Dear Parish Family, We have come to the last week of our Lenten journey. When I was growing up, our dad being a very religious man encouraged us to attend Mass daily and grow in virtues. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family, This week we honor and celebrate two amazing saints. St. Patrick on Friday March 17th and St. Joseph on Sunday March 19th. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family, Two weeks ago, during a casual conversation, one of our parishioners asked me about the times of distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. I replied that I hadn’t decided yet. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
The past two weeks have been very difficult for all of us to digest the news that our school is closing at the end of this school year. I have sent Flocknote messages about it. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. We begin the Holy Season of Lent. Adult Catholics know that it is a season of 40 days to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection. As preparation, the Church invites all to Almsgiving, Prayer, and Penance. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Every year we celebrate the week beginning from the last Sunday of January as Catholic School Week. I am so happy anytime I get to be with children, parents, and teachers because it is the best opportunity for me to bring them to Christ and Christ to them. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Every Pastor dreams of his church being full for the liturgical and community celebrations. He is overjoyed when his parishioners participate in the life of the parish. I feel so joyful as I see more and more parishioners rejoining our Eucharistic celebrations on weekdays and weekends. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
One evening during the Christmas season, I was praying in church. Usually, a few visitors open the door and come in to pray when the church is open and the lights are on. I have an eye on them as they come in and go out. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Every year we exchange gifts and greeting cards during Christmas. I am grateful to all of you for your love, gifts, and cards. Unfortunately, I don’t find time to send cards or gifts during this season. Sorry about that. But I appreciate it and prayed for all of you during my Masses and adoration. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Our God is a God of surprises. For Christmas, I focused on getting everything ready to have a lovely Christmas for our parish family as every parent desires the best celebration for his or her family.. Then one of my friends from Staten Island texted me that this year is going to be the coldest Christmas in memory. I was very upset with Jesus. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Happy New Year! May the choicest blessings of God be with all of our families and friends. Last year had plenty of struggles but it had many blessings too. When I was in the seminary we were taught a tradition where everyone brings some old clothes or articles to burn in the bonfire on December 31st night before we go to celebrate mass at midnight and welcome the New Year. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Wish you a merry Christmas and the blessings of Christ our Savior. Christmas is the best time for all: children, adults, and seniors. It is the best time for family, friends, and gifts. I wish I could be Santa and bring gifts to all. Even better, I could pray for you and ask God to be with you. Christmas is God with us. My only wish is that God be with us always. READ MORE
I have no words to thank David our Music Director, the choir and all who are involved in organizing the Carol singing last Sunday. It was such a joyful event that brought so much warmth to all who participated in-spite of the cold and rain. Special thanks to our school principal Christie Acosta-Perez for warmly welcoming all to the school library for the refreshments. Thank you to our Flute player Ivan.
1. Advent Reconciliation Day is Monday December 19th this year. Please use this opportunity for making a good confession. I will be available any time after 11 am in the Church. You can approach me any day before or after masses or if I am in the Church. Feel free to approach me.
2. We have set up a Christmas tree in our sanctuary to collect money for charities during this season as we always do. Please donate in checks or cash indicating if you would like your donation to go to Local Soup Kitchen or Catholic Charities. Make the checks payable to Guardian Angel/St. Columba and I will make one check to them.
Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:
Reading 1: God gave a sign to Ahaz, who hadn’t even asked for one. Does God give signs that aren’t requested? Give some examples. Do I miss any of God’s plans for me? Why/ why not? Reading 2: Paul says the Gospel is about God’s Son, descended from David. How can a human being from our history books be God’s own self? Gospel: List the obstacles God encountered in bringing Jesus into the world. Is anything obstacle-free? How can good come out of obstruction?“When Joseph awoke…” Did Joseph wake up in more than one way?
Dear Parish Family,
Good morning. We begin the third week of Advent. Jesus appears in our Gospel reading and praises John the Baptist as the "greatest man born of a woman". What did Jesus see in John the Baptist to come up with such glorious words? READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Advent season is not just to prepare for Christmas. It is also a season where we become aware of Christ being with us in our every day lives; the Christ who lives in us; the Christ who comes in disguise among us. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
The first parish trustee meeting for 2022 - 2023 was held in St. Columba parish office on Friday, Nov. 11th at 1:45 pm. The meeting began with the prayer. READ MORE
This Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King. Is Jesus the King of our hearts and rules our entire being. If so, we are counted among the blessed. He has made us His own Body when we became members of the Church. Do we live lives worthy of this glorious privilege? In the Gospel we see Him forgiving the repentant thief. He will forgive all of our failures and sins. But we need to put faith in Him and in His Kingdom. Pray always that we live worthy lives for Christ our King.
Dear Parish Family,
Every year, our Archdiocese as per the New York State Religious Corporation Law requires that all Pastors submit the names of two trustees by August 15th. READ MORE
Dear Parish Family,
Last week one of my friends from India sent me a good morning message which read, “When problems come into your life like a non-stop rain, always remember that God will be your umbrella.” Perfect timing! READ MORE