"Living in the Lord’s Love" by Fr. Chris House

May 3, 2024

The readings for this Sixth Sunday of Easter center on the central theme of love – the love of God for us and our call to love one another as Christ has loved us. As we being to come to towards the end of our journey through the Easter season, we are reminded of the profound depth of God's love and the transformative power it has in our lives. In the Gospel passage from John, Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. This is not a superficial or sentimental love but a love rooted in sacrifice, service, and selflessness. Jesus exemplified this love through his life, ministry, and ultimately, his death on the cross. He says, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

 

The love of Christ is radical and all-encompassing. It transcends barriers of race, ethnicity, social status, and ideology. In the first reading from Acts, we see the Holy Spirit breaking down barriers as Peter proclaims, "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him." This inclusivity of God's love challenges us to embrace and welcome all people as brothers and sisters in Christ. The letter of John reinforces the message of love, stating, "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God." Our ability to love authentically flows from our relationship with God. As we abide in God's love, we are empowered to love others unconditionally and without discrimination. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate his love in our daily lives. This means loving not only those who are easy to love or who share our beliefs but loving all people – even our enemies – with the same love that Jesus has for us. It's a challenging commandment, but it's also the most transformative and powerful.

 

As we reflect on these readings, let us recommit ourselves to living lives of love, compassion, and service. Let us seek to imitate the selfless love of Christ in our relationships, communities, and interactions. May our love be a reflection of God's love, drawing others closer to Him and building up the Kingdom of God on earth.

 

Changing of the Guard

 

Last weekend in a letter in the bulletin, and sent out electronically, Father Wayne announced that he has been asked to take a new assignment at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Decatur along with campus ministry at St. Teresa High School and Millikin University. Succeeding Father Wayne will be the soon-to-be Father Alex McCullough who will be ordained in our cathedral on May 25th. Deacon Alex is a native of Mattoon and is currently finishing his seminary formation at Saint Meinrad Seminary in southern Indiana. The effective date for this change will be July 1st. Dates will be announced for a farewell reception for Father Wayne in later June and for a welcome reception for Father Alex in early July. Please join me in praying for both of these men in this time of transition that God will bless them with every grace they need for their ministries.

 

Completed Initiation

 

Congratulations to all of our students who completed their Christian Initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion this past Tuesday evening at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Let us pray that these children may remain rooted in the love of God and continue to learn and understand the importance of cooperating with the graces that God has given to them.

 

Mary’s Month

 

May is traditionally known as the month of Mary. Centuries ago, May was dedicated to the pagan Roman goddess Flora who was the goddess of blooms. The month was dedicated to her as a way of casting out winter and welcoming the new life of spring. As the true Christian faith spread throughout the Roman empire and the rest of the world, this festival of Flora disappeared but various practices to welcome the change in seasons remained. Beginning in the Middle Ages, a popular devotion came about called Tricesimum which was a thirty-day period celebrated in honor of Mary. At one time, it was celebrated from August 15th (the Assumption) until September 14th (Our Lady of Sorrows). As time progressed, this celebration of Tricesimum was merged with honoring Mary in the month of May. By the 13th century, May was becoming synonymous with being the month of Mary throughout many parts of the Church. Let us honor Mary both for being the Mother of our Savior but also for being our spiritual Mother, given to us by the Lord Jesus, who intercedes for us, her children, each and every day.

 

Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead!

Father Chris House

 

