Hello, friends: 

I'm away this weekend, but next weekend I'll be offering the annual State of the Parish address, as a way to share the good news of what's happened here this past year and what we have to look forward to in 2017. Once again, I'll be framing the talk with the three categories of miracles, milestones and mission. 

Who'd like some homework? Using the above mentioned categories, individually what have been the miracles and milestones in your own life? How about your own sense of mission? How is God calling you to partner with Him to change the world?

As we process this year of review and look forward to '17 it might be a good idea to personally joy down some specific moments of grace that occurred in the last year and to prayerfully reflect on how God was present and active in those events. I was visiting recently with a friend of mine and one of her goals this year is to be more mindful, to be more present to what's happening, right now. So often we live in the past, with a great sense of regret for missed opportunities or we look forward to the future with worry and anxiety. Perhaps we can take a page from my friend's New Year resolution and be more mindful and present to how God is truly alive and active. 

​Fr. Ray

Hello, friends:

With the holiday season still fresh in our mind and in our heart, I’d like to offer a huge thanks to all of the folks who helped, in any way, with our celebrations during the season. There are so many behind the scene people who attend to so many of the little details with such generosity of spirit, care and love; it truly is itself a witness of faith.

I always think that there’s going to be enough time to take a deep breath between seasons, but before I know it, the time is here to start planning. Just this morning the parish staff started talking about and planning for the upcoming Lenten season, which will be upon us before we know it.

On behalf of the staff I’d like to welcome new and returning students to the ’17 spring semester! I’d like to remind the university community that all of you are prayed for, on a daily basis, here at Newman. We are so grateful for your presence!

​Fr. Ray

​Hello, friends: 

'17 is off and running- are you ready for all that God has in store for us?

This past weekend we looked at Mary as both model and witness; a model of looking to God and her attitude of pointing to Jesus. In her posture of quiet reflection, Mary is moved by prayer and through prayer to blessing. The last words spoken to Mary in Scipture are, "do whatever he tells you" and thus points to her son, Jesus. And it is Jesus who invites, once again, to follow him. How are you and I called to journey with Mary to meet Jesus?

This weekend we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, which is simply the "manifestation" of Jesus to the world. As the Magi brought their gifts to the new born king, let us consider what gifts we might offer Jesus, this year. How is the Lord inviting me to become more engaged in my faith community through service to the church? This time of year is filled with all sorts of resolutions; we want to and have this great desire to be better people. Let our resolutions start with our faith life and our relationship with God and Jesus. 

God's richest blessings today and throughout the new year!

Fr. Ray