As we come to the end of the liturgical calendar and prepare to begin a new church year, our readings start to speak about darkness and struggle. We are fast approaching Advent, a time to wait and watch and prepare for the light of Chris to break through the darkness --- like the sun breaking over the horizon at dawn…
Today's Gospel reminds us just how very much Jesus loves us and desires us to live with him forever. We hear that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and, at the end of our lives, he will come and take us to himself. Today we entrust all those who have passed from this life to God's mercy,…
Can you think of a time when you humbled yourself like Jesus talks about in today's Gospel? Maybe you admitted you did something wrong, or maybe you let someone else have something you really wanted. These types of actions are important practice for the virtue Jesus teaches about today: humility. Humility is recognizing that we are not better or more…
How quickly we can grow tired or discouraged in our prayer. Prayer is hard work! Today, Jesus reminds us that God is not like people here on earth who might get impatient or forget or not want to help us. No, God has chosen us as his own and has promised to always hear our prayers. god is faithful and…
Today's Gospel reminds us that gratitude is an important part of our life of faith. Indeed, the Samaritan's faith is shown by his action of returning to give glory and thanks to God for his healing. Whenever we find ourselves struggling with faith or trust in God, remember that the Samaritan shows us one key to victory in the struggle:…
At first glance, the two parts of today's Gospel might now seem to fit together. In the first part, Jesus tells us that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things (uprooting mulberry trees.) In the second, Jesu seems to be telling us to do what is fitting for us to do as God's servants. And yet, the…
Jesus' message in this story is very clear: if we don't help those in need, we are not listening to God's call, and will not share in this gift of eternal life. The rich man had everything he needed - not just money, food, and clothes, but also Moses and the prophets. Although the rich man knew what God required…
For parents in the community who have young children, please take advantage of the following events/activities: Parenting Workshop - all are invited to join local occupational therapist Erin Anderson as she discusses how to support your child's growth and success from toddler years to age 7. Thursday, September 25th, at 8:15 am in the Saint Andrew Auditorium, on the corner…
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Daily, we hear heartbreaking stories of suffering from Gaza. So many innocent victims, including those who belong to Christian communities, face violence, dire living conditions, and hunger. Our Holy Father Pope Leo has said “Gaza is starving,” as he called for a cease fire. In a particular way, the faces of Gaza’s hungry children…
Dear St. Andrew Parish, I send my heartfelt greeting to all of you. As I write this letter of introduction, we are still in the Easter season and so I pray that the joy of Our Risen Lord reach you and your families. It is with great joy and humility that I introduce myself to all of you as your…