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E-Newsletter for
February 8, 2026
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Message from From Fr. Yerick
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Who is the light of the world? Is it Jesus or is it us? If we only read the gospels superficially we might be confused about this question. During the gospel acclamation (the Alleluia) we heard what Jesus said in John’s Gospel. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jn. 8:12). However, in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus says to his disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” (Mt. 5:14).
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Is it then a contradiction to say that both Jesus and his disciples are the light of the world? It would seem that there can only be one Light of the World. Jesus did not say, “I am one of the lights of the world.” or “You are a light of the world.” He speaks of The Light. Since the Bible is the inspired word of God and cannot be mistaken on such an important truth there must be a way for both Christ and his disciples to be the “light of the world” and yet for there to be only one light.
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Certainly, Jesus Christ is the light by his divine nature as Son of God. Thus the Creed professes Jesus as “God from God, Light from Light.” How then do we become light? In the First letter of Saint John we hear, “Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.”. (1 Jn 1: 5-7). While we remain in sin we remain in darkness because of our separation from God who is light. But if we walk in the light of Christ he makes us his friends, brings us together as one in his light and cleanses all our sins in his blood.
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Once cleansed of our sins we become part of the light for the darkness that once separated us from God has now been overcome. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.” (Eph. 5:8-9). Jesus warns us not to take this gift for granted however. We cannot continue to walk in darkness. We must not return to a life in sin or else we will lose the light and have no fellowship with it.
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Returning to sin after being enlightened by Christ is like salt losing its flavor or hiding a lamp under a basket. Jesus would say, “it is no longer good for anything.” (Mt. 5:13). Remember, Jesus is not insulting you, he is saving you. When my doctor tells me I’m overweight I understand that he’s not trying to make me sad but rather to make me healthy. We should apply the same principle to Jesus’ words because they have the power to give us eternal life (see Jn 6: 68). We should realize the astounding power of Christ’s calling to each one of us.
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No, we are not called to be “good for nothing” Christians who remain in darkness. We are called to be the light of the world, a radiant city on a mountaintop shining with the light of Christ for all to see that they may give glory to God. Our good works, done in Christ, make his light visible in a dark world. So we should make every effort to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world.” (Phil. 2:15).
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Perhaps like me, you are keenly aware of your own sinful darkness. What should we do? Bring it to The Light! “Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them… everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light.” (see Eph. 5:11-14). Bring your sins to Jesus in confession for in confessing our sins we expose them to the light. Our darkness will become visible and be transformed into light. We will return to the light and hear Jesus say once again, “Your light must shine.” (Mt. 5:16).
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News & Events
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Please watch here for news and events, and join our events for good Catholic community!
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Just a little reminder…..
Barring any flight issues, we’ll be welcoming Fr. John back in church this Sunday.
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The rectory office will be closed on days that school is canceled due to inclement weather.
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Tax Letters Available Upon Request
As we have done for several years, if you would like a statement of your charitable donations to Holy Name for 2025, please call the rectory (733-5823, ext. 113) or you can email your request. Then we will either mail or email the information to you.
Special Note: Please be sure to tell us “how” you give (weekly envelopes, on-line, or both). The two modes of giving are recorded separately, and we want to be sure you receive credit for your total giving amount. Thank you.
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Religious Education Updates
Sunday Classes and Confirmation Classes are back up and running according to the 2026 schedule. If you are in need of a schedule, please see Sister Caritina, or call her at 413-777-5115, or email her at misionera557@gmail.com.
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Special Note: For possible religious education class cancellations this winter due to snowy weather, please tune into WWLP Channel 22. We will post cancellations there if we have cancelled, and it must say Holy Name to be our cancellation. If another church is cancelling, it doesn’t mean we are.
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Blue Army
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On the first Saturday of every month, the Blue Army group follows the 8:15a.m. Mass with a rosary, meditation on the mysteries and confession until approximately 10:00a.m. Everyone is invited to stay after Mass to take part.
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Food Pantry Collection
We are once again requesting food items for the OPEN PANTRY. As always, we appreciate your giving spirit. The items hoped for are: Canned meats and canned vegetables, oatmeal or hot cereal, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese and spaghetti sauce. Please, no perishables!! Thank you very much!
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Eucharistic Adoration
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The Chaplet is prayed at 3p.m., the Rosary is prayed at 3:30 p.m. followed by Benediction.
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Junior Legion of Mary
The Junior Legion of Mary is coming to Holy Name in October! The only requirements are being under 18 and wanting to grow with God.
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CURSILLO...What is it?
Cursillo (kur-see-yo) means “short course in Christianity.” The intention of the Cursillo Movement is to give each person a renewed spirituality and a clearer understanding of how Christ can work through them. To learn more about this vital and active lay movement in the Diocese of Springfield, visit our website: www.cursillowmass.net.
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3-DAY WOMEN’S CURSILLO WEEKEND 2026; Friday evening January 16 - Monday evening January 19
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