Pastoral Message for Christmas & New Year

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we continue our joyful celebration of Christmas and step into a New Year, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year. In this season, we reflect on the incredible generosity of God, Who gives us not only Himself but also the tender care of a Mother. In the spirit of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, let us consider these gifts: the Gift of God, the Gift of a Mother, and how we are called to Live These Gifts Today.

1. The Gift of God:  Christmas proclaims the wondrous truth of Emmanuel – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Jesus, God chose to enter our world in humility, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger (Luke 2:7). He who created the heavens and the earth became like us in all things but sin, sharing our joys and sorrows. As St. John writes, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

This is not just a distant story from 2,000 years ago. The same God who came to the shepherds in their fields and to Mary and Joseph in the quiet of Bethlehem now comes to dwell with us—in our homes, our workplaces, our struggles, and our celebrations. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).

2. The Gift of a Mother: Alongside the gift of His presence, God gives us the gift of Mary, our Mother. On the Cross, in His last moments of earthly life, Jesus looked upon the beloved disciple and said, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:27). In giving Mary to John, He gave her to all of us.

Mary’s quiet yes to God, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), remains a model for every believer. She walks beside us as a loving mother, interceding for us and guiding us closer to Christ. Just as she nurtured the Holy Family in Nazareth, she now nurtures the family of the Church. In her, we see perfect trust, humility, and the courage to follow God’s will.

3. Living the Gifts Today:  The gifts of God’s presence and Mary’s motherhood are not just theological ideas; they are living realities meant to shape our daily lives. As we begin this New Year, we are invited to recognize Emmanuel in every part of life and to respond with faith, hope, and love.

Here are a few ways to live these gifts:

In family life: Begin or end the day with prayer together, even a simple “Our Father” or “Hail Mary,” and speak words of encouragement that reflect God’s love.

At work: Treat colleagues with patience and integrity, and offer acts of quiet service without seeking recognition, remembering that Christ is present in every person.

In prayer and community: Set aside time each day to reflect on God’s blessings, and join your parish family at Mass each Sunday to receive the Eucharist—the very presence of God among us. Consider participating in a parish ministry or volunteering in service to others. Living the gifts of God and Mary’s care means sharing our faith and our love with the wider community.

St. Paul reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). When we live this way – rooted in prayer, nourished by the sacraments, and engaged in parish life – we become bearers of Christ’s light to the world.

Questions for our reflection:

1. How have I experienced God’s presence in my life this Christmas season, and where do I need to invite Him more deeply?

2. In what ways can I imitate Mary’s faith and trust in my own daily choices and relationships?

3. What gift of God am I being called to share with others as I begin 2026?

4. How can I make my home, work, or parish a place where others encounter Emmanuel—God with us?

How might I deepen my participation in the Mass or parish ministries to live these gifts more fully?

Pastoral Blessing 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and bring you peace. As we begin this New Year, may you walk in the light of Christ, strengthened by God’s love and guided always by the prayers of Mary, our Mother.

A Prayer to Mary 

O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, we entrust our parish to your care. Pray for us, that we may welcome Jesus into our hearts, our homes, and our community. Help us to live with faith and courage, and to bring Christ’s love to all we meet. Amen.

In Christ, 

Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela

4th Sunday of Advent – Theme of Love

Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

Dear Beloved Parish Family,

As we enter this Fourth Sunday of Advent, my heart is filled with joy and gratitude for each of you. This week’s theme is Love, and what a beautiful gift to reflect on as we draw closer to Christmas. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is the love that comes to dwell in our world and in our homes.

The readings this Sunday point us to the ways God’s love takes root in our lives:

In Isaiah 7, God promises a sign—the birth of Emmanuel, “God with us”—reminding us that His love is present and personal.

Psalm 24 calls us to open the gates of our hearts to the King of Glory, welcoming His love into our daily lives.

Romans 1 speaks of the Gospel spreading God’s grace and peace, a love that reaches through all generations.

In Matthew 1, Joseph quietly and faithfully embraces God’s plan, showing us that love often appears in humble acts of trust, care, and protection.

During this Advent season, I invite you to make love the center of your home. Cherish your family, strengthen the bonds around your table, and take time to express gratitude and affection to those closest to you. At the same time, let this love extend beyond your home into our community. A visit to a lonely neighbor, a warm meal for someone in need, or a word of encouragement to a struggling friend can become a light of Christ’s love in the world.

Reflective Questions:

1. How can my family make space to show Christ’s love to one another this week?

2. Who in our community can experience God’s love through my acts of kindness?

How can our home be a reflection of Emmanuel—God with us—this Christmas?

