Dear Friends, Greetings to you. Today’s Scripture lessons teach us that the sick and the maimed are not to be objects of scorn, but potential reservoirs of God’s mercy for us.

Ash Wednesday, February 17: There will be two Masses offered on Ash Wednesday, 8:30 AM at St. Norbert and 5:30 PM at St. Michael.

In a culture and world that is hungry for the Truth, we are often challenged to put our faith into action. For example, many of our politicians profess their Catholic faith, but try to divorce the faith which they proclaim from their policies, particularly as this relates to LIFE issues. However, as Christ’s followers and as Catholics, we were called to integrate our faith into all aspects of our lives. In fact, we are called to make our faith evident in all our actions and decisions. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us not to hide our light under a bushel basket, but let our light shine before others (Mt 5:15-16). Defense of the unborn—the most vulnerable and defenseless human beings in our society, is undoubtedly the most important aspect of integrating our faith and actions. After all, LIFE is the most important gift that God gives us!

Annual Right for Life, Saturday, January 23, 2021: Mass will be celebrated for the increased respect for human life at: 9:30 AM – St. Augustine’s Church, Respect Life Mass, 16 Barre St., Montpelier Immediately following the church services, we will gather together behind City Hall for the annual March to the Capitol. Signs will be provided for everyone at that time. Those who do not wish to participate in the March are welcome to go directly to the State House steps for the remaining portions of the event. There will be a short ceremony on the steps of the State House in recognition of the unborn. We march because we believe in the sanctity of life. We march in remembrance of the millions of unborn babies who were aborted before their birth. And we march in the hope that one day abortion will end. Life face coverings will be provided. We will be following the 6 feet social distancing and the wearing of masks.

NEW YEAR"S DAY MASS SCHEDULE: 12/31, 4.00 pm St. Norbert 01/01, 8.30 am St. Norbert 01/01, 10.30 am St. Michael. Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God and Dear Friends in Christ Greetings to you. Today we celebrate the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God on New Year’s Day, may I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Peaceful New Year. Thank you for being God’s instrument of blessing in my life by your valuable prayers and encouraging support. I assure you of my special prayers every day in the New Year 2021 during my Holy Masses. May the Holy Spirit of God continue to empower, guide and strengthen you in your weakness. Let us strive to be pure and holy like our Heavenly Mother. Let us honor Mary, our Heavenly Mother, by practicing her virtues of trusting Faith, obedience to the word of God, purity, and humble, committed service. Let us make the New Year meaningful by having every day a) some noble thing to dream b) something good to do c) Someone to love, the first-person being Jesus. May God bless you every day of the New Year!