December 29, 2025
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December 20, 2025
Happy 4th Sunday of Advent! Christmas Day and Season are right around the corner. Christmas Eve/Day Mass schedule is below along with New’s Years Eve/Day Mass schedule. For Christmas Masses and some Sunday Masses during the Christmas Season, we will be using incense at Mass. Incense Masses will be listed in the bulletin each week. Incense at the Mass is very ancient tradition that emphasizes that our prayers rise up to God like incense (Psalm 141). Incense at Mass also alerts our senses to the increased solemnity of the Christmas Season in which we celebrate the Word became flesh in Jesus Christ. Incense also reminds us of the seriousness and reverence of our Worship to the Triune God. As we approach Christmas Day, we hear in our Gospel of the Annunciation of St. Joseph. The Annunciation of St Joseph is talked about as much as the Annunciation of Mary, but these events in Salvation History are immensely important. In this Gospel passage today, we see St. Joseph wrestle with being called to be the foster father to the Messiah. A difficult calling to understand and receive from God. A key phrase in the Gospel today is that St. Joseph is described as a righteous man, meaning he is in right relationship with God. He knows God as Father and listens, trusts, and acts on God the Father’s word. Let us listen, trust, and act this Christmas Season on God’s word by living in the Christmas Season as Christians and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas that God kept His word to Isreal in sending the Messiah. Please note for December that there will be no Adoration of Blessed Sacrament on Dec. 24 and 31. For Christmas Masses, we will use incense at 4pm, 6:30pm, 11pm. For Dec 27-28, we will use incense at 10am and 5pm. Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm 30 minutes of prelude music before Mass Christmas Day: 9:30am New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekend Jan. 10-11 and Feb 21-27
December 14, 2025
Happy 3rd Sunday of Advent! Also known as Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice in Latin. We rejoice because Christmas Season is near during which we recall how God fulfilled all His promises to Isrealthrough Jesus. Gaudete Sunday is also known for the word Joy because of the Rose vestment. Rose or common called pink is color of joy. Rose is color of joy because the violent color of Advent and Lent associated with penance is fading away with rose color vestment. Like the rose and orange hue thatis seen right before sunrise. On Dec. 14, we as a Parish will participate in Advent Penance with Blessed Sacrament and St. Agnes. Blessed Sacrament will host this time and CTK will host in Lent. 6 priests will be available to hear confessions at 2pm. A chance before Christmas to bring our sins to God’s mercy as we prepare for joy of Christmas Season. Please note for December that there will be no Adoration of Blessed Sacrament on Dec. 24 and 31. Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Anges Hosted byBlessed Sacrament - December 14 at 2pm. 6 priests will be available for confessions. Advent Resources Devotions Word on Fire Hallow App Exodus 90 App Magnificat Behold! By Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Marian Candlelight Mass - Dec 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am 30 minutes of prelude music before Mass New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Jan 10-11 and Feb 21-27 
November 30, 2025
Happy 1ˢᵗ Sunday of Advent! Advent is a beautiful season of hope and expectation. We recall the promises that God made to Israel throughout the Old Testament especially Isaiah and see how God fulfilled these promises in Jesus. As we recall these promises and their fulfillment, we are renewed in our confidence and hope God will fulfill the promises of the New Testament. I encourage you not to jump straight into Christmas. I invite you to enter the great season of Advent. Be renewed by Advent to root your life more deeply in Christ’s promises, His promises are a sure and steadfast anchor. During my State of the Parish Homily back in October, I mentioned several places on our Campus are in need of attention, below is a list of projects coming in future years. This is not an exhaustive list, just gives a glimpse of major projects coming up in the next few years. Based on cash flow, summer of 2026 projects are listed in the right-hand column. Projects School Tuckpointing School Windows Gym Roof Parish Center Roof Rectory and St Joseph Roof Parking Lot HVAC Pre-K and K-8 Playgrounds School Security Cameras - Interior Summer of 2026 Projects Pre-K Tuckpointing Pre-K HVAC Pre-K and K-8 Playgrounds School Security Cameras - Interior Advent Resources Devotions Word on Fire Hallow App Exodus 90 App Magnificat Behold! By Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Marian Candlelight Mass - Dec 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Anges Hosted byBlessed Sacrament - December 14 at 2pm. 6 priests will be available for confessions. Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11
November 22, 2025
