Dear Brother Knights,

Throughout the universal church, the month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on June 12th.

The image of the Sacred Heart is a familiar image, as it is found in our churches and homes. The origin of this devotion go back to the 17th and 18th century, when St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received visions of Jesus. In these visions, Jesus revealed his Sacred Heart crowned with thorns, bleeding and set aflame. The image represents the truth of Christ’s love for us. It’s burning love that suffers so that he may enter our lives.

Again, we see this image often, and like many things we can forget its impact. Perhaps in this month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we could all take a few moments looking at that picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus meditating on how much our Lord burns with love for us.

Sincerely in Christ,

Father Nicholas Kipper

Dear Brother Knights,

He is risen! Alleluia!

As Christians, we celebrate this Easter with much solemnity because it is a central and integral part of our lives. If Jesus had not been resurrected, he would still be considered by many to be a great man. He would be viewed as a heroic figure who died a painful death. He would leave behind many teaching that some people would follow. But Christ revealed that he would like to enter into relationship with us and share in his resurrection. His invitation to share his resurrection give us ultimate hope.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ does not offer us escape from this fallen world. The Lord offers us no promise that we will triumph over earthly power or receive temporal prosperity. However, in the resurrection of Jesus, we celebrate the greatest triumph in the history of the world. Christ has put death, our greatest foe, to death. And if we cling to him; if we follow him, that same triumph will happen within our own hearts.

Praying for Easter blessing and grace for you and your family.

Sincerely in Christ Jesus,

Father Kipper

Dear Brother Knights,

In the first Eucharistic Prayer we call Abraham “our father in faith.” He was willing to give up what was most endearing to him, Isaac, his son, through whom Abraham promised many decendants.

Abraham is our father in faith because he was willing to give up what was most precious to him, putting it in positive terms, he trusted God above everything else, even his own desires and his own preferences.

At the heart of sin is lack of trust. One way or another when we sin we’re saying, “I know what’s best for myself.” I will do what I want because I know what will make me happy. Even though deep down we know our Lord wants what is best for us, we sometimes think this way.

During this Lenten season, we take on additional spiritual practices: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We do this to rely less on our own will and desire, but instead we trust in the Lord.

Trust in God, like Abraham, our father in faith. May that trust bring us great peace.

Sincerely in Christ,

Father Kipper

Dear Brother Knights,

We think of the season of Lent, we may think of giving something up or fasting. We may think of not eating meat on Friday, or our favorite Knights of Columbus fish fry dinners.

These are wonderful things. They can help us have a good Lent. However, the whole goal of Lent is simple: Repent and believe in the Gospel. Lent is about conversion. Our fasting, our penances, and increase in prayer and almsgiving is to that one purpose.

May we all have a blessed and grace-filled Lent. May it be a time of greater conversion and renewal in our hearts as we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Father Nicholas Kipper

Dear Brother Knights,
 
What a blessing we have in the upcoming Solemnity of Christmas. God is indeed among us! 
 
The truth of Christmas can be understood by a small child and it can move the hardest heart. The prophets foretold it, but it’s also unimaginable.
 
God, whom the universe cannot contain, chose to live among us. Wow. He chose to be like all of us in all things but sin.
 
This is such a tender, loving time of year. I pray that you and your families have a blessed and grace-filled season of Christmas.  And may the reality of God entering the world touch your hearts and move you to take on the high and noble calling of sharing it with others. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Kipper