Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

05/24/2026

🔥 Come, Holy Spirit! 🔥

Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday — the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and filled them with courage, faith, and joy.

As we gather in worship at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, may our hearts be renewed by the fire of the Holy Spirit. May He guide us in love, strengthen us in faith, and inspire us to share the Good News with the world.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.” ❤️

We invite all to join us in prayer and celebration as we rejoice in the birth of the Church and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Blessed Pentecost to you and your family!

05/11/2026

Have you ever wondered why Catholic churches place holy water right at the entrance, and why Catholics dip their fingers into it before entering the church? Many people perform the gesture automatically, but behind it is a deep spiritual meaning rooted in Scripture and the life of the Church.

First, holy water reminds Catholics of Baptism. Every time Catholics touch holy water and make the Sign of the Cross, they are spiritually recalling the moment they were baptized and welcomed into the Christian life.

The Bible says: “He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

Because Baptism cleanses from sin and marks a person as belonging to Christ, holy water serves as a daily reminder of that grace and identity.

Second, placing holy water at the entrance symbolizes spiritual purification before entering into worship. In the Old Testament, washing with water often symbolized purification before approaching sacred things.

Spiritually speaking, Catholics use holy water as a prayer asking God to cleanse the heart and prepare the soul before entering His house.

Third, making the Sign of the Cross with holy water is also a profession of faith in the Holy Trinity:
Father,
Son,
and Holy Spirit.

It reminds Catholics that they enter the church not casually, but prayerfully and consciously in the presence of God.

Fourth, holy water is considered a sacramental in the Catholic Church. Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church to help prepare people to receive grace and to sanctify daily life.

The water itself is not magical. Rather, through the prayers of blessing by the Church, it becomes a reminder of God’s protection, mercy, and blessing.

Fifth, holy water also reminds Catholics of spiritual protection and repentance. Many Catholics quietly pray while using it, asking God for forgiveness, strength against temptation, and purity of heart.

The Bible says: “Sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities” (Ezekiel 36:25).

This verse beautifully reflects the spiritual symbolism connected to holy water.

Sixth, the placement of holy water at the entrance teaches something important: before entering deeper into worship, Catholics are reminded to renew their relationship with God and approach Him with reverence.

Spiritually speaking, the church entrance becomes more than a doorway. It becomes a transition from ordinary life into sacred encounter with God.

In simple words, holy water is placed at the entrance of the church to remind Catholics of their Baptism, spiritual cleansing, and faith in the Trinity. By using it prayerfully, Catholics prepare themselves interiorly before entering into worship and the presence of God.

Now you know.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): Titus 3:5; Ezekiel 36:25

Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1213-1216; CCC 1667-1670

Roman Ritual.

Book of Blessings.

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired

05/10/2026

Have you ever noticed that shortly before Holy Communion, the priest breaks off a tiny piece of the consecrated Host and places it into the chalice containing the Precious Bl00d? It is a very small gesture, and many Catholics may hardly notice it, yet it carries deep historical and spiritual meaning within the Mass.

First, this action is called the Fraction Rite and the commingling. The priest first breaks the Host and then places a small fragment into the chalice.
This gesture takes place after the Sign of Peace and before the “Lamb of God.”

Second, the breaking of the Host reminds Catholics of what Jesus Christ did at the Last Supper. The Bible says: “Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them” (Luke 22:19).

In fact, the early Christians sometimes referred to the Eucharist simply as “the breaking of the bread.”

Third, the placing of a small piece of the Host into the chalice symbolizes the unity of the Body and Bl00d of Christ. Although the bread and wine are consecrated separately during Mass, Catholics believe Christ is fully present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, under both forms.

The commingling therefore symbolizes the living and risen Christ, no longer separated in d£ath, but fully united in resurrection and glory.

Fourth, this gesture also has historical roots in the early Church. In ancient times, fragments of the Eucharist blessed by the bishop were sometimes sent to nearby priests as a sign of unity with the local Church and the bishop’s authority. Over time, the symbolic action remained within the liturgy itself.

Fifth, while placing the fragment into the chalice, the priest quietly prays: “May this mingling of the Body and Bl00d of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.”

This prayer highlights the spiritual meaning of the Eucharist as the source of life and communion with Christ.

Sixth, even though the gesture is small, it reminds Catholics that every detail of the Mass carries meaning. The liturgy developed over centuries with prayers and actions carefully preserved to express the mysteries of faith.

Spiritually speaking, the mixing of the Host and Precious Bl00d points to Christ’s resurrection, unity, and the fullness of His presence in the Eucharist.

In simple words, the priest breaks a small piece of the Host into the chalice to symbolize the unity of Christ’s Body and Bl00d and to recall the living, risen Christ present in the Eucharist. The gesture also connects modern Catholic worship to ancient Christian liturgical traditions.

Now you know.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): Luke 22:19

Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1329; CCC 1374

General Instruction of the Roman Missal: GIRM 83

Roman Missal

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

05/07/2026

Today, on the National Day of Prayer, we join Catholics across the nation in lifting our hearts to God in prayer for our families, our communities, our country, and all those in need.

“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” — Romans 12:12

May we take time today to pray for peace, healing, wisdom, and renewed faith. All are welcome to join us in prayer at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

🙏 Lord, hear our prayer.

05/06/2026

Congratulations Fr. Johnson!