Happy Christ the King Sunday! I am excited to celebrate our Parish Feast Day for the first time as Pastor. I have always loved this Solemnity! It emphasizes that Jesus’s Kingdom is bigger than any nation. Indeed as the Solemnity suggests He is King of Universe. His Kingdom is bigger than the entire universe. Christ the King Solemnity also acknowledges the universality of the Catholic Faith, every race, ethnicity, language, etc. is invited into Christ’s Kingdom. More information on the history of the Feast visit - https://www.usccb.org/committees/religious-liberty/solemnity- christ-king-background or https://ewtn.co.uk/ca-why-was-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-instituted/ During my State of the Parish Homily back in October, I mentioned several places on our Campus are in need of attention, especially at our school. In next week’s bulletin, I will lay out some upcoming projects for summer of 2026. Advent Resources Devotions Word on Fire Hallow App Exodus 90 App Magnificat Behold! By Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Marian Candlelight Mass - Dec 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Anges Hosted byBlessed Sacrament - December 14 at 2pm. 6 priests will be available for confessions. Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11
November 15, 2025
Happy 33 Sunday of Ordinary Time! Our Gospel today is part of what we call the eschatological teachings of Jesus. Eschatological teachings have to do with final things; Our Doctrines about 2nd coming, judgment, heaven, hell, purgatory, etc. coming from Jesus’s teaching in the Scripture about final things. Eschatological teachings can sometimes be unnerving, but they point towards the Divinity of Christ Jesus. That He is above all of creation and reigns over death and life. Reminder that next weekend is our Parish Feast of Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 22-23. We will have a Parish Breakfast after 8am and 10am Masses. There will also be Incense at both 4:30pm and 10am Mass that weekend. Thank you to all you came out for the Pre-Advent Mission. Both evenings were great times of formation, prayer, and fellowship. Dennis did a brilliant job on inviting us to journey with Mary this Advent followed by some beautiful Candlelight Adoration of Jesus. Thank you to all as well who made the Social possible Monday Night. It was a great time of fellowship. Advent Resources Marian Candlelight Mass Dec 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm Confessions Monday through Friday: 6:30am-6:50am Every Saturday: 3:00pm-4pm Every Sunday: 4-45pm Wednesday 4pm-4:45pm Advent Penance Service: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King, and St. Agnes Hosted by Blessed Sacrament December 14 at 2pm 6 priests will be available for confessions. Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6:30pm, and 11pm Christmas Day: 9:30am New Years Mass Schedule Dec 31: 5:30pm Jan 1: 9:30am Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11
November 8, 2025
Happy Feast of Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome! Often when we think of Mother Church for us as Catholics, we might think of St Peter’s in Rome. The Mother Church for us as Catholics is actually St. John Lateran, which is the Cathedral of the Pope since the 3rd century. The feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran is celebrated by the entire Church. It marks the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome by Pope Sylvester I in 324. This church is the cathedra (or chair) of the bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. A Latin inscription in the Church reads: “omnium ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis mater et caput.” Translated, this means, “The mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.” The basilica was originally named the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior. However, it is called St. John Lateran because it was built on property donated to the Church by the Laterani family, and because the monks from the monastery of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Divine served it. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/dedication-of-st-johnlateran-650 The 1st Reading for this Feast emphasizes the prophecy of new springs of grace pouring out from the Temple to the nations. We see this prophecy fulfilled through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. The waters of grace spring forth from the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Water and Blood flowing from the cross are the wellspring of the Church Sacraments. Reminder that our Pre-Advent Mission is coming up on Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm. You can find details in the bulletin. Dennis will present on Mary, our Blessed Mother, and I will present on St. Joseph. Candlelight Masses for Advent will be offered on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas.  Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11
November 2, 2025
Happy All Souls Day! All Souls Day falls on November 2 each year and we have the great privilege of celebrating this commemoration on Sunday this year. Each All Souls Day, we are invited to honor and pray for our beloved dead - our friends and family. A common practice in most parishes is to have a Book of the Dead, where we write down names of people that we want to pray for during November. Our Book of the Dead is located by the Baptismal Font. Feel free to add names of those you want to honor and pray for in a special way. Also as a Parish Family, we will honor and pray for our beloved parishioners who passed away this past year at a special Mass of Remembrance on November 5. Another great practice for the first days of November is the following Novena prayed during the first 9 days of November in a cemetery. https://www.praymorenovenas.com/souls-daynovena. Traditional Prayer when visiting a grave: Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him/her. May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Below, you can see another change to my military schedule. The on-going changes are due to the federal government shut down. Reminder that our Pre-Advent Mission is coming up on Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm . You can find details in the bulletin. Dennis will present on Mary, our Blessed Mother, and I will present on St. Joseph. Candlelight Mass for Advent will be offered on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas. Military Weekends Dec 5-7 and Jan 10-11
October 25, 2025
Happy 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time! Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel of the importance of humility. He uses the powerful image of a tax collector to convey the virtue of humility. It is an odd image since tax collectors were not seen as examples of virtue. They were often worldly men who stole and cheated through the tax system of the day. The tax collector’s action in the Gospel today Is what we live out at the beginning of every Mass with the Penitential Act – Lord have mercy on me a sinner! I am away this weekend at Good News Conference in Florida. https://www.goodnewsconference.com/ If you are interested in signing up for a Mass ministry, sign-up sheets available in the back and the Parish Office will reach out for training. Next weekend, Nov 1, All Saints, is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year. We will have a special Daily Mass that day at 8am on Nov. 1. For the regular Sunday Masses, Nov. 1-2, we will celebrate All Souls Day, a special day every year that we pray and remember our beloved dead. We will have a special Mass of Remembrance as a Parish on Nov. 5. Before you know it our Patronal Feast Day and Advent will be here. Christ the King Sunday falls on Nov. 22-23. We will have our Parish Breakfast on Nov. 23 after 8am and 10am Masses to celebrate our Parish Feast Day! This year, we will do new things for Advent. On Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm, we will have a Pre-Advent Mission on Advent Journey with Mary our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. This Pre-Advent Mission will consist of a talk each night to prepare us for our Advent Journey to Christmas. On Nov. 9, Dennis Trickey will offer a talk on Mary, our Blessed Mother and help us apply lessons from her life that can assist us with Advent. Following his talk, we will have Candlelight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour with confessions available. One Nov. 10, I will offer a talk on St. Joseph and glean lessons from his life to assist us with Advent. Following this talk, we will have a social fellowship opportunity in the Parish Center with drinks and snacks. Anyone is welcome to attend this Mission as we prepare for our Advent journeys. Also, during Advent this year, we will have special Masses on Wednesday evenings called Rorate Caeli Mass. It is a Mass honoring Mary’s role in salvation done by Candlelight only, since we are awaiting the light of Christ at Christmas. We will offer these special Masses on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights on in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas. Military Drill Nov. 14-16, no Dec drill, Jan 10-11
October 19, 2025
Happy 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time! Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel of the importance of persistence in prayer. Persistence in prayer is not so much about changing God’s mind, but about us persistently seeking communion with God in prayer. As St. John of Damascus said prayer is lifting up of our heart and mind to God. From that encounter and communion with God, prayer changes us. Prayer transforms our thoughts, feelings, desires, and choices over time as we seek communion with God. Due to the federal government shutdown, I will be here this weekend. My military drill was rescheduled for a later date. My next weekend with the Reserves will be in November I will be away next weekend for the Good News Conference in Florida. If you are interested in signing up for a Mass ministry, sign-up sheets are available in the back and the Parish Office will reach out for training. Before you know it our Patron Feast Day and Advent will be here. Our Patron Feast Day, Christ the King Sunday, falls on Nov. 22-23. We will continue the Parish Breakfast on Nov. 23 after the 8am and 10am Masses to celebrate our Parish Feast Day! This year, we will do new things for Advent. On Nov. 9 and 10 at 6:30pm, we will have a Pre-Advent Mission on Advent Journey with Mary our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. This Pre-Advent Mission will consist of a talk each night to prepare us for our Advent Journey to Christmas. On Nov. 9, Dennis Trickey will offer a talk on Mary, our Blessed Mother and help us apply lessons from her life that can assist us with Advent. Following his talk, we will have Candlelight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour with confessions available. One Nov. 10, I will offer a talk on St. Joseph and glean lessons from his life to assist us with Advent. Following this talk, we will have a social fellowship opportunity in the Parish Center with drinks and snacks. Anyone is welcome to attend this Mission as we prepare for our Advent journeys. Also, during Advent this year, we will have a special Daily Mass on Wednesdays called Rorate Caeli Mass. It is a Mass honoring Mary’s role in salvation done by Candlelight only, since during we are Advent awaiting the light of Christ at Christmas. We will offer this special Mass on December 3, 10, and 17 at 5:30pm. We will have a few lights in the Church to provide light to get to the pews and Holy Communion. In the sanctuary, there will only be Candlelight as we await the light of Christ at Christmas. Military Drill Nov. 15-16, no Dec drill
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