Dear Parish Family,

Happy New Year! Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season. Please know that Fr. Scott, Fr. Gary, and I pray for you and your loved ones in this season. This season is a great time to start again, to walk more closely with the Lord, and to let His light guide our journey.

As we begin this new year, the Church invites us to celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord and to reflect on the beautiful Gospel from Matthew. In this familiar story, the Magi journey from afar, guided by a star, to seek the newborn King. Their long and trusting journey reminds us that God reveals Himself not only to a few but to all who sincerely seek Him.

When the Magi find Jesus, they do not come empty-handed. They offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gifts have important meanings. Gold honors Jesus as King, acknowledging His authority and worth. Frankincense, used in worship, points to Jesus’ divinity and His relationship with the Father. Myrrh, a burial spice, foreshadows His suffering and death, reminding us that He came to save us through sacrifice and love.

The Epiphany is not only about what the Magi gave long ago, it asks us a very real question today. What can we bring to Jesus? We may not have gold or precious spices, but we do have gifts that matter deeply to Him. We can offer our time, time spent with Him in prayer and at Mass. We can offer our charitable works, serving the poor, the lonely, and those in need. We can offer our hearts, striving to live with faith, humility, and love each day. As we step into this new year, may we, like the Magi, seek Jesus faithfully and offer Him the best of who we are! 

Brothers and sisters, please mark your calendars for an upcoming Estate Planning Seminar on Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30 pm in the St. Mary Banquet Room. Many of us have wills in place, but have we considered taking a few simple steps to include our parish in our estate plan? Come learn the simple ways of putting together a will and the language to easily include St. Patrick's, St. Mary's, or whichever parish we hail from in our will. These legacy gifts leave a lasting remark and remembrance for future generations! Contact the St. Mary Parish Office to register at 440-285-7051 or click here to register online.

Take care, keep praying, stay healthy! 

In Christ,

Fr. Fabian Han