From the Desk of Father Jason - January 18, 2026

Dear Saint Francis Xavier Parishioners,

On January 9, I gave a talk to the Saints of De Pere Ladies Ministry. The talk was on the fruitful reception of the Sacraments. I would like to share some of it.

The Sacraments work in themselves. After a person has been Baptized, there is no question that they have been adopted as a child of God. They are. After a person has been absolved of their sins in Reconciliation, we do not need to guess if it happened or not. It did

The Sacraments happen. But what about their effects? Are they fruitful in our lives?

It is very possible that a person to be made a child of God in Baptism but live a life where it seems to make no difference. For many years in my life, it seemed like the Sacraments were ineffective.

I think the lack of fruit is one reason that some people fall away from the Christian faith. What difference does faith make?

We have to be open to the grace that God gives us in the Sacraments. I would like to briefly look at how to make the Mass more fruitful in our lives.

First, have a daily prayer life. Second, if we are aware of mortal sin in our lives, we go to Reconciliation to have it forgiven. Third, try to arrive at Mass at least 15 minutes early to prepare in prayer. Fourth, read the Scriptures of the Mass before arriving. Fifth, when there is silence in the Mass, which is time to pray. Finally, have a lively expectation that Jesus is doing something and will do something in our life because of this Mass. Try to come away from Mass with one thing we will do.

A fruitful Christian is one of the best advertisements for Christianity.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason