Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday

The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors,especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another.  Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, our hearts turn once again to the beautiful message the angels proclaimed over Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” Peace is one of the most precious gifts Christ brings. It is more than the absence of conflict; it is the deep calm that comes from knowing God is with us. In a world that often feels restless and divided, Christmas reminds us that peace begins in the quiet of our hearts – when we welcome the Lord, trust in his love, and allow his light to guide our steps.  Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta often said, “Peace begins with a smile.” Even the smallest gesture of warmth can open a door, soften a heart, or brighten someone’s day. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of sincere attention can become a seed of peace. When we reach out to our neighbor – whether in our family, parish, or community – we allow Christ’s peace to take flesh once again in our world. May this holy season encourage us to be instruments of peace through these simple acts of love. Every effort we make, no matter how small, becomes a reflection of the peace the newborn Savior brings. Christmas Wishes Dear Parishioners, may the newborn Christ bless your homes with his gentle and lasting peace. May he calm every worry, strengthen every bond of love, and fill your days with hope and grace. May your celebrations be joyful, your gatherings warm, and your hearts open to the quiet presence of God who comes to dwell among us. May the peace of Christ – stronger than fear, deeper than sorrow, brighter than darkness – rest upon you and remain with you throughout the Christmas season and into the New Year. And may each smile and every small act of kindness you offer become a blessing that spreads his peace to others. On behalf of the Parish Staff – Merry Christmas and blessings of Peace to all!

As we enter the season of Advent, the Church invites us to begin again. Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year – a fresh spiritual chapter in which God offers us new opportunities for grace, renewal, and growth. Just as the calendar year gives us January to start anew, the Church gives us Advent as a sacred beginning, a time to reset our hearts and refocus our lives on what truly matters. Advent reminds us that God is always giving us opportunities to grow, to change, and to begin again.  Advent is a season of hope and quiet expectation. It asks us to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare. One important theme of Advent is peace – peace in our hearts, peace in our families, our parish community, and peace in the world. During these weeks, we are encouraged to look at our lives and ask where we need God’s peace. In a world often marked by noise, division, and haste, Advent calls us to become people of peace, open to God’s gentle presence and ready to bring reconciliation where it is needed. At the same time, Advent helps us to prepare for Christmas. We often get busy with shopping, cooking, and planning for the holidays. But Advent reminds us to prepare spiritually as well – to make room for Christ in our lives, to welcome him with renewed faith, and to approach the holidays with a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. When our hearts are prepared, Christmas becomes more meaningful and joyful. May this Advent be for each of us a new beginning: a time of reflection, a season of peace, and a joyful preparation for the coming of Christ. Let us walk these weeks together as a parish family, ready to welcome the Lord who always comes to make all things new. Blessed Advent! Fr. Andrzej

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

This weekend, we joyfully celebrate the feast of St. Martin of Tours, our parish’s patron and guide in faith. His life reminds us why our community bears his name – because we are called, like him, to live lives of compassion and mercy.  St. Martin was a Roman soldier who one day met a poor beggar trembling in the cold. Moved with compassion, he took his sword, cut his cloak in half, and shared it with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Jesus wearing that same cloak, saying, “Martin, the catechumen, has clothed me with this garment.” From that moment on, Martin dedicated his life entirely to Christ and to serving the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. Martin became a religious, priest and later a bishop of Tours, France. As a bishop, he was known not for wealth or power but for humility and love. He walked among his people, bringing comfort, healing, and reconciliation wherever he went. His simple yet profound acts of mercy revealed Christ’s love to all. St. Martin is venerated in the Catholic Church throughout the world. He is the patron saint of many groups including soldiers, the poor, and France itself. Saint Martin's Day, November 11th, is celebrated across Europe with various traditions. In Tours, France, where Martin served as bishop and where he is buried, the city hosts a special procession through the streets that includes a horse without a rider. This horse reminds everyone of the moment when St. Martin got off his horse to share his cloak with a beggar, a powerful sign of compassion. There's also a festive dinner, with the traditional Martin's goose as the main dish, and the local wine producers open their cellars for tastings of the new season's wine. As we celebrate our parish feast, we give thanks for the example of our patron saint. St. Martin’s spirit continues to inspire our parish community – in every outreach to the needy, every meal shared, every visit to the hospital or prison, every moment of forgiveness and any act of kindness. His legacy calls us to see Christ in those around us and to live as a true community of mercy and service. May this feast renew in us a deeper commitment to follow Christ with the same compassion and faith that marked the life of St. Martin of Tours. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Fr. Andrzej