The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. With Simeon and Anna, all Israel awaits its encounter with the Savior – the name given to this event in the Byzantine tradition. Jesus is recognized as the long-expected Messiah, the “light to the nations” and the “glory of Israel,” but also “a sign that is spoken against.” The sword of sorrow predicted for Mary announces Christ’s perfect and unique oblation on the cross that will impart the salvation God had “prepared in the presence of all peoples.” - Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph…

O God, whose Only Begotten Sonhas appeared in our very flesh,grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformedthrough him whom we recognize as outwardly like us.The prayer’s meaning hinges on the effects of baptism.Through the words of the formula for baptism and the outward pouring of sensible, visible water, there is an invisible and inward effectof grace in the soul.By baptism we are inwardly conformed or “shaped” so that we can be a proper temple of the Holy Spirit and recipient of graces as holymember of the Body of Christ, the Church. By taking up our human nature, our…

Town Hall Meeting Sunday, January 5, after 11:00 am Mass Church Activity Center (church basement) As Bishop Walkowiak announced earlier this year, it has been more than a decade since the Diocese of Grand Rapids underwent a pastoral planning process. It is now time to create an updated plan to assess more intentionally the needs and resources of our local church, along with exploring opportunities for growth and evangelization. The process involves data collection, parish visits, and dialogue to identify challenges and opportunities facing our parishes, schools, and the diocese. On Sunday, January 5, after the 11:00 am Mass we will have a town…

As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends. Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed. Let us keep God of our own understanding in our hearts and to chant God's name each day. Let us lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and…

Celebrate the birth of Jesus with us during the following times.