Dear Family,
I received a note this week which brought me a great amount of joy. It was from a couple who had been visiting from Texas. I wish to share parts of it with you, “Leaving your church last Sunday after a beautiful 9:00 a.m. Mass and touching homily, a young boy handed us the bulletin and also guided us to the holy water font. We have not had holy water for a year and a half!  It was heartwarming to witness such an active, whole Catholic parish. We thank you, Father, for “making” our trip.” In his homily that week, Fr. Ramos spoke about the importance of building a culture that was pro-child, pro-family— a culture that was in short, Catholic.  I believe his words are not only true, but a call to action. A call to action that is part of our mission to embrace discipleship, stewardship, and evangelization.
When I read that note I was touched by what a few drops of holy water could mean to a person, I use it regularly and generously, so I don’t think much about it. Holy Water, ashes, palms, candles— all of these things mean so much, but I wonder if we really knew that until we were deprived of them. A rich and beautiful aspect of our faith is the role and importance of Sacramentals, these physical things that we wear, keep in our homes, and use that remind us of God. Every morning I put on the brown scapular, I ask our Blessed Mother to clothe me in her virtue, and when I am anxious or nervous, I rub my thumb on my St. Benedict medal. These are all part of Catholic culture but there is more.
This week there’s something nearly every day. Mass with the relics for All Saints, Mass and a procession for All Souls, First Thursday Holy Hour for Vocations, and the return of our First Friday evening Mass. Advent and Christmas are lurking around the corner, ready to spring on us while we recover from the turkey induced coma of Thanksgiving Day. Christ the King with 40 hours isn’t far away either. These “extras” are apart of Catholic culture as well, but still there is more. So, what is Catholic culture? That’s a question I have been trying to answer for the last week. The answer isn’t elusive, rather it’s trying to integrate the last three paragraphs into one sentence.
Catholic culture is Incarnational, it takes into account that, “the word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” This means that we use physical things to pierce the realm of the spiritual and this creates a connection between the earthly and heavenly realm. This connection reminds us that we are a pilgrim people and this earthly life is only a small and temporary part of our existence. True Catholic culture also keeps in mind the great act of creation, the greater work of our redemption, the great dignity this affords all people, and the promise that, as St. Paul says, “all things work for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) Therefore neither anybody nor anything is written off. We believe that this is both here and not yet. If I were to try and define Catholic culture in one sentence this would be my best shot: Catholic culture is living aware that God is Emmanuel because of the Birth, Death and Resurrection of His Son, which we experience through our senses, logic, and emotions through ceremony, signs, and symbols... and then we share with others.
 Your Father in Christ,
Father Estrella

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Wednesday, December 8th
Mass Times
8:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 6:30 PM


Thursday, December 9th
at 6:30 PM


Christmas Mass Times
Christmas Eve
5:00 PM
12 AM- Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
8:00 AM
10:00 AM

We have kicked off our Stewardship Renewal 2021.  You should have received materials in your mail at home, and they are also included below in digital format for your convenience.  Please prayerfully discern where God is calling you in the coming year.  

Ministry Handbook
Commitment Card

Culture of Life
Online Sign-Up to participate in this Spiritual Advocacy Program.
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To Learn More about the program please read HERE.

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