Father Rayappa (Roy) Kurakula
Dear Sisters and Brothers of St. Matthew’s & Sacred Heart’s Families,
Greetings on Epiphany of the Lord!
As we continue to rejoice in the Christmas season, the Feast of the Epiphany gently reminds us that God is not hidden or distant. He reveals Himself to all who
sincerely seek Him. Like the Magi, we are invited to follow the light God places before us and allow it to lead us closer to Jesus.
The Magi offered gold, frankincense and myrrh gifts that revealed who Jesus truly is: our King, our Priest and our Savior who would suffer out of love for us. Today,the Lord asks something even more precious from us. He asks for our hearts. When we allow His light to enter our lives, it drives away darkness, heals what is
broken, corrects our steps, and renews our spirit. Each time we choose humility over pride, kindness over anger, generosity over selfishness, and faith over fear,
we offer Jesus a beautiful gift a purified heart and a renewed life.
May this Epiphany inspire us to be light for one another, to lead others to Christ by our words and actions, and to live as true children of God, transformed by His
love. I humbly ask you to please keep me in your prayers for safe travel as I journey to India. Be assured of my prayers for each of you and your families.
I remain,
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Roy
If there is any funeral during my absence Fr. Pen and Fr. Shinto accepted to help in celebrating the funeral Masses and Deacon John Butler (son of soil) will be
preaching. During the weekdays Deacon John Butler is so happy to lead Communion Services daily at St. Matthew and at Sacred Heart Misson Church only on Wednesdays.
In my absence, please welcome Rev. William Kuchinsky who will celebrate Saturday and Sunday Masses from January 11, 2026 to February 3, 2026.
Greetings on Solemnity of the Holy Family!
The Feast of the Holy Family reminds us that holiness begins in the ordinary
life of our homes. Family is God’s gift, the first place where we learn love, forgiveness,
patience, and faith. Today’s readings invite us to honor our parents, cherish family
relationships, and recognize that even imperfect families are sacred when rooted in
love and respect.
Scripture shows us that a blessed family is not one without struggles, but one
that walks together with God. St. Paul calls families to clothe themselves with
compassion, humility, patience, and above all, love the bond that allows Christ to dwell
in the home. In the Holy Family of Nazareth, we see faith lived through listening and
obedience: Joseph’s quiet trust, Mary’s reflective heart, and a home centered on God’s
will. This feast encourages us to make our homes places where God’s voice can be heard
through prayer, kindness, and forgiveness. Holiness is not about perfection, but about
allowing God to be present at the heart of family life.
I will be traveling to India for a short period, and I humbly ask for your
prayers for a safe journey and a peaceful return. I am deeply grateful for your
continued support and kindness.
During my absence, I am thankful for the generous assistance of Fr. Pen and
Fr. Shinto, who have graciously agreed to help with the celebration of funeral Masses,
if the need arises. Deacon John Butler, our own “son of the soil,” will be preaching and
is happy to lead weekday Communion Services daily at St. Matthew Parish, and on
Wednesdays only at Sacred Heart Mission Church. I am also grateful to Rev. William
Kuchinsky, who will be assisting during this time from January 11, 2026, to February
3, 2026.
Please keep me in your prayers as I travel and be assured of my prayers for
you and your families. May the Lord bless our parish and keep us united in faith and
love.
I remain,
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Roy
If there is any funeral during my absence Fr. Pen and Fr. Shinto accepted to
help in celebrating the funeral Masses and Deacon John Butler (son of soil) will be
preaching. During the weekdays Deacon John Butler is so happy to lead Communion
Services daily at St. Matthew and at Sacred Heart Misson Church only on Wednesdays.
Father Bill Kuchinsky will be saying mass every weekend from Jan. 11 to Feb. 3 while
I am away.
If you have a sacramental emergency call Deacon John, Cathy or Sally. Their
numbers are in the bulletin.
Rev. Rayappa Kurakula
Father Roy has been officially named our Pastor effective Wednesday, November 26. A Ceremony of Installation will be on Saturday, December 20 at St. Matthew’s 5:30PM Mass. All are welcome! Congratulations Father Roy! A Christmas gift that will continue to last for many years.
Dear Sisters and Brothers of St. Matthew’s & Sacred Heart’s Families,
Greetings on Fourth Sunday of the Advent!
Sunday’s readings present two contrasting responses to God’s
plan: King Ahaz and Saint Joseph. Ahaz, faced with political danger,
chose to rely on his own strategy rather than trust God. Though his
refusal to ask for a sign sounded humble, it revealed a deeper lack of
faith and a desire to remain in control. As a result, he closed his heart
to God’s promise.
Joseph, on the other hand, was confronted with confusion and
personal pain when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. Though he had
his own reasonable plan, he set it aside when God spoke to him. With
humility and courage, Joseph trusted God’s word, embraced the
mystery, and allowed God’s plan to unfold opening the way for
Emmanuel to enter the world.
The message is clear: faith means surrendering control and
allowing ourselves to be surprised by God. Like Joseph, we are invited
to trust God’s design even when we do not fully understand it,
confident that God can transform uncertainty into grace and blessing.
As we draw closer to Christmas, today’s readings invite us to
reflect on trust. King Ahaz relied on his own plans and closed himself
off from God’s promise. Saint Joseph, however, surrendered his fears
and trusted God’s word, even when it led him into mystery. This
Advent, we are called to be people of trust to let go of control and allow
God to work in ways beyond our understanding. May we, like Joseph,
open our hearts to God’s design and welcome Emmanuel into our lives.
I remain,
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Roy
Holy Days of Obligation
The Immaculate Conception Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
The Nativity of the Lord Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Mary, the Holy Mother of God Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
The Ascension of the Lord Thursday, May 14, 2026 Celebrated on Sunday May 17,2026
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Not a Holy Day this Year) Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
All Saints Sunday Nov. 1, 2026