May this Advent season fill your hearts and homes with the love that only Christ can bring. Know that I am praying for each of you and your families in these final days before Christmas.

With love in Christ,

Fr. Sunil Pallela

Gaudete Sunday: A Call to Rejoice

The Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, is a joyful pause in the season of waiting. The word Gaudete means “Rejoice!”, and the Church invites us to lift our hearts with hope as we draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth.

The prophet Isaiah (chapter 35) gives us a beautiful vision of this joy: deserts will bloom with life, the weak will find new strength, and those in fear will hear the promise, “God himself comes to save you.” This is not a distant or uncertain hope, but the assurance that God is already moving to restore, heal, and renew.

James (5:7-10), reminds us that true joy requires patience. Just as a farmer waits for the harvest, trusting in the rhythm of the seasons, we are called to trust in God’s perfect timing. Even in seasons of silence or struggle, the Lord is at work.

In the Gospel (Mt 11:2-11), we meet John the Baptist in prison, longing for confirmation about who Jesus truly is. In response, Jesus offers no grand titles but points to the evidence of His mission:

The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor.

This is the joy of Gaudete Sunday: we rejoice not because everything in our lives is perfect, but because Christ is present and active, bringing hope, healing, and new life even in the midst of our waiting. Moreover, we rejoice to welcome the adults interested in becoming Catholic through the Rite of Welcoming, during which the candidates declare their intention to follow Christ, and the Church accepts them and supports them through prayers, signifying the beginning of their formation journey toward full initiation at the Easter Vigil. The rite is a threshold event, marking the candidate’s official entry into the catechumenate period and the Church’s commitment to accompany them on their path to initiation.

As we light the rose candle this Sunday, let us lift our eyes above our worries, entrust our hearts to God’s promises, and rejoice that He is near.

Prayer for Our Parish

Heavenly Father,

We rejoice this Gaudete Sunday, for You are faithful and near.

Open our eyes to see Your works of healing and hope.

Strengthen our hearts with patience as we await the coming of Christ.

Help our parish to be a place where joy blossoms like Isaiah’s desert,

where the weary are lifted up and the Good News is shared.

Prepare our hearts to welcome Your Son this Christmas,

with gratitude and trust in Your loving plan.

Amen.

The Season of Advent

Dearly beloved parishioners,

As I was reflecting on the season of Advent and praying the Liturgy of the Hours, I came across a pastoral letter written by Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop (Acta Ecclesiae Mediolanensis, t. 2, Lugduni, 1683, 916-917) and here is his profound description:

“Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced at last to see. This is the season that the Church has always celebrated with special solemnity. We too should always observe it with faith and love, offering praise and thanksgiving to the Father for the mercy and love he has shown us in this mystery. In his infinite love for us, though we were sinners, he sent his only Son to free us from the tyranny of Satan, to summon us to heaven, to welcome us into its innermost recesses, to show us truth itself, to train us in right conduct, to plant within us the seeds of virtue, to enrich us with the treasures of his grace, and to make us children of God and heirs of eternal life.

Each year, as the Church recalls this mystery, she urges us to renew the memory of the great love God has shown us. This holy season teaches us that Christ’s coming was not only for the benefit of his contemporaries; his power has still to be communicated to us all. We shall share his power, if, through holy faith and the sacraments, we willingly accept the grace Christ earned for us, and live by that grace and in obedience to Christ.

The Church asks us to understand that Christ, who came once in the flesh, is prepared to come again. When we remove all obstacles to his presence he will come, at any hour and moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts, bringing with him the riches of his grace.

In her concern for our salvation, our loving mother, the Church uses this holy season to teach us through hymns, canticles and other forms of expression, of voice or ritual, used by the Holy Spirit. She shows us how grateful we should be for so great a blessing, and how to gain its benefit: our hearts should be as much prepared for the coming of Christ as if he were still to come into this world. The same lesson is given us for our imitation by the words and example of the holy men of the Old Testament.”

Questions for our reflection:

What is one specific obstacle in my own life—an attitude, sin, or fear—that keeps Christ from dwelling fully in my heart, and what is Jesus inviting me to do about it this Advent?

How am I actually using the grace God has already given me, and where might I be resisting or neglecting that grace in my daily choices?

When I look at my life right now, what helps me feel grateful for God’s love, and how can I let that gratitude shape the way I speak, act, and relate to others this season?

First Sunday of Advent

Dear Parish Family,

As we begin the beautiful season of Advent, the Church invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent is not only about looking back to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, but also looking forward to His return in glory and welcoming Him into our daily lives right now.

