Pastor's Corner - Jan 25, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and all good things to you! This Sunday we have a kind of epiphany once again as we hear the word of God proclaimed in the liturgy. Isaiah’s eloquent prophecy, which is read at the Midnight Mass of Christmas, is repeated in the first reading and echoed in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus appears as a great light that shines in our darkness. With his command to repent, the Light reveals the sin in our wandering hearts, takes it away with his healing touch, and then calls us to follow him. Simon, Andrew, James, and John--they heard the Lord Jesus call them by name and invite them into his light so that they would become all that God had created them to be. What are the areas of our life where we still resist this Light shining in our darkness? Have we heard Jesus call us by name to follow him each day? Will we leave the nets that ensnare us and walk freely with Jesus and join in proclaiming the kingdom of heaven?

This week begins Catholic Schools Week, and we celebrate the Light as he shines in the lives of our faculty, staff, and students here at St. Stan’s School. In my few years so far as pastor, I have been privileged to witness the impact that our dedicated faculty and staff have on the lives of our students and alumni. Our deepest thanks to all of you—our faculty and staff--who continue to believe in forming disciples through Catholic education, as well as to all our generous parishioners who continue to support our school through your financial sacrifices and prayers!

Blessings,

Fr. Brad