Pastor's Corner

Baptized as members of God’s Family

As we conclude the Christmas Season at the beginning of a new year, the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord reminds us how we as adopted children of God and called to be participating members of God’s family. As a child, each member of our family had different tasks to do, and Saturday mornings were specifically the day to ‘clean’. We could not play until our tasks were completed. Every day we had our tasks whether it be folding the laundry, washing or drying the dishes (no dishwasher other than us kids), or helping cook or clean up after dinner.

The new year is publicized as a time of renewal and new beginnings as we set some goals or dream big. The Catechism #1262 states “The different effects of Baptism are signified by the perceptible elements of the sacramental rite. Immersion in water symbolizes not only death and purification, but also regeneration and renewal. Thus, the two principal effects are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.”

From that point on, we belong no longer to ourselves, but to God, and are called to be subject to others. In other words, our calling from God is to serve others and to bring them to Christ through our activity as the People of God.  In his comments about the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis reminded us of our common call: "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision."

This year of 2026 will be monumental for us at the Church of the Nativity. We will be participating with all within our Archdiocese in a process named “A Renewal from the Heartland”. This will coincide with a renewal process for all of our liturgical ministries here at Nativity where we will renew through formation, recruitment and training for all who assist at all of the Masses here as Greeters, Ushers, Altar Servers, Sacristans and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.  

Finally, this year of 2026 we will launch a monumental capital campaign to coincide with our 40th Anniversary that will allow us to continue to grow into the future by forming our youth and all families to allow the graces of our common baptism to serve our local and universal Church. As members of the one family of God, each and every one of us will be asked to participate just as we are every day. All of our unique gifts, when added together create a beautiful mosaic of the heart and mission of Christ.  

God bless,

Fr. Jerry

I love magic and magicians. I never cease to be amazed by how something impossible can suddenly appear before our eyes. Magicians guard their secrets carefully—never revealing how the trick is done.

God, however, works in a very different way. On the Feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate a God who chooses not to hide, but to reveal. The word Epiphany means to show, to make known. In Jesus Christ, God reveals Himself clearly and lovingly—not to a select few, but to all people.

In Luke’s Gospel, it is the shepherds who are the first to visit the newborn child. In Matthew’s Gospel, it is the Wise Men—the Magi—who travel from distant lands, guided by a star and bearing gifts. They are not members of the Jewish people; they represent the nations of the world. Their journey reminds us that Jesus is born as Savior for everyone, without exception.

As the Church of the Nativity begins a yearlong celebration of our 40th Anniversary, the message of Epiphany invites us to pause and reflect with gratitude. For forty years, Christ has been revealed in this parish—in Word and Sacrament, in prayer and worship, in acts of service and generosity, and in the quiet faithfulness of countless parishioners. Through moments both joyful and challenging, God has remained present and faithful.

The Magi are called wise not because they had all the answers, but because they trusted God enough to set out in faith. At times the star disappeared, yet they continued on their journey. When it appeared again, they were filled with great joy. Their story mirrors our own parish journey—one shaped by trust, perseverance, and hope.

As we celebrate Epiphany and begin this anniversary year, may we give thanks for the past, rejoice in the present, and look forward with confidence. May the Church of the Nativity continue to be a place where Christ is revealed, faith is deepened, and all are welcomed to encounter the joy and love of God.