Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  01/07/2024  |  Pastor's Letter

After the whirlwind of sacraments, prayer and activities in Advent and Christmas, I hope everyone has had a chance to catch their breath! From the Immaculate Conception and dedication of our new Grotto to the many celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Las Posadas all the way through Christmas and our Masses last weekend for Holy Mary, Mother of God we have been going, going, going. Which certainly speaks to the Holy Spirit moving and blessing us in the parish!

Over the next few weeks I will be highlighting some of the wonderful ministries and prayer we do in the parish and am starting 2024 with one of our newest: Brazos Abiertos (Spanish for “Open Arms”). Our soon-to-be deacon, Acolyte Bob Solis, and a wonderful group of parishioners began the ministry in 2022 with the aim of welcoming, accompanying, serving and praying with immigrant and migrant families here in the West Valley and at the border near Nogales. They meet on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm, and if you call our parish office we will happily connect you with Acolyte Bob.

You may recall being introduced to a newly arrived family from Rwanda last fall with whom our parishioners were teaching English and who had lived in a refugee camp in Africa for years. Jesus taught us in Matthew 25:31-46 that at the Last Judgment we will be divided as sheep and goats and the righteous will be told “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me… whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Immigration and border policy are very often political issues and cause emotion. As individual citizens we certainly all have rights to debate and vote our consciences. In the context of our parish and ministry Brazos Abiertos is not engaging in anything political - just meeting and loving brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, often people who are hurting, scared, poor and yet wonderfully hopeful. Many of you have already been so generous with donating coats and sweaters last year and new shoes just a few months ago. Thank you! As well, for those able to go to the Posadas in Nogales last month, you know how beautiful it is to meet others in the Body of Christ in prayer and celebration.

May God continue to bless this group and let’s all keep praying in our families and parish. We remember that the family that prays together, stays together!

Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.