Lent is the time of year we devote to scrutinizing our lives in the light of our baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Today’s readings are a nice shorthand catechism of what our baptized lives mean. La Cuaresma es la epoca del ano que dedicamos a examinar nuestras vi- das a la luz de nuestro Bautismo en la muerte y Resurreccion de Jesus. Las lecturas de hoy son un catecismo abreviado de lo que significa estar bau- tizados
Statues of saints have an important role to play in the devotional life of the Church. They remind us of the heroic members of our Catholic Family who have gone faithfully gone before us. Some common images or statues that may be found in a Catholic Church are: Saint Raphael, Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Gabriel, Saint Michael, Our Lady of Mercy, Saint John, Saint Therese, Saint Ann, etc. These inspire us to grow in holiness.
As we celebrate this feast of the Presentation of the Lord, let us pray that we may be like Simeon and Ann – encountering the goodness of the Lord and singing of his glory by what we say and do. Let us also imitate Mary when that encounter leads to the cross knowing always that God and His goodness will always triumph.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis declared a Year of St. Joseph whose feast we will celebrate on May 1st. The year 2020 marked the 150th anniversary of Saint Joseph being declared the Patron Saint for the Universal Church. Saint Joseph is a role model for the entire Church. In him and the way he led his life we see many virtues including obedience, humility, acceptance, courage, and hard work.
Watch video (English and Español) of Fr. Miguel speaking out about the sin of abortion. Ver video (Ingles y Español) del Padre Miguel hablando sobre el pecado del aborto.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church in 2258 says "Human life is sa- cred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it re- mains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end.” El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica en el numero 2258 dice: "La vida hu- mana es sagrada, porque desde su inicio es fruto de la acción creadora de Dios y permanece siempre en una especial relación con el Creador, su único fin.”
As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, let us also celebrate our own baptism and ask God to help us to live out our lives as good Christians so we might join him in heaven at the end of our pilgrimage here on earth. Mientras celebramos el Bautismo del Señor, celebremos también nuestro propio bautismo y pidamos a Dios que nos ayude a vivir nuestras vidas como buenos cristianos para unirnos a Él en el cielo al finalizar de nuestro peregrinaje aquí en la tierra.
As we anticipate the New Year, we need to remember that no matter what happens we must live according to God’s plan for us. We learn this from Saint Paul who said, “I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things, I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me” (Phil 4:12-13)
We are called once again to support the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Yakima through a pledge to the Annual Catholic Appeal. The theme for the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal is “Revive Your Hope.” Where there is hope there is peace; where there is peace there is love; where there is love, there is God! And when you have God, you have everything. Donate online at
The truth of Christmas is that Jesus came among us as little, fragile, poor, limited and vulnerable. He did all this to fully share in our humanity which includes suffering and death. It was through his humanity that we learn humility and obedience – both of which give glory to God.
On behalf of Deacon Bill Dronen, Deacon Jorge Calderilla, Julie Walsh, and Esther Pérez, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2021. ---Rev. Miguel González
This past Saturday we celebrated the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. As you probably know, this apparition of Our Lady was prefigured in the Book of Revelation, “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet” (Rev. 12:1).” In 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in Mexico. The word “Mexico” means “the navel of the moon” in Nahuatl. This is why in the image the moon was seen under her feet.
During the Season of Advent the Blessed Virgin Mary occupies a central role. In many ways, she is an icon for this season. She reminds us about the importance for us to patiently wait for the coming of the Messiah. Mary conceived though the power of the Holy Spirit all the while remaining a virgin, without knowing a man. This coming Tuesday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This is a celebration of Mary as a worthy vessel for God made man in the womb of an obedient mother.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is on December 8, 2020. As we are moving into the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8th December, it is worth taking a moment to consider what this beautiful solemnity actually means.
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This coming Thursday is “Thanksgiving Day” – our national day to remember and to be thankful. The origin of this holiday centered around giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest. Too often all of our personal prayers center around petitions – asking God for something. This is why it is important to remind ourselves that God is the source of all that is good in our lives and we should be grateful.
Today is the last Sunday in Ordinary Time. We finish with the 33rd Sunday to then be followed next week by the Solemnity of Christ the King. As the liturgical year draws to a close we hear messages in the scripture that call our attention to the end of our lives and to the end of time. All of us want to hear these words from Jesus as we take our last breath and pass from this world to the next: “Well done, good and faithful servants.” This Sunday’s gospel reminds us that if we would like to hear these words we need to strive to live as people in the world but not OF the world.