How can we bring God's endurance and encouragement to others this Advent? Jesus brings hope from the tree of Jesse that was foretold by Isaiah and has persisted through centuries. Our own parish apple tree is an example of regrowth and resilience for us. Let us pray daily to be a source of blessing for someone else, to be an agent of God's love.

Catholic Mass readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Second Reading: Romans 15: 4-9
Alleluia: Luke 3: 4, 6
Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12

What are you giving up this Advent? In today's homily, Father Chuck reminds us of the importance of enriching our Advent to prepare for Christ's Mass, and tells us two stories to illustrate Jesus's role as the "Good Thief". Let us make way for Jesus to show us His love by taking away our sins, and leaving us the gift of His grace.

Catholic Mass readings for the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 122: 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 13: 11-14
Alleluia: Psalms 85: 8
Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

Listen now to consider how to give thanks to God in difficult times, as well as in delightful circumstances. Plus, hear about a delightful "God-incidence" from Fr. Chuck. He tells how the disappointment of a canceled European pilgrimage led to an uncanny East Coast encounter—at a Mass at a small mission church in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley—between him and the son and daughter-in-law of St. Elizabeth of Hungary parishioners, one of whom was the Lector at this Thanksgiving Day Mass!

Catholic Mass readings for Thanksgiving Day Mass in the United States

First Reading: Sirach 50: 22-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113: various verses
Second Reading: First Corinthians 1: 3-9
Alleluia: 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 ["In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."]
Gospel: Luke 17: 11-19

Have you experienced Jesus connecting the dots in your life? Father Chuck connects today's readings in his homily about God's kingly power and concern for us. Let us trust in God's caring for us in every age and every little detail.

Catholic Mass readings for Christ the King Solemnity, Sunday, November 23, 2025

First Reading: Second Samuel 5: 1-3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 122: 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 12-20
Alleluia: Mark 11: 9, 10
Gospel: Luke 23: 35-43

Did you know that whatever work you do is spiritual? All work serves God as we follow the way of Jesus. Listen to Father Chuck's homily on today's second reading and the importance of work for God and the good of others, and hear this week's homework.

Catholic Mass readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 16, 2025

First Reading: Malachi 4: 1-2a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 5-6, 7-8, 9
Second Reading: Second Thessalonians 3: 7-12
Alleluia: Luke 21: 28
Gospel: Luke 21: 5-19

Do you think of yourself as having a small drip or a flowing stream of God's grace? In today's second reading we hear that we are each God's temple filled with the Holy Spirit, so God's grace flows from us. Listen to Father Chuck's homily to learn more and get your spiritual homework for the week.

Catholic Mass readings for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, November 9, 2025

First Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Second Reading: First Corinthians 3: 9c-11, 16-17
Alleluia: Second Chronicles 7: 16
Gospel: John 2: 13-22

Thank you to Father Ted Frison for filling in for Father Chuck this weekend. In his homily, Father Ted helps us understand God's role as Creator of the Universe, in which we are connected to all of the souls who came before us and to the Creator's love. In today's Gospel, Jesus says that He should not lose anything that the Father gave him. Let us carry on God's love and treasure all that He has given us.

Catholic Mass readings for The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), Sunday November 2, 2025

When you're feeling good about something you've done, are you being righteous or self-righteous? In today's Gospel, St. Paul is confident in his rightful relationship with God. It's okay to ask God to guide us to be righteous, being grateful when we have pleased God. Let us ask God to work through us to become more righteous and to help the poor and suffering. One way to do so is to read Pope Leo's first official document, "Dilexit Te".

Catholic Mass readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 26, 2025

First Reading: Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
Second Reading: Second Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19
Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14