Dear Parishioners,

The life of a Christian is one of continual conversion and transformation, of allowing Christ to shape us more fully into His likeness. This does not mean that Jesus takes away who we are; rather, He takes the goodness already planted within us and perfects it. He transforms our hearts to reflect His love, His mercy, His kindness, and His intimate relationship with the Father.

In today's Gospel, Jesus begins His public ministry with a message that is simple, urgent, and life-changing: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." This is not a call meant for someday in the distant future, it is a call for now. When Christ is present, the Kingdom of Heaven is already among us. We taste it in the Bread from Heaven. We hear it in the words of absolution. We live it when we allow the peace and joy of Christ to shape our daily lives.

Immediately after proclaiming this message, Jesus calls ordinary people, fishermen busy at their work, to follow Him. They are not scholars or saints yet. They are imperfect men immersed in the routines of everyday life. And yet, when Jesus calls, they respond. In following Him, they come to know Him more deeply through His teaching, His proclamation of the Good News, and His healing of the sick and broken. Through them, Jesus reveals the Father's love and His desire to restore all things. This is truly Good News.

We are invited to reflect: How do we share God's Good News today? Is it a message of love and saving mercy? One of reconciliation and healing? One of compassion for the sinner and the outcast? Jesus teaches and leads His disciples so that they, in turn, may do the same and we are no different. We are called to be the living presence of Christ in our world.

The Scriptures always meet us in the midst of ordinary life. God works through fishermen casting nets and people faithfully carrying out daily responsibilities. Discipleship does not require escaping our lives; it begins by allowing Christ to enter them. Jesus still calls us today in our work, our family life, our struggles, and our routines. His invitation may ask us to let go of whatever holds us back: fear, sin, resentment, complacency, or even our need for control. Like the first disciples, we may not know exactly where following Him will lead, but we trust the One who calls.

I am pleased to share that the new Saint John Vianney mosaic is now complete, along with the new tabernacle monstrance in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Sacred art helps us enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love. These visual images engage our senses and draw our hearts toward the divine. I am deeply grateful to the two families whose generosity made these beautiful additions possible.

The mosaic of Saint John Vianney surrounds the confessional, reminding us of this great saint who devoted his life to leading souls to conversion through the mercy and grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is a powerful sign of the abundant graces poured out upon all who encounter the Lord's forgiveness there.

The mosaic on the tabernacle depicts the Holy Face of Jesus, an image not only for us to gaze upon, but also to remember that He gazes upon us with love. To sit in His presence is not simply for us to be with Him, but to allow Him to be with us. In the Blessed Sacrament, we rest in His loving, real presence. I encourage you to take time to sit quietly with the Lord and allow His love to renew you.

A special word of gratitude to Mindaugas "Manny" Vytis, artist and owner of Glass Labyrinth, whose artistry has blessed our parish through the mosaics and stained glass throughout our church. His work truly lifts our souls to God and enriches our worship. We thank God for Manny's creative gifts and for the beauty that continues to grace our sacred space.

May we embrace our call as disciples with renewed hearts, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and rejoicing together as a community of faith transformed by His love.

Peace and blessings,

Fr. Fred

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