As we officially end the Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we once again encounter in the Gospel narrative John the Baptist powerfully living up to his title – not only as the precursor, but as the one indeed privileged to baptize Jesus Himself at the River Jordan, where a a voice came from the heavens and declared of Jesus: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Every time we welcome new members of the Church at baptism, either as parents, godparents or guests, we recount this episode in the life and ministry of Christ. Today, we are reminded of the amazing gift we have received at our own baptism – that moment when the doors of the Church were flung wide open to welcome us as brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of God! So while Christmas season ends today, our call and duty as Catholics continue. We are invited to bless one another and be blessings to each other.

Speaking of blessings, for those who got the Epiphany kits last week, I hope you have chalked your doors and blessed your home using the holy water and exorcised salt. If you are able, kindly send photos of your chalked doors. It would be fun to make a collage of those for our next Flocknote message, right?

Finally, on behalf of the clergy, pastoral staff and members of the 60th Anniversary Steering Committee, I invite you this Sunday, January 10 (after the 6PM Youth Mass) to raise your glass and join us online for the virtual toast to launch our 60th Parish Founding Anniversary!

Please be on the lookout for the events lined-up from January 7 (our parish feast day) to June 10 (our actual foundation day back in 1961). Great news: Bishop Barber has confirmed to join us for the Parish Founding Anniversary Mass on June 12 at 5PM!

Please save these dates, participate actively at the events, and together thank the Lord for this amazing gift to our community!

We are indeed BLESSED through the years!

Peace and blessings,

Fr. Erick