January 11, 2026

January 6, 2026

Dear Friends,

 

I’m thinking of a song Carol Burnett sang to close her weekly television show. Part of the song would go like this, “it seems we just got started and before you know it, comes the time to say so long.”

 

The Christmas season comes to a liturgical end this weekend. For me, it does seem like we just started and here we are ending the season celebration with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

 

This weekend at our masses we will renew our own baptismal promises and be blessed with Holy Water. As the baptism of the Lord is noted in each of the Gospels, it signifies the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. For you and I this weekend, it is a time to acknowledge our own baptism and how we share the Good News of Jesus Christ by our “public ministry.”

How do we live out our baptismal commitment in witnessing to the faith we profess? What do we acknowledge in the life of Jesus? What do we take hold of and live out as He did among all people?

 

I received many Christmas cards and well wishes these past few weeks. I am grateful for all your goodness to me, your prayers and support as we share our faith with one another. One card I received expressed these words, “Every time a hand reaches out to help another…that is Christmas. Every time someone puts conflict aside and strives for understanding… that is Christmas. Every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other… that is Christmas. May this Christmas bring our world

closer to a spirit of caring, closer to the blessing of peace.”

 

These words remind me of what it is to live our Baptism among one another

 

We will conclude the Christmas season and begin the rest of the liturgical year. May we go forth living the life of Jesus Christ and find we desire being one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

 

Again, thank you for all your cards, gifts and most importantly, living our faith joyfully among each other.

 

Blessings,

Father Rob 

 

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Father Rob's Weekly Message

July 26, 2026

July 17, 2026
Dear Friends, Really? This is the last weekend of July? The days are going by quickly and I keep reminding myself, when I am blessed to wake up to another morning, to be grateful for the present moment. Our Sacred Scriptures have been sharing several parables lately. This weekend Matthew tells us the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in the field. Where is your field? On the Fourth of July weekend we were asked where is our allegiance, to the kingdom of this earthly world, or the kingdom of God? Ultimately, though I won’t speak for everyone, where is our allegiance? Are we committed to the life of Jesus Christ, his call to being responsible to the least of our sister and brothers, proclaiming His kingdom, and loving God, and our neighbors, as ourselves? And so, in conclusion from reflecting on this weekend’s Gospel, I share: By using a variety of images, Jesus gives us a glimpse of what the kingdom of heaven will be. Its discovery is a sudden joy; it takes a person by surprise; it happens in secret. But simply discovering the kingdom is not enough: the treasure buried in the field and the pearl of great price must be possessed at any cost. And it costs everything one has to obtain the pearl. Do we understand? Are we ready for the discovery of the kingdom? More importantly, once we have found it, are we willing to make everything we own on it? Everything??? I am praying on this. What about you? Blessings and Joys, Father Rob

July 19, 2026

July 15, 2026
Dear Friends, This past week one of my favorite individuals had a birthday! My mother’s sister, Marilyn, my aunt, my Godmother, and a woman I admire so much was blessed acknowledging a new year! I am going to say it because I am proud of her and she looks fabulous! On July 16th Marilyn turned 93 years old! If I can say so myself, you would never know it. You may not have had the pleasure of meeting my aunt so far, but to give you an idea of her youthfulness and pizzaz, she and Sister Barbara Moore are college classmates and friends. Whatever happened the year these two distinguished women were born, there was some special grace blessing them both! My biological family is not strong in numbers but strong in love for one another. I am so grateful for Marilyn. Marilyn’s faith is strong and she has had crosses to bear but has always know the Lord’s words as we have recently heard, “Come to me all you who labor and burdened…” Marilyn’s life has had many blessings and joys and I wanted to acknowledge how grateful I am for her!!! To everyone enjoying a July birthday or perhaps like myself, you know someone who is having one, celebrate them and let them know how much they mean to you! Marilyn, Happy Birthday and God Bless you! Love, Rob 

July 12, 2026

July 8, 2026
Dear Friends, I pray each of you survived the extreme heat and humidity of last week. Looking around our nation and world, many suffered from the heat and flooding. May we keep all those who lost their lives in our prayers, as well as their families and friends. Those who lost homes are in our thoughts and prayers as they seek recovery. The holiday week brought two funerals before me. Betsy Brent and Bill Bertram were celebrated well last Thursday and Friday respectively. Both Betsy and Bill had strong faith and loved their church. I have no doubt they are eternally rejoicing in the kingdom of our Lord! July Fourth began with pouring rain (I was up at 5 AM) but the day brought a joy because I had the opportunity to celebrate Mackenzie Lill and Jack Rumble’s wedding! Both are delightful individuals. Jack was fully initiated at this past year’s Easter Vigil. What a gift for both of them to know embrace another sacrament, Marriage! God bless them both. This weekend’s Gospel is Matthew 13:1-9. Jesus shares the parable of the Sower and the seed. These hot days where we need to be attentive to our gardens and plantings may keep us particularly attentive to the parable and apply to ourselves applicably. I can across a reflection that I would like to share with you addressing this parable. “There are so many obstacles that can prevent the word from taking root in us: the enemy, tribulation, persecution, our anxieties, and desires. Where do we recognize ourselves in this parable? Our answer may be different every day. How can we be more receptive of the Word of God? Every gardener knows the answer: by preparing the soil, watching the growth, nurturing the plant. By opening our ears, preparing our hearts, and keeping the Word alive through reflection and prayer, we can bear fruit in love.” Lord God, may the good seed you have sown in us take root and grow, that we may bring forth an abundant harvest in works of justice, love, and peace. Keep us close to your Word and cleanse our hearts so that your fruit may take root within us. Blessings to all, Father Rob