As we begin a new year and celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, many individuals and families do so carrying uncertainty rather than clarity. Loss, financial strain, rising food costs, and fears around immigration, deportation, and national stability remain very real. The turning of the calendar does not magically remove these burdens. Yet the Epiphany reminds us that God does not wait for life to become easier before revealing Himself. Just as the Magi set out into the darkness, unsure of the road ahead, we too are invited to begin this new year trusting that God’s light is already present, even when the path forward feels uncertain.

The Magi followed a star - not a detailed map. Their journey was marked by questions, risk, and perseverance. In the same way, hope for the new year is not found in having all the answers, but in continuing to move toward God. Prayer becomes our guiding star; a place where we bring our fears honestly before the Lord and allow His presence to steady our hearts. Through prayer we learn to look for God’s light in small but real ways - in moments of kindness, resilience, and unexpected grace.

At the heart of that light is the Eucharist. In every Mass, Christ reveals Himself to us just as truly as He did to the Magi, offering not explanations but His very presence. Gathered as a parish community, we discover we do not walk into the new year alone. Together, strengthened by the Eucharist and by one another, we become bearers of Christ’s light for our families and our world. As the Epiphany teaches us, hope is born when we recognize that God is already with us, leading us forward - one faithful step at a time.

On behalf of Father Rex, Father Bob. Father Vittorio, Father Tom, Father Larry, Father Ed and Father David, Happy Epiphany and Happy New Year to all. Thank you to everyone who helped plan our beautiful liturgies and the church environment during this sacred season. To our liturgy planners, choir members, directors and musicians, lectors, ushers, greeters, ministers, and altar servers - your time, preparations and service help our parishioners and visitors encounter the presence of God. I hope you know how deeply your service is appreciated.

With you a Christian. For you, a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello 
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish