Advent
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the start of Advent isn't too far away. As we speed into the holiday season, Advent can often be nudged to the periphery, despite the fact that Advent can have a profound effect on our attitude about Christmas. Advent is a time to concentrate on Mary, the mother of God. Sometimes we forget that Mary put her hopes, dreams, and aspirations on hold in order to answer God's call to be the mother of Jesus. Mary said "yes," and that changed her whole life. A question for us to ponder this Advent season: How many times have we put our plans aside and said "yes" to God's plan for us?
A new year brings real questions—and real hope. As 2026 begins, Father Gene reflects on facing uncertainty without easy answers, trusting the future, and standing firmly in faith. What if the solutions we seek are still unfolding?
Sometimes guidance isn’t about being told what to do, but about finding someone whose words quietly resonate. Father Gene reflects on listening, trust, and the slow, human process of discovering a spiritual guide who simply begins to make sense.