The readings this season call us to watchfulness and hope. They remind us that God often comes quietly—like a whisper, a light in the darkness, or a simple act of love. In the middle of our busy American lives, filled with shopping, events, and rushing from one thing to another, Advent is a gift. It’s a chance to pause, breathe, and make room for Christ.

I encourage each of you to enter into this season with intentionality. Light your Advent wreath at home, spend some quiet time in prayer each day, and listen to God’s Word at Mass. The Lord is close, and He wants to meet you in the ordinary moments of your life.

As we journey through these weeks, remember that even small steps in faith can open our hearts to great joy. A simple prayer, a kind word, or a moment of gratitude can become a doorway to God’s presence. Let this Advent be a time of renewal, where we not only prepare for Christmas but also allow Christ to transform our hearts in deeper ways.

Reflective Questions:

1. Where in my daily life can I make more space for Jesus this Advent?

2. How can I bring hope to someone who is struggling this season?

What simple acts of love can I offer this week to reflect Christ’s presence?

In Christ,

Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Dear Friends in Christ,

We reach the end of another liturgical year in the Church, and we do so with one of the great solemnities we celebrate — Christ the King. It’s a reminder that no matter what’s happening in our world, our lives, or our nation, Jesus Christ remains Lord of all.

In our first reading (2 Samuel 5:1–3), the tribes of Israel come to David and ask him to be their shepherd and king. David was a good leader, but even he was only a glimpse of the true King who was to come — Jesus, the Shepherd who never abandons His flock.

Saint Paul’s words to the Colossians (1:12–20) give us a beautiful image of that kingship: Christ is the one “in whom all things hold together.” That’s a comforting truth, especially in times when the world can feel scattered and uncertain. The center still holds — because Christ holds us.

Unlike earthly kings, Jesus rules not with force or fear, but with love. His throne is the cross, and His crown is made of thorns. His reign is one of mercy, forgiveness, and peace. When we let Him be King of our hearts, our homes, and our choices, His peace takes root in us — and spreads to those around us.

As we get ready to begin Advent, this feast gives us a perfect moment to pause and ask: Who really rules my life? What would it mean for me to let Christ lead in a deeper way? When we make space for Him, everything else in life begins to find its proper order.

Our world is hungry for hope and unity. As disciples, we have the chance to show others what it looks like to live under the gentle reign of Christ — a reign that brings healing where there is division, and courage where there is fear. Even small acts of kindness, forgiveness, and patience can become signs of His Kingdom at work among us.

A few questions to pray with this week:

1. Where do I need to let go of control and allow Christ to be the King of my life?

2. How can I bring Christ’s peace and kindness into my family, work, or community this week?

What small change could help make my home a place where Christ truly reigns?

May the peace and love of Christ the King fill our hearts and homes this week and always.

 Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela

Standing Strong with Jesus in Challenging Times

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday’s readings remind us that our faith is not just for the good days—it’s also for the hard ones. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His followers that tough times will come—there will be problems, fear, and confusion. But He also gives us hope when He says, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:19)

Life today can feel a lot like that. Many people are tired, worried about their families, their jobs, or the future. The world around us can seem divided and uncertain. Yet Jesus tells us not to give up. He is with us in the middle of the mess. Faith gives us strength to keep going, one step at a time, knowing that God will never leave us.

St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians to work hard and to live in a way that sets a good example for others. He teaches us that everything we do—our work, caring for our families, helping others—can be a way to serve God. When we do ordinary things with love, they become holy.

The prophet Malachi gives us a beautiful promise: “The sun of justice will rise with healing in its wings.” Even when life feels dark, God’s light will shine again. His healing love will bring new strength and peace to our hearts.

So, dear friends, don’t lose hope. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep showing kindness. God is working in ways we may not see right now. Every act of patience, forgiveness, and faith helps build His Kingdom right here among us.

Reflective Questions:

1. Where is Jesus asking me to trust Him and not give up?

2. How can I be a light of hope to someone who feels tired or alone this week?

What simple, everyday things can I do with love for God today?

“Called by Name” – From India to Saginaw: Serving the Lord’s People

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’

And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’” — Isaiah 6:8

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Without priests, we cannot have the Eucharist. It’s that simple—and that profound. The Eucharist is the very heart of our Catholic faith, the living presence of Jesus among His people.

Here in the Diocese of Saginaw, we are facing a growing challenge. At present, our Diocese has 56 parishes, but only 26 active priests below retirement age. We are deeply grateful to our 17 senior priests, who, though retired, continue to serve generously and tirelessly to ensure that the Sacraments are available to you.

We also have only four seminarians currently in formation. Even when a young man answers God’s call to the priesthood, it takes nearly nine to eleven years of formation before he is ready to serve as a priest. That is why we must be intentional and persistent in praying for vocations—for priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers.

In recent years, Bishop Gruss reached out to Dioceses in India for help, and through this collaboration, our Diocese has been blessed with ten priests from India, myself among them. We have come from different regions, cultures, and languages, leaving behind family, friends, and homeland to serve you—the People of God here in Michigan.

It is a joy and a privilege to bring you the Sacraments, to walk with you in faith, and to experience your warmth and kindness. I am deeply grateful for the love and hospitality shown by the people of this Diocese and especially, St. John XXIII Parish. Truly, I can say with St. Paul, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).

Once, America sent missionaries all over the world; now the Lord is sending missionaries from other lands to serve here. The Church is truly universal—one family in Christ, bound together by faith and love. As you pray for more local vocations, please also remember us, the missionary priests who serve far from home. Pray that our ministry among you may be fruitful and that we may continue to bring Christ’s love to your communities.

Jesus reminds us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)

Let us pray earnestly for our priests and for those whom God may be calling to the priesthood. As St. John Vianney, the patron of priests, said:

“When people wish to destroy religion, they begin by attacking the priest, for where there is no priest, there is no sacrifice.”

Reflect and Respond

· Do I intentionally pray for priests and for new vocations in our Diocese?

· Is there someone I could gently encourage to consider the priesthood or religious life?

How can I show support and gratitude to the priest who serves in our parish?

May the Holy Spirit inspire many generous hearts to respond to God’s call.
“He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24

St. John Vianney, patron of priests, pray for us.

With gratitude and prayer,
Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela
Missionary Priest from India

Diocese of Saginaw

Dear Parish Family,

ALL SAINTS’ DAY – NOVEMBER 1

On All Saints’ Day, we rejoice with the countless men and women who now share fully in God’s glory. The saints remind us that holiness is not beyond our reach — it is a daily journey of faith, hope, and love.

The Church teaches that “the saints are the friends and co-heirs of Christ, united with Him in glory and interceding for us before the Father” (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 956). Through their lives, they show us that every act of kindness, forgiveness, and love can be a step toward heaven.

“After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count,
from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages,

standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

Revelation 7:9

As we celebrate this feast, let us give thanks for the example of the saints and ask for their prayers to help us grow in holiness.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  Matthew 5:8

ALL SOULS’ DAY – NOVEMBER 2 – A Day of Prayer for the Faithful Departed

On All Souls’ Day, we remember with love all our departed brothers and sisters who await the fullness of God’s mercy. The Church invites us to pray for them, trusting that our prayers help their souls draw closer to the light of heaven.

“It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.”  2 Maccabees 12:45

Our faith assures us that “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030). This time of purification, which we call Purgatory, is a sign of God’s tender mercy – preparing His beloved children to see Him face to face.

Throughout the month of November, the Church invites us to remember our loved ones in a special way:

Light a candle in memory of our departed loved ones.
Write their names in the Book of Remembrance, placed at the entrance of the Church. Offer Mass intentions and prayers for the repose of their souls.

Together, let us surround our beloved dead with prayer, hope, and love. May our remembrance bring peace to our hearts and comfort to all who mourn.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today’s Gospel from Luke 18:9–14 invites us into the quiet space of the heart—where true prayer begins. Jesus tells the parable of two men who go up to the temple to pray: one a Pharisee, confident in his righteousness, and the other a tax collector, aware of his need for mercy.

The Pharisee speaks about himself—what he does, what he avoids, and how he is better than others. The tax collector, by contrast, doesn’t even lift his eyes to heaven. He simply prays, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” And Jesus tells us plainly: “I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other.”

This Gospel reminds us that God is not drawn to our accomplishments or comparisons—but to our honesty and humility. As it says in James 4:6, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” And again in Psalm 51:17, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

We live in a world that encourages us to present our best selves, to prove our worth, and sometimes even to hide our weaknesses. But before God, there is no need to pretend. He already knows us fully and loves us deeply. Jesus invites us today to drop the mask, step away from comparison, and come before Him with a humble heart.

Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking truthfully and acknowledging that all we are and all we have is grace. As Jesus says at the close of this parable: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This week, let’s open our hearts in that same prayer of the tax collector, trusting that God’s mercy is abundant and near to those who seek Him.

Reflective Questions:

Am I honest with God in prayer, or do I find myself justifying or comparing?

Where is God inviting me to grow in humility and dependence on His grace?

In Christ’s love,

Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela