an invitation. An invitation to let God go deeper than our surface-level habits and touch the places where we struggle, where we settle, and where we need healing. Jesus is not raising the bar to make holiness impossible; He’s showing us what a transformed heart actually looks like.

This Sunday gives us a gentle but honest preview of Lent’s purpose. Before we think about ashes, fasting, or giving something up, we’re asked a more fundamental question: Am I willing to let God work on my heart, not just my behavior?

That question can shape how we approach the coming weeks. Maybe Lent this year isn’t about adding more religious tasks, but about creating space: space for prayer that is honest, for reconciliation that is real, for choices that reflect love rather than convenience. Maybe it’s about letting go of grudges, softening hardened attitudes, or paying attention to how we speak to and about others.

Jesus reminds us that holiness isn’t about appearing righteous, it’s about becoming whole.

As we approach Lent, I encourage you not to rush past this moment. Take a breath. Stand in the doorway. Ask the Lord where He wants to work in you this season, not out of guilt or pressure, but out of love.

God desires not just our actions, but our hearts. And that is very good news.

May these final days before Lent help us prepare, not just for a season, but for a deeper encounter with Christ.

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.

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Around the Parish – February 8, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Lent is Upon Us

With Ash Wednesday falling on February 18, Lent is fast approaching. Included in this weekend’s bulletin you will find our 2026 Lenten Schedule, outlining many opportunities for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these offerings as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Palms for Ash Wednesday

As Ash Wednesday draws near, we invite you to return your palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. Each year these palms are burned to create the ashes that are placed on our foreheads as a sign of repentance and renewal. Containers are located at the doors of the church for your convenience.

Easter Lilly Orders

Also included in this weekend’s bulletin is the Easter Lily order form. These lilies help beautify our church for Easter Sunday and may be given in memory or honor of loved ones. Please return your completed forms to the parish office by the date listed. Thank you for your generosity.

Catholic Services Appeal

This weekend is Commitment Sunday for the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). Funds raised through the CSA support vital ministries throughout the Diocese of Erie. I ask you to prayerfully consider making a commitment to this important appeal, which helps strengthen the Church far beyond our own parish.

Candlemas Candles

This past Monday we celebrated the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, reminding us of Christ as the Light of the World. On this feast day, candles used in our liturgies throughout the year are blessed. Blessed candles are available for purchase near the statue of St. Joseph in church.

St. Patrick Day Bingo & Bake Sale

Please mark your calendars for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Bingo and Bake Sale on Friday, March 20, 2026. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with the first game beginning at 6:00 PM. We are also bringing back our spring bake sale and are gratefully accepting baked goods for this event. Sign-up sheets are available at the church entrances. Baked goods should be returned by Friday, March 20 at 12:00 NOON.

A few thoughts for your week:

Lent begins next week, and now is a great time to do a little planning. A few small decisions made ahead of time can make a big difference.

  • Decide one simple thing you’ll give up and one simple thing you’ll add. (Adding prayer or kindness often matters more than giving up chocolate.)
  • Set a realistic goal—something you can actually keep for forty days.
  • Pick a regular time for prayer, even if it’s just five minutes. Consistency beats perfection.
  • Look for one person you can encourage this week with a call, text, or note.
  • Bring back your old palms and think about what you’d like to leave behind this Lent.

Remember: Lent isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about taking intentional steps toward God and toward one another. Start small. Stay faithful. Let God do the rest.

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.

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Around the Parish – February 1, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Why Do We Strike Our Breast During the Confiteor?

At the beginning of Mass, we enter into a sacred moment called the Penitential Act. This is when we pause to acknowledge our sins and ask God for mercy, preparing our hearts to worthily celebrate the Eucharist.

One form of the Penitential Act is the Confiteor, which begins:

“I confess to almighty God…”

The word Confiteor comes from Latin and simply means “I confess.” In this prayer, we openly acknowledge before God and one another that we have sinned “in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.” It is not meant to shame us, but to free us — to remind us that we come before God not because we are perfect, but because we need His mercy.

During the Confiteor, we say the words:

“through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault,”

and at those words we strike our breast.

This gesture is ancient and deeply biblical. In Scripture, striking the breast is a sign of repentance and humility. In the Gospel, the tax collector “beat his breast” as he prayed, recognizing his sin and trusting in God’s mercy (Luke 18:13). The gesture expresses something words alone cannot: this comes from my heart.

By striking our breast, we are not blaming others or circumstances. We are taking personal responsibility for our sin. It is a physical way of saying, I own this. I need God’s mercy.

Our Catholic faith understands that we worship not only with our minds and voices, but with our bodies. Standing, kneeling, bowing, making the Sign of the Cross, and striking the breast all help us pray with our whole selves. The Confiteor invites us into honesty, humility, and trust — reminding us that every Mass begins with mercy.

And that is good news. Because once we acknowledge our need for God, we are ready to receive everything He longs to give us.

Bring out your Palms

As we prepare for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, parishioners are invited to bring back last year’s blessed palms to be reverently disposed of and used in the preparation of this year’s ashes. Collection boxes will be located at the entrances of the church. Returning your palms is a meaningful way to take part in the Church’s cycle of prayer, reminding us that what once proclaimed Christ’s triumph now calls us to repentance and renewal of heart.

A few thoughts for your week:

The art of Christian living lies in learning both how to let go and how to hold on. There is an important difference between giving up and letting go. We cannot become who God calls us to be if we remain who we once were. Letting go is not merely about releasing the past; it is about having the wisdom to embrace the future. It is not whether we get knocked down that matters, but whether we rise again. We may be shaped by our past, but we do not have to be prisoners of it.

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.

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