From the Desk of Father Jason - January 4, 2026

Dear Saint Francis Xavier Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. This is the feast of the year in which we remember and celebrate that the Magi from the East, non-Jews, came to pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews, Jesus Christ. They brought Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gift giving has been a part of our faith since the very beginning in Bethlehem.

Seventeen years ago, minus a day, January 3, 2009, the Lord Jesus Christ gave me one of the biggest gifts that He could give me after Baptism. Through the hands and words of Bishop Ricken, I was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on the Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus. It has been something that I have worked toward for many years, but in the end, it is all gift. No one deserves or merits the gift of priesthood. I know that I definitely did not and do not. Priesthood is a gift of God.

Seventeen years ago, January 4, 2009, I gave back to God the greatest gift that I could give on that Epiphany Day, which is offering the Holy Mass of thanksgiving. I have been privileged to celebrate the Holy Mass so many times since then that I have lost track. I have celebrated well over 5,000 Masses. It is a privilege to honor the Lord God in such a way. I am so thankful to be celebrating Mass for St. Francis Xavier Parish

I do not remember much about that Epiphany Day so many years ago, other than the fact I was very sick with the flu. I barely made it through my first Mass of thanksgiving. In spite of this, it was a good celebration of the Lord God through Jesus Christ.

My hope is that during my time here at St. Francis Xavier, at least one young man will decide to go to the seminary and get ordained. These young men come for your families. They are your sons and grandsons.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason