Dear Parishioners,
May the Lord give you peace!
With the liturgical year ending soon and Advent and Christmas close behind, I want to share with you the profound significance of the Solemnity of Christ the King on Nov. 26. This feast holds a special place within the heart of the Catholic Church and shows us what true stewardship is all about. We invite you to join us, not only for Mass, but for our Forty Hours Devotion that same weekend. We will begin following evening Mass on Saturday, Nov. 25 and conclude with morning Mass on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Our Adoration Chapel will be open for Forty Hours of continuous adoration of Christ our King in the Holy Eucharist throughout that time!
From Nov. 18-26 in Assisi Hall, we will also be hosting a display of Eucharistic Miracles that have occurred throughout the history of the Church. You can reserve a visit by SignUpGenius.
The Solemnity of Christ the King, observed on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, invites us to reflect on Christ’s universal kingship and reign over all creation. In a world often focused on power, control, and self-centeredness, this feast presents a countercultural message. It reminds us that Christ’s kingship is marked by self-sacrifice, humility, and service. Our Lord’s throne is not one of worldly grandeur but of the Cross, where He gave His life for our salvation. His Body and Blood given in Holy Communion is the core of every Mass we celebrate and the National Eucharistic Revival we are called to share with others!
This feast is a powerful reminder of our 135th Anniversary and the core values of Catholic stewardship. If Christ were not King of this parish, we never would have made it for 135 years! With Christ as King, we will continue on until He returns in glory! This month, we will be making an appeal to everyone to: 1) Set aside time for personal prayer and family prayer every day. 2) Choose at least one ministry where you feel God is calling you to get involved in the life of our parish. 3) Strive to give five percent of your income to the offertory collection.
Stewardship means recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God — our time, talents, resources, and even our very lives. Just as Christ, the King, entrusted His life for our sake, we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts He has bestowed upon us. We are caretakers of His creation, called to use our resources wisely, generously, and in ways that bring about His kingdom on Earth.
Christ’s kingship and stewardship are deeply intertwined. By recognizing His authority over our lives, we acknowledge that our role as stewards is to use our gifts in accordance with His will. This means serving others, working for justice, promoting human dignity, and caring for the Earth and its resources. Our actions as faithful stewards should reflect the self-giving love that Christ displayed during His earthly life and His very Body and Blood that we receive and carry within us!
The Solemnity of Christ the King is an important day in the Catholic Church because it brings our focus back to the heart of our faith. It reminds us that Christ’s reign extends beyond the confines of time and space, touching every aspect of our existence. This feast challenges us to evaluate our lives in light of His kingship and to ask ourselves whether our choices and actions align with His teachings.
As we approach this solemn feast, let us take the opportunity to recommit ourselves to Christ and the principles of stewardship. May we strive to be faithful stewards of His grace, using our gifts to build a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world. Let us remember that Christ, the King, calls us not to a life of privilege but to a life of service, solidarity, and sacrificial love.
I invite you to join us in celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. Through our worship and reflection, may we be renewed in our dedication to Christ’s reign and to the active stewardship and discipleship He calls us to embrace.
May the Lord give you peace!
Reverend Mark Zacker
Pastor