The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity)

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 1/03/22

Is 60:1-6 | Ps 72 | Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 | Mt 2:1-12

Do you remember all the buzz last year about the astrological event, The Great Conjunction: the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn? Apparently, this event happens every 20 years, but last year the two planets aligned so closely ... Read More »

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (Feast)

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 1/03/22

Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 | Ps 128 | Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24 | Lk 2:41-52

I’m always in awe of new parents and love watching a parent rock their child to sleep. This is certainly a sacred time. I can imagine that these moments might ... Read More »

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 1/03/22

Is 9:1-6 | Ps 96 | Ti 2:11-14 | Lk 2:1-14

If we were to ask people what their favorite holiday is, most would say, “Christmas.” It doesn’t matter whether they practice their faith or even believe in Jesus. Christmas captures the wonder and imagination of most people in ... Read More »

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/13/21

Zep 3:14-18a | Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 | Phil 4:4-7 | Lk 3:10-18

Shout for joy! Sing joyfully! Be glad and exult with all your heart! Rejoice in the Lord always! Cry out with joy and gladness! Shout with exultation! Acclaim his name!

This isn’t a drill. This is ... Read More »

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity) Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/08/21

Gn 3:9-15, 20 | Ps 98 | Eph 1:3-6, 11-12 | Lk 1:26-38

I think we're all fully aware that God can do whatever God wants. He doesn’t need our help at all; and yet, enjoys involving us in His work.

Think about it this way: when a grandmother ... Read More »

Second Sunday of Advent

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 12/08/21

Bar 5:1-9 | Ps 126 | Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 | Lk 3:1-6

On this Second Sunday of Advent, our Scriptures focus on rejoicing. The prophet Baruch, whose name means, “Blessed,” lived 600 years before Christ. He was a scribe, disciple, and devoted friend of the prophet Jeremiah (whom we ... Read More »

First Sunday of Advent (Year C)

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 11/29/21

Jer 33:14-16 | Ps 25 | 1 Thes 3:12-4:2 | Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

On this First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new Church year. We start our journey anew in anticipation of the birth of our Lord and Savior, who is Emmanuel (God with us). Advent is a ... Read More »

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 11/21/21

Dn 7:13-14 | Ps 93 | Rv 1:5-8 | Jn 18:33b-37

In 2013, when Pope Francis was elected, cardinals were standing on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica with him as he addressed the crowds that had gathered in the piazza below. While many of the cardinals were looking ... Read More »

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 11/07/21

1 Kgs 17:10-16 | Ps 146 | Heb 9:24-28 | Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

One of the most difficult lessons we teach young children is to share. The reason is simple. Sharing requires a sacrifice. For children who are asked to share a toy, the sacrifice is usually viewed ... Read More »

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day)

Posted by Fr Terry Grachanin on 11/06/21

Wis 3:1-9 | Ps 25 | Rom 6:3-9 | Jn 6:37-40

Many individuals, I believe, have asked the question, “What wisdom have I gained?” They may respond that they haven’t gained a bundle of certainties, but only become all the more aware of just how mysterious almost everything about ... Read More »