From the Desk of Fr. Paul 11/23/2024
I think it’s safe to say that most of us are familiar with FaceTime*. You’re on your device, I’m on my device, and we talk to each other “face-to-face.” Yes! Even though humans have been getting together in person since Adam and Eve, my generation has labeled two people talking to each other via a screen… FaceTime!
*While Facetime is technically a product of Apple, I’m using it more generally to refer to screen time with another, whether via Facetime, WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.
Though I’m poking fun at it, I’m grateful technology makes “Facetime” possible. During Covid, screentime with loved ones helped keep many connected. It strengthened the bond of relationships with those we couldn’t be with in person. Facetime was a gift during the pandemic!
Nowadays, we’re back to having real Facetime with others, truly face-to-face. Thank God! This leads me to my main point. If Facetime helps strengthen our relationships with those we love, how much more will it do so with our most important relationship: Love itself…God!
Did you know that Facetime with God is possible? Despite what many in our society think, Catholics don’t believe in an “invisible Being.” No! Our God has a face, and its name is Jesus. We celebrate this reality every December 25th.
“Jesus went back to Heaven 2,000 years ago,” one may say. Ah, yes, but before he “left us,” he left us Himself! The night before He died, he gave us a way to always be with Him “face-to-face;” The Eucharist!
As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. The bread and wine are not just symbols; they become His Real Presence in the Mass.
Even when Mass is over, we can still be connected to Jesus in the Eucharist, mainly through what is known as Eucharistic Adoration. While volumes of books can explain what this is, one simple way is “Facetime with God.”
Our parish is starting off the new liturgical year (1st Sunday of Advent) with an opportunity for all to have some Facetime with God! Fr. A.J. has asked me to witness to the parish the benefits and effects of Eucharistic Adoration on my life and what it could do for you and our entire parish community. This is a great opportunity to begin with peace and joy, which often becomes a hectic season of Christmas preparations.
We hope you join us for an evening of “Facetime with God” at 7:00 pm. on Sunday, December 1st. I know The Lord looks forward to spending time with you. He has much to offer!
See you face-to-face for Facetime with God!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Paul Houlis
Watch the most recent homily clip from Fr. Paul here.
Rev. Paul Houlis