05/06/2026

Have you ever wondered why the Church baptizes infants, even before they can understand what is happening? And what does it mean for the parents who bring the child forward? This question opens a deeper understanding of grace, responsibility, and the beginning of a child’s journey in Christ.

First, what happens in infant baptism?
Infant baptism is not just a ceremony, it is a sacrament. Through it, the child is cleansed from original sin, becomes a child of God, and is welcomed into the Church.

The Bible shows the importance of baptism:
“Repent and be baptized... for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.” - Acts 2:38.

Even though the infant cannot yet speak or choose, God’s grace is still freely given.

Second, why the Church baptizes infants.
The Church baptizes infants because salvation is a gift, not something we earn later in life. Just as a child receives life, love, and care without asking, so too the child receives spiritual life through baptism.

The Bible reminds us:
“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” - Mark 10:14.

Infant baptism expresses this truth, no one is too small to receive God’s grace.

Third, the importance of baptism for the child.
For the child, baptism is the beginning of a new spiritual life. It marks the soul permanently and brings the child into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
It also opens the door to the other sacraments in the future.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that baptism is the foundation of the Christian life (CCC 1213).

So even before the child understands, grace is already at work.

Fourth, the importance of baptism for the parents.
Infant baptism is also a serious commitment for the parents. When they bring their child for baptism, they are not only asking for a blessing, they are making a promise.

They promise to:
Raise the child in the Catholic faith.
Teach the child to pray.
Lead the child by example.
Bring the child to the sacraments.

This means baptism is not the end, it is the beginning of a lifelong responsibility.

Fifth, how infant baptism is performed in the Church.
The rite of infant baptism f0ll0ws a clear and meaningful pattern.

It begins with the parents and godparents presenting the child. They are asked about the name of the child and their intention to raise the child in the faith.

Then the Word of God is proclaimed, and prayers are offered.

After this, the priest blesses the water and pours it over the child’s head (usually three times), saying:
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

This is the essential moment of the sacrament.
The child is then anointed with holy oil, clothed with a white garment, and a candle is given, symbols of new life, purity, and the light of Christ.

Sixth, the role of godparents.
Godparents are not just witnesses; they shar£ in the responsibility of helping the parents raise the child in the faith.

They are meant to support the child’s spiritual growth and be examples of Christian living.

In the end, infant baptism is important because it gives the child new life in Christ from the very beginning. It is not based on the child’s understanding, but on God’s grace.

For parents, it is a sacred promise to raise the child in the faith and guide them toward God.

And in the simple act of pouring water and speaking the sacred words, something profound happens; a new life in Christ begins.

Now you know.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): Acts 2:38; Mark 10:14

Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1213; CCC 1250 -1252

Code of Canon Law: Canons 867-868.

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

05/05/2026

🔥 𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗟 ✝️

Right before the Gospel is proclaimed at Mass…

Catholics make three small signs of the cross:

✝️ On the forehead
✝️ On the lips
✝️ On the heart

But this is not just a habit.

It is a prayer.

✝️ ON THE FOREHEAD

✝️ “May the Word of God be in my mind.”

A prayer to understand the message of
Jesus Christ

Not just hear it… but grasp it.

✝️ ON THE LIPS

✝️ “May the Word of God be on my lips.”

A prayer to proclaim the Gospel:

✝️ To speak truth
✝️ To share faith
✝️ To witness to Christ

✝️ ON THE HEART

✝️ “May the Word of God be in my heart.”

A prayer to live what we hear:

✝️ Not just knowledge
✝️ But transformation

✝️ THE DEEPER MEANING

This simple gesture says:

✝️ Think it
✝️ Speak it
✝️ Live it

The Gospel is not just information…

✝️ It is a call to conversion.

✝️ WHY IT MATTERS

Before hearing the Gospel, we prepare ourselves:

✝️ Mind — to understand
✝️ Lips — to proclaim
✝️ Heart — to love and live

✝️ QUESTION

When you make the sign of the cross…

✝️ Do you do it out of habit…

✝️ Or with intention?

Ignatius Catholicum ✍️✝️

📸Fr. AC Perez

05/03/2026

✝️ WHAT THE PRIEST REALLY MEANS WHEN HE SAYS, "LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS"

Every Mass has a moment when Heaven leans close.

The priest turns to the people and says:

"Lift up your hearts."

And the Church responds:

"We lift them up to the Lord."

Most Catholics say those words automatically.

But they are among the most important words you will ever speak.

They are not a formality.

They are an ascent.

✝️ YOU ARE BEING CALLED HIGHER

At that moment, the Church invites you to leave behind earthly distractions.

Your worries.

Your plans.

Your resentments.

Your shopping list—which, admittedly, can wait.

The liturgy is ascending toward the Eucharistic sacrifice.

Your heart must ascend with it.

A body may remain in the pew, but the soul is summoned before the throne of God.

✝️ THIS IS AN ANCIENT CHRISTIAN CRY

The phrase comes from the earliest centuries of Christianity.

In Latin, it is Sursum Corda.

Christians have spoken these words for nearly two thousand years.

Kings have heard them.

Martyrs have answered them.

Saints have lived them.

And every Mass unites your voice with theirs.

The Church is ancient, and she has excellent habits.

✝️ THE HEART IN BIBLICAL LANGUAGE

In Scripture, the heart is not merely emotion.

It is the center of the person—

mind,

will,

desire,

love.

To lift up your heart means to offer your entