November 16, 2025

Dear brothers and sisters of Saint Michael,

As we near the end of the liturgical year, the readings invite us to hold fast to faith, hope, and perseverance. The prophet Malachi speaks of a day when God’s justice will shine forth like the sun, bringing healing to those who walk in His ways. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus prepares His followers for challenges ahead, assuring them that even in turmoil, His presence will never fail. “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” This is not just a promise, but is also a call to steadfast prayer and trust in God’s providence.

In response, one of our newest ministries here at Saint Michael Parish includes a Prayer Leadership Team, formed to help deepen our parish’s culture of prayer. Deepening this culture is not only essential; it is the very foundation upon which our vision for parish life depends. When we walk in connection with the Lord, we are more able to unite parish leaders in God’s oneness of pastoral care, serving from hearts aligned with the Holy Spirit. Likewise, pastoral care and ministry of presence leads to the sense of belonging that so many of us here cite as a common experience in our parish. Belonging followers lead to believing disciples and faithful stewards — all the more disposing us to pray, serve, and give of self.

As we enter our annual stewardship commitment in anticipation of Advent, I invite each of us to start by reflecting on three dimensions of prayer:

Personal prayer – Adopting a new devotion or practice to prepare for Christ’s nativity, second coming, and Eucharist presence.

Communal prayer – Looking over the themes, readings, and prayer responses of the Mass before arriving on Sundays in Advent, in order to prepare for full, conscious, active participation in the graces present.

Spontaneous prayer – Allowing the Spirit to speak through our hearts when praying for others, trusting that God will provide the words.

May we continue growing as a people of prayer, uniting with Jesus and one another, and caring for all whom we are called to serve.

Sincerely in Christ,