Today's feast can always be a bit confusing.  Because this feast of the Immaculate Conception is about MARY's conception and teaches that from the instant she began to exist inside her mother, Anne, she was holy, filled with God's grace, and therefore without sin. The confusion comes because the Gospel reading is always about JESUS' conception -- read for one reason because there are no Scripture stories about Mary's conception -- but more importantly read because it confirms

Last year, on the first Sunday of Advent, we heard from St. Luke’s Gospel, “do not become drowsy and let the coming of the Lord catch you by surprise. Be vigilant at all times.” Next year, on the first Sunday of Advent, we will hear from St. Mark’s Gospel: “Be watchful. Be alert! You do not know when the Lord will come.” And this year, on this first Sunday of Advent, we hear from St. Matthew’s Gospel: “For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. So be prepar

I know today is a tough day for some of us, but not all of us.  In fact, some of you just coming to Mass and thinking it’s just another Sunday might not even know what I’m talking about. But for those of us still grieving the loss of someone (especially if it’s been a recent death) you were probably already aware that today is the feast of All Souls. It’s one of those days that only falls on a Sunday once every seven years or so, and so usually when celebrated during the wee

On behalf of myself and Fr. Garry Richmeier, who I know would really, really like to be here and the leadership of this parish: Fr. Don Farnan, who also could not be here – and Pat Marrin and the parishioners of St. James on behalf of Bishop Johnston, and the Deacon community of our diocese I wish to extend to you, most of all Nata, Our deepest and sincerest sympathies on the loss of your husband, Ross.  For 58 years as a couple, you enjoyed your good times and bad times and