November 30, 2025

Dear brothers and sisters of Saint Michael Parish, 

Come, let us walk in the light, rejoicing as we go to the house of the Lord! 

Let us rise from our sleep and prepare our hearts for the Son of Man, who will come at an hour we do not expect. 

This captures the heart of Lectionary I as we begin a new liturgical year with the beautiful season of Advent. This first Sunday does more than mark a change on the calendar — it sets the tone for our entire spiritual journey in the year ahead. The Scriptures invite us to renew our commitment to watchful prayer, hopeful service, and generous hearts in readiness for the Lord. 

As we enter this new year, I invite everyone who calls Saint Michael Parish their spiritual home to help deepen our culture of prayer and pastoral care. When we allow Christ to form us in silence, in Scripture, and in Eucharistic Adoration, our hearts become more capable of compassion, unity, and service. 

Advent teaches us to prepare to recognize Jesus in three profound ways: 

– In His Nativity: where God enters our humanity with humility and love; 

– In His Second Coming: when He will restore all things in glory; 

– In His Eucharistic presence and in one another: where He continues to dwell with His people. 

In response to our State of the Parish vision to unite parish leaders in God’s Oneness of pastoral care, I am asking every household to embrace the foundational step of discipleship: 100% participation in stewardship of time (love), talent (service), and treasure (sharing). This shared commitment strengthens our mission to place God first in all things. 

Our Unite in His Presence Listening Engagements also made clear that our growing parish requires stronger organizational infrastructure and improved communication. To support continued growth — both in holiness and in numbers — we hope to create a new staff leadership role, relying on God’s abundance and your generosity to make this possible. Additionally, please stay tuned for an invitation in January to take part in a new layer of distributive leadership and co-responsibility. 

Most especially now, as we begin this holy season, may Christ awaken our hearts and unite us ever more deeply in His presence. 

Sincerely in Christ,