"We are called to be a part of what Jesus began and what he is still doing...transforming creation into the reign of God." 

Do we reject Christ, like Herod, or welcome him, like the Magi?

From Mary's "fiat" to Joseph's great acts of faith, the Holy Family has been the model family for more than 2000 years. Fr. Richard asks us which models of family have had a greater influence on us and our world views.  

We may be asking for the same thing Mary did when she asked "How can this be?" to archangel Gabriel. We are asking for faith. During times of turbulence likes these, or when Mary and Joseph made the journey to Bethlehem, rock solid faith helps us find our way. 

Because of Mary's "fiat", we have the Christmas story. It's our turn to say "Thy will be done". Fr. Mike shares the moment he accepted his vocation to the priesthood and how the Blessed Mother may have played a part in it. 

We've explored the stories of the three magi, the shepherds and the innkeeper. This week, we explore St. Joseph's humility - how many of us view him in the Bible might be subject to change. Fr. Mike calls for us to live by his example in his recognition of Jesus and willingness to say "yes" to God without fear.

We can recognize Jesus by living JOY - an acronym for Jesus, Others and Yourself. Fr. Richard explains how we can more fully experience joy in our lives on this Gaudete Sunday. 

The innkeeper said "no" to Jesus, but we have the chance to let Jesus into our own inns, our souls. Fr. Mike explains the significance of the shepherds at the nativity scene, the absence of the innkeeper and what we can learn from his favorite Christmas movie. 

What gets in the way? What interferes with the GPS in our hearts, leading us to eternal life with God? Fr. Richard breaks down how SIN gets in the way -  the influencers, the detours we take in our faith journey - and what we can do to "send the devil packing". 

Fr. Richard introduces the theme of the week for Advent 2020 and asks us to embark on the most important search and rescue mission on earth. We are invited go out, seeking to share the gift of faith. "Welcome to Advent 2020. May it be like no other Advent before."