Our Pastor’s Corner – January 18, 2026

Dear Friends,

This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings of Mass draw our
attention to the ideas of identity and mission—who we are in God’s eyes and what we are called to do in
the world.

In the Gospel of John, we hear John the Baptist point away from himself and toward Jesus with
striking clarity: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” These words are so
familiar to us (as we hear them at every Mass) that we may forget how bold they are. John is naming Jesus
as the One sent by God to bring freedom, healing, and reconciliation—not just for Israel, but for the
whole world.

John also tells us something important about his own journey of faith: “I did not know him.” This
does not mean John was ignorant of Jesus as a person, but that he came to recognize Jesus more deeply
only through prayer, listening, and the movement of the Spirit. Faith, even for prophets and saints, is a
process of discovery. We grow into understanding who Christ is by watching, waiting, and remaining open
to how God reveals Himself.

The First Reading from the prophet Isaiah echoes this theme. God speaks tenderly to His servant,
reminding him that he has been formed from the womb for a purpose. Yet the mission goes beyond
personal fulfillment. God says, “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the
ends of the earth.” Our faith is never meant to be private. To belong to God is also to be sent by God.

Saint Paul’s greeting to the Corinthians reinforces this truth. He addresses them not as spiritual elites,
but as ordinary people who have been called, sanctified, and gifted by grace. Holiness is not reserved for a
few; it is the vocation of every baptized person.

Together, these readings ask us an important question: Do we know who we are, and do we know
whose we are? Like John the Baptist, we are called to point beyond ourselves—to witness, through our
words and actions, to Christ who takes away sin and restores hope.

As we continue Ordinary Time, let us listen for God’s voice in the ordinary rhythms of our lives. May
we trust that God is still forming us, still calling us, and still sending us to be light for one another. And
when we behold the Lamb of God at this Eucharist, may we be renewed in our mission to carry Christ
into the world.

I want to thank all of our volunteers who so generously gave of their time to take down our Christmas
decorations last week. Due to the schedules of our volunteers and our own parish Baptism schedule we
had to remove the decorations over the two days of Saturday and Sunday.The sanctuary may not have
been appointed as it usually is at some of the Masses and so I thank you for patience and understanding.
Our church always looks so beautiful at Christmas time and this year was truly exceptional. Again, I thank
all of our volunteers who so generously gave of their time to both set up and clean up. We are so grateful!

It is around this time of the year that we highlight and encourage participation in our Annual Parish
Retreat for Men at Malvern Retreat House which normally occurs during the first weekend of February.
The Men of the St. Blaise/Curran Memorial Group will be attending this annual retreat on Friday, January
30 to Sunday, February 1 , 2026. For additional information and/or to register, please visit
www.malvernretreat.com or you may call Tony Gentile @ 610-513-6834.

I take this opportunity to thank all of those who have responded so generously to this year’s Annual
Appeal. As of this date we have raised $110,495. This is really tremendous. If you recall, our goal was to
reach $130,000 so that we can cover the costs of the new church boiler, repairs and painting of church
and rectory exteriors and a new roof on the parish hall. I would like to make a little push here to help us
reach our final goal! If you have not returned your contribution as of yet, I invite you to do so as it will
help greatly with these major projects. I offer heartfelt thanks to all for doing whatever you can within
your means to support OLA. We are truly grateful!

May God continue to bless you and your families and once again I thank you for your prayerful and
financial support to our parish. It is greatly appreciated!

Love & prayers, 

Father Carey