December 21, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Advent
In the first reading, Ahaz is given a sign despite his refusal to ask for one: The virgin shall conceive and bear a son. In the beginning of the Epistle to the Romans, Paul describes Jesus as a descendent of David. The Gospel tells of Joseph’s dream, in which Mary’s miraculous conception is explained and he is told to name her Son Jesus.
Deacon Michael’s #2MinuteHomily for this week:
December 28, 2025 | Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
The first reading teaches that respecting family members brings blessings. In Colossians, we are encouraged to cultivate the virtues of humility, kindness, and patience, which foster loving relationships. The Gospel recounts how God speaks to Joseph through dreams, instructing him to lead the Holy Family to safety.
The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions
December: For Christians in areas of conflict
Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.
Prayers for our Priests
The following are priests and deacons of our Diocese who have died. Please remember them in your daily prayers:
- Fr. Clement T. Stolze (Dec. 23)
- Fr. Joseph Hoffman (Dec. 24)
- Fr. Victor C. Goyke (Dec. 24)
- Fr. Brendan M. Keane (Dec. 25)
- Fr. Lubert Riesen (Dec. 26)
- Fr. Joseph Meckel (Dec. 27)
- Fr. Timothy Smith (Dec. 28)
- Fr. Bernard H. LaBonte (Dec. 28)
- Fr. Richard Peradotto (Dec. 28)
- Fr. Mike Carroll (Dec. 29)
- Fr. Joseph Postner (Dec. 29)
- Fr. Charles Meagher (Dec. 30)
- Fr. Cornelius R. Horn (Dec. 30)
- Fr. Peter Mascari (Dec. 30)
- +Pope Benedict XVI (Dec. 31)
- Fr. Thomas J. Gough (Dec. 31)
- Fr. Edwards G. Heitjan, C.S.V. (Dec. 31)
- Most Reverend Daniel L. Ryan (Dec. 31)
- Fr. Gerald R. McCaughey (Jan. 2)
- Fr. Thomas Day (Jan. 3)
- Fr. John P. Dolack (Jan. 3)
- Fr. Clement Sommer (Jan. 5)
- Fr. Patrick Lyons (Jan. 5)
- Fr. Stanley Milewski (Jan. 5)
- Fr. Thomas Costello (Jan. 6)
- Fr. Matt Cummins (Jan. 6)
- Fr. Frank Westhoff (Jan. 7)
- Fr. Henry Frohboese (Jan. 9)
- Fr. Henry Burharst (Jan. 9)
- Fr. Joseph M. McKeogh (Jan. 9)
- Fr. Clement Johannes (Jan. 10)
- Fr. Charles Geier (Jan. 11)
Prayers for our Military
- Nolan Yehling- USAF, Whiteman AFB
- Brandon Weidner- US Coast Guard, Sault Sainte Marie, MI
- Kody Presswood- Staff Sergeant, US Space Force, Colorado Springs, CO
- Nick Glasgow- USMC, CA