From the Pastor - First Sunday of Advent

November 28, 2020

From the Pastor – First Sunday of Advent - November 29, 2020


This First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. All the readings during this period of waiting and anticipation concentrate on making us aware that it is time for us to awaken our lives as Christians. Jesus opens our Gospel Reading from St. Mark by saying “Be watchful! Be alert!” and closes it with an intense “Watch!”


For many Advent and Christmas are times of light, whether it is the light of the candles on Advent wreaths or the lights on a tree or the festive lights which decorate many houses and businesses. Jesus brings light into our worlds, but we must allow this light to permeate our own lives, to enter into the dark and sinful parts of our lives to illuminate and cleanse them.


This should be a time of renewed prayer and penance which truly prepares us to “watch” for the Lord, not just at Christmas but throughout our lives. There is a natural wonder among children at this time of year, but sometimes as we age, we lose that sense as if we are sleeping. It is time to awaken. Our minds may say “Let go” but our spirituality tells us to “Awaken.” We are filled with spiritual depths. It is time to seek them, find them, and awaken them. It is Advent, time for us to awaken and become aware of the gifts of love we have received from God and others. Or as Jesus reminds us: “Watch.”


Pastoral Pondering – I must admit that I have been looking forward to the beginning of Advent because I know that its arrival would mean that 2020 was almost over! It is hard to feel that way, but this year has been a trial for everyone in one way or another. Advent, however, gives us a chance to begin again to walk with the Lord and to prepare our hearts for His coming.


Of course, even new beginnings in the liturgical calendar cannot completely separate us from the realities around us. Hence, I wanted to address a topic that is apparently on the minds of quite a few folks, since I have received multiple questions on it. It is the question of vaccines and what the Church teaches about them. As with so many things in society today, this issue has been overly politicized which often leads to polarization.


First, let me say, that I am not a moral theologian. However, we can take some guidance from various Church teaching in this regard. More often than not, in a given situation, the Church will always be concerned about the common good. This was certainly the case with most of the original COVID protocols. Vaccinations are included under this umbrella. Certainly, the Church is opposed to those vaccines whose development depends on fetal cell lines and calls Catholics to demand ethically developed vaccines. The drug companies will generally seek the path of least resistance, so if there is an outcry against using fetal cells, in all likelihood that would garner some attention by the producers.


Secondly, if there are not ethically developed vaccines, the Church would still allow for their use since the cooperation with the objectively evil element, use of fetal cells, is fairly remote. In the end each person (or parents in the case of children) have to make these determinations based on their own research and consciences. In general, however, the Church is not opposed to vaccines and, in fact, would encourage their use in order to promote the common good while at the same time recognizing that receiving a vaccination can be morally allowed; however, it cannot be morally required.


Finally, it seems almost everything this year has been characterized by division and mistrust. Sadly, some of it is probably justified on a number of levels on both sides of any issue. However, as we begin a new liturgical year, perhaps we can also begin to come together as brothers and sisters in the Lord who are all looking to make it to heaven.


From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Baptism of the Lord

By John Putnam • January 9, 2026
Today marks the close of the Christmas season, but before we return to Ordinary Time, we have one more great feast to celebrate — The Baptism of the Lord. Today’s feast is a perfect opportunity to consider the privileges and responsibilities we all share as Christian stewards by virtue of our own Baptism. At the moment of our Baptism, we became adopted sons and daughters of God, members of his holy, Catholic Church. Though we may not have realized it, the moment of our Baptism is also the moment we become Christian stewards, disciples of Jesus Christ, tasked with the work of following in His footsteps day by day and sharing the Gospel message with all those around us. In our second reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter gives us a glimpse of the person of Jesus we should imitate. “He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” We must live our lives like Jesus, seeking to do good to everyone we encounter; not just those in our inner circle of family and friends, but everyone in our community since the Father loves us all and Jesus sought out everyone with His saving message. In the Gospel passage from Matthew, we see yet another aspect of Jesus in action, this time as he humbly stands before John to be baptized by him. What humility and what willingness to unite Himself to us our Lord demonstrates by this act. We can do no less as we live out our daily lives as his disciples. And when we do strive with all our might to live out our Baptismal call to Christian stewardship, we will experience the deep honor of knowing that we, too, are God’s “beloved” sons and daughters “with whom He is well-pleased.” © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering As many of you know, on December 17 Bishop Martin issued a pastoral letter concerning the reception of Holy Communion. In that letter, he directed that non-fixed altar rails and kneelers be removed no later than January 16. I want to acknowledge, very simply and honestly, that this has been difficult for many in our parish. I feel that weight as well. I love St. Mark, and I am grateful for the reverence and devotion so many of you show toward the Holy Eucharist. I do not take lightly the concerns, questions, or disappointment this has raised. I am also aware that some of the faithful have made use of the appropriate channels within the Church to petition for clarification or reconsideration, and those processes may continue. At the same time, as your pastor, I am entrusted with leading this parish in fidelity to the Church and her discipline in those matters that do not contradict Catholic law. While there are sincere and thoughtful discussions about posture for receiving Holy Communion, the current liturgical discipline in the United States indicates that Communion is ordinarily received standing, whether on the tongue or in the hand. It is important to state clearly that the right of an individual communicant to kneel remains fully intact, and no one may ever be denied Holy Communion for choosing to do so. Therefore, unless a suspensive decision is issued by the Bishop or by the Dicastery for Divine Worship, we will comply with the directive and remove the kneelers from around the sanctuary. To assist with the reverent and timely distribution of Holy Communion, we will also increase the number of Communion stations. I know this change will be challenging for some. It is not something I approach lightly. My hope is that we can carry this moment together, offering whatever frustration or sorrow we may feel as a personal sacrifice, united to Christ present in the Eucharist. Crosses come in many forms, and how we bear them matters greatly. Let us remain united in prayer and charity, so that anger, bitterness, or division never take root at St. Mark. The weight of the Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for Bishop Martin daily, and I ask that you do the same. Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for him everyday, and I hope that you will as well.  On a happier note, as we come to the end of the Christmas season, I want to thank everyone who dropped off Christmas greetings and goodies. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

From the Pastor - Epiphany

By John Putnam • January 2, 2026
Today we celebrate the Epiphany — the manifestation of Christ to the world. The stewardship way of life is nothing other than a grateful response to God’s countless manifestations in our lives, and a commitment to make His love manifest to others through the sharing of our gifts. St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that the grace given to him was “for your benefit.” Every gift we have received is meant to benefit others and give glory to God. The Magi show us how to live this out: Worship is their highest priority.They travel far, ask openly, and refuse to let anything stop them from honoring the newborn King. Is Sunday Mass the non-negotiable center of our week? 2. They are watchful. “We saw his star at its rising.” Good stewards stay alert to God’s presence and gifts in daily life. 3. They persevere through difficulty. Herod deceives, dangers threaten, yet God guides and protects them. Our stewardship journey will have twists, but God is faithful. 4. They are overjoyed True stewards radiate the deep, lasting joy that only comes from encountering Christ. 5. They prostrate and open their treasures. Overwhelmed with awe, they give totally of themselves and their gifts — the perfect act of worship. This year, let us rejoice in every manifestation of God in our lives, stay watchful for His star, and open our own treasures — our time, talent, and treasure — in generous gratitude to our King.  Come, let us adore Him — and then go and make Him known.