As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the story of the Magi reminds us of the profound invitation to encounter Christ and return to our lives “by a different way.” After following the star to the Christ child, the Magi were forever changed. They listened, discerned, and allowed the experience of Jesus to transform their hearts. This journey is a metaphor for our spiritual lives: an encounter with Christ always invites us to conversion, to see and live in a new way.
The beginning of a new year offers us the same opportunity. As we reflect on the past and set intentions for the future, we are invited to experience Christ anew and embrace the possibility of deeper conversion. What if 2025 could be the year we, too, choose a “different way”?
I mentioned last week I am reading a wonderful book I got for Christmas: The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The authors explore the foundations of true joy and inner peace, and this message is desperately needed in the world today. They remind us that joy is not found in isolation but in relationship—with God, with others, and with ourselves. At the heart of these relationships are trust and love, which mirror the love God has for each of us. The Magi’s journey, guided by the star, was a response to that love—a search for the source of all joy, found in the Christ child.
The Book of Joy also highlights our shared humanity as a pathway to peace. When we embrace the common dignity of every human being as created by God, we allow joy to flourish within us and radiate outward. This joy becomes our witness in a world yearning for peace. The authors remind us that only by stepping out of self-centeredness and opening ourselves to the needs and hopes of others can we experience true interior peace—a peace rooted in God and that surpasses understanding.
The Magi teach us something profound about discernment. They sought wisdom from many sources—the religious leaders, theological experts, and even the civic authority of their time, King Herod. Yet, ultimately, they trusted the star and the divine light it represented to guide them to Jesus. In the same way, we are called to listen to the voices of our time but to follow what leads us most faithfully to Christ.
As we stand at the threshold of 2025, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to follow the star that points to Jesus? Are we open to the transformation that comes from truly encountering Him? Are we ready to “go back a different way,” letting our choices, relationships, and actions reflect the joy and peace of Christ in our lives?
May this new year be a time of grace for our parish family, as we allow God to lead us in unexpected ways. Like the Magi, may we have the courage to follow, the humility to worship, and the willingness to change. May our journey this year lead us ever closer to the joy and peace found in Christ, the Light of the World.
Before closing this first bulletin of the New Year, I want to end in gratitude for so many people who make our community so amazing. We want to take a moment to express deep gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Christmas celebrations. It was wonderful to see our church so full, with many extended families coming together to worship and celebrate. Special thanks go to all who served to make these celebrations so beautiful.
Clare D’Agostino and her environment team created a stunning atmosphere for worship. Meredith Augustin, Tamami Honma and the adult choir, John Kellet with the Youth Band and with Chynna Cavales and the children’s choir, and Jed de Torres for being the cantor at many Masses – you all offered music that lifted our hearts! I would like to thank Clare supported by Kathleen Flynn along with the many parents who helped to put on the children’s pageants at the 3pm and 5pm Masses; they made these liturgies memorable. I especially want to thank those who are regularly in the background and unseen: Erika Ibarra and the dedicated Mass Coordinators (some of whom served at several Christmas Masses), Margo Isola and the Eucharistic Ministers, David Mendenhall and the Lectors, Carol Karer and Anthony Macdonald with the Altar Servers, Donna Daly and those who clean the Church linens, Kerby Gerughty and the Tech AV team, Marc Schaub for photography and the wonderful greeters and ushers. All these volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the celebrations ran smoothly. I would like to acknowledge Ann Kozlovksy and the wonderful school staff who are so supportive in all we do as one Catholic parish community. Also, I thank Rachel for all the excellent communications to engage the community, and the rest of our staff who support us in endless hidden ways: Joan, Victor, Balde, Donna, Kalena, Ana and Madelyn. Their often-invisible work is what makes the team run so well. Thank you all. It was a beautiful display of our welcoming and vibrant community, and we are so grateful for each of you.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Epiphany and a joyful New Year!
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan