As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, this quote comes to mind. One of my priest friends, Fr. Michael Denk, tells me the story of a time where a priest he knew gave this as a one-line homily for the Feast of the Epiphany. “Wise men still seek Him.” We spend a lot of time searching and seeking in life. Is Christ a part of that search? Is Christ who we seek in all that we do?

Seek Conference. This weekend, Fr. David is away at the 2026 SEEK Conference in Columbus, Ohio. What is SEEK? On the website, it states that SEEK is a five-day experience where thousands of Catholics come together to encounter Christ through prayer, Adoration, the sacraments, and inspiring speakers. It’s a chance to focus on what matters most, grow in authentic community, and be transformed in your faith. Fr. David is there with University of Akron students and FOCUS missionaries. Pray for him and all those in Columbus during this exciting time of spiritual renewal.

Fr. David Merzweiler. Because Fr. David is gone, my uncle, Fr. Dave Merzweiler, will be coming to celebrate the Eucharist at the 9:00 a.m. Mass this weekend. And since I will be gone the following weekend leading the Deacon and Wives retreat, he will be back for another 9:00 a.m. Mass on January 11. I am grateful that he is willing to be a helping hand these couple weeks. (Maybe you went to high school with him? He graduated in 1967 from what was St. Vincent High School.) Welcome, Uncle Fr. Dave!

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. As we celebrate her Feast Day on January 4th, here’s a prayer inspired by St. Elizabeth to pray with as our students go back to school…Lord God, thank you for blessing Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton with great faith, hope, joy, and charity. I pray that her timeless example will guide me. I look at her humility to help me accept Your will for my life. Let her grateful heart remind me to thank You for the joys and challenges of life. May her courage and perseverance inspire me to serve others, our church and our country. Thank you, God, for Elizabeth Ann Seton, a loving and glorious saint who is always by our side. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.
Amen.

Keep seeking Him,
Fr. Jeremy