From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
January 4, 2026 - Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

"And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary, his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

The essence of gift giving is the thought behind the gift. In the gift of Jesus, we experience the thought of God, as an encounter with the source of all love. Unwrapping the gift and realizing its potential takes acceptance and resolve. Joseph and Mary are the first to understand that God has sent a gift. They would watch and live that gift as Jesus would grow in age and wisdom. The three Magi in the most famous Epiphany account recognize in Jesus a gift that no earthly possession can emulate. Their hearts, like Mary and Joseph, will be changed once they have encountered this child, Jesus. Of course, not everyone is joyful about the gift. Some people have hearts that do not want to be changed. In the encounter of the three Magi, the love of the Divine has been experienced; love never dies.

The occasion of the Epiphany also allows the Church to announce the moveable feasts of the year. This annual proclamation is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the blessings we receive in the Church’s perpetual celebration of the life of Jesus Christ.

The Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts for 2026

Know dear brothers and sisters, that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy, we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior.

- On the eighteenth day of February will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season.

- On the fifth day of April, you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- On the fourteenth day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- On the twenty-fourth day of May, the feast of Pentecost.

- On the seventh day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

- On the twenty-ninth day of November, the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Have a Blessed week and Happy New Year!

Fr. Mark Walter
Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge - St.Linus Parish