As we gathered on the Feast of the Holy Family (Dec 28, 2026) to mark the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope, we did so in a year that witnessed the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo. In our own Diocese, we entered into the second year of our Pastoral Renewal, You are Called, you Matter, and you Belong. We also marked this Jubilee Year through diocesan celebrations on the Marian feasts of Mary, Mother of God, the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, including a Diocesan Mass with the Apostolic Blessing and a Plenary Indulgence.

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The Baptism of the Lord

After celebrating the mysteries of the Nativity of our Lord, the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Epiphany, the Church now commemorates the Baptism of the Lord—a feast that reveals the Holy Trinity in its fullness for the first time in human history. At the Jordan River, God the Father speaks from heaven, the Son appears in human form, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove.

Jesus receives baptism from John the Baptist, not because He is in need of forgiveness, but to fully manifest His relationship with the Father and the Spirit. In this sacred moment, Jesus comes to know His identity completely and begins His journey toward Jerusalem, to fulfill His mission of revealing God’s love, echoing the journey of Moses toward the Promised Land with the revealed law of God.

The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Epiphany and marks the end of the Christmas season.

Ritual washings were well known in ancient cultures as outward signs of inner conversion, repentance, and readiness to make amends. Baptism expresses humanity’s longing for God’s mercy and purification, just as water cleanses the body from external dirt. The Gospels, especially St. Matthew, recount this event, describing Jesus’ public acceptance of baptism at the age of thirty—the age at which Jewish custom permitted a man to teach and lead publicly. Though sinless Himself, Jesus joins sinners in the waters of the Jordan, accepting purification and showing solidarity with humanity.

Through His baptism, Jesus is presented by the Father as the Son sent to accomplish the work of salvation. God affirms His mission from heaven, testifying that Jesus speaks and acts with divine authority. This moment also marks the beginning of His public teaching and ministry.

For us, baptism remains the sacrament of rebirth and initiation into the life of Christ, granting the Holy Spirit and welcoming us into God’s family. It is the foundation of our Christian identity, a reminder that we are called to live as God’s beloved children, sharing His love and mercy with the world.

As we celebrate this feast, let us reflect on our baptism, give thanks for the gift of new life, and renew our commitment to follow Christ each day, guided by the Spirit and rooted in the love of the Father.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your wonderful participation in the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year. I know that preparing for the holidays is always a very busy time—sometimes it feels like we need a team of angels just to keep up!—and yet you found the time, energy, and generosity of spirit to help prepare our parish for these beautiful celebrations. Your presence, your prayers, and your active involvement truly made these holy days joyful, meaningful, and memorable for our entire community.

I am especially grateful to those who went above and beyond in preparing and supporting our celebrations:

• To Deacon Larry, for his faithful support and ministry (and for keeping me on my toes!),
• “To our decorating team, who once again transformed our church into a winter wonderland—sometimes I seriously wondered how to make my way through without tripping over all the beautiful decorations!”
• To our choir, whose beautiful music lifted our hearts and reminded us that angels really do sing,
• To the Knights of Columbus and CWL, for all their hard work behind the scenes,
• And to everyone else who contributed in any way—whether it was setting up chairs, ushering or offering a kind word—you made a difference.

I am also deeply grateful for all the Christmas greetings, cards, and thoughtful messages I received. Every note and kind word reminded me once again how blessed I am to serve such a warm, generous, and sometimes hilariously spirited parish community.

May the joy of Christ’s birth continue to shine in your hearts throughout the New Year. May God bless you and your families abundantly with peace, health, and happiness in 2026—just remember, if you overindulge in holiday treats, I’ll be happy to hear your confessions!

With deep gratitude, warmest wishes, and a little Christmas cheer,
Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS

Parish Schedule   11-17 January

Sunday, January 11 — The Baptism of The Lord

9:00 – 10:00 AM – Mass (Vulcan)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Mass (High River)
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Confessions
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Mass

Monday, January 12

NO MASS
7:00 – 8:30 PM – K of C Meeting

Tuesday, January 13

6:00 – 7:00 PM – Confessions
7:00 – 7:45 PM – Mass
7:45 – 8:45 PM – Valentine Planning Meeting

Wednesday, January 14

3:14 – 4:15 PM – Liturgy at Seasons
4:00 – 4:30 PM – Mass at the Hospital (Tenatively)
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Confessions
6:00 – 6:30 PM – Mass
6:30 – 8:00 PM – Financial Meeting (Crying Room)

Thursday, January 15

8:00 – 9:15 AM – Confessions
9:15 – 10:00 AM – Mass
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Adoration & Benediction
7:00 – 8:30 PM – RCIA

Friday, January 16

8:00 – 9:15 AM – Confession
8:45 – 9:15 AM – Rosary
9:15 – 10:00 AM – Mass (Grade 5)
9:00 – 11:30 AM – TOPS Group (East Hall)

Saturday, January 17 — St. Anthony, Abbot. (M)

6:45 – 7:00 AM – Confessions
7:00 – 7:30 AM – Daily Mass
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Confessions
5:00 - 6:00 PM - Vigil Mass
6:00 - 8:00 PM K of C 4th Degree Meeting