To the parishioners of St. Philip Neri Parish, sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints –
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.
John the Baptist proclaimed: “The ‘ONE’ who is more powerful than I is coming after me … I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Our baptism “with the Holy Spirit” is an immersion into the love and graces of God; it’s our inheritance into eternal life. We not only recognize our sinfulness but are called to “metanoia” – to see and live our life “in Christ Jesus”. That is, a life empowered to heal and be healed, to be reconciled in the many ways that are possible with God’s intervention and love.
“Reconciliation” – to ask for forgiveness, (especially when we have been hurt deeply and traumatically) or to receive forgiveness (especially when our feelings are raw and our blame is intense), can be very difficult — seemingly impossible. However, reconciliation is possible – but requires an attitude of faith and hope, truth and love – a stripping of the deepest self (our ego)! It demands great tact, courage and humility. When we are confronted by a perverted and divided world, a selfish and individualistic world, a world of consumerism and corruption, our courageous and faith-filled response can only come when we put on the lens of God. In essence, this means that we are a replica of God’s love and mercy.
As members of the Body of Christ, brothers and sisters in the Lord, parishioners of St. Philip Neri Parish, we are called/commissioned to be ambassadors of Christ – bearers of reconciliation to the world. As disciples of Christ – living in the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, we are able to meet the challenges of life: to sink our feet into the mud of oppression, to step deep into the sand of indifference and apathy, to break the barriers of exclusion and racism, but also, to climb the mountains and hills of opportunity and grace-filled possibilities … in order to proclaim the Good News in truth and freedom, that God IS forgiveness, justice and peace, that God IS Love.
As our Advent Season continues to unfold, as we light another “candle” each week, may the darkness of sin and brokenness of our world give way to peace and hope, de-light and gratitude.
We know that all this is possible, because “God is good … all the time”.
Praise be Jesus Christ … and Mary Immaculate
St. Philip Neri … pray for us
St. Eugene de Mazenod … pray for us
St. Kateri Tekakwitha … pray for us
Fr. Mike Dechant OMI
Something from the Parish:
Mark your CALENDAR:
- Dec. 19 is the Penitential Service at St. Philip Ner Parish – 7 pm
Check the newsletter, the website and the big SIGN in front of the Church – for all the Mass times for Christmas and New Year’s.
A reminder concerning our support of the many Diocesan BAA projects and faith experiences: to consider a monetary gift before year-end, and to qualify for a 2023 tax receipt. Your donation must reach the Foundation office – or be post-marked – before December 31, 2023.
- Word of gratitude from our Bishop, Most Reverend Mark Hagemoen: “Your support for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal helps to ensure that these gifts and blessings continue to grow and thrive. Thank you! It is clear to me that we have rich soil into which the seeds have been planted, and through serving others we will be witnesses to a growing church.”
THANK YOU … THANK YOU … THANK YOU to all of you for your generous response to the Christmas hampers. Many families will be able to have a festive gathering around food and family because of your generosity. We are aware of many families in need – we do what we can to respond to their many needs. Again, thank you because “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.” Peace and blessings to you and all your family. And may the “pink candle” of JOY in our Advent wreath be a sign and presence of the JOY in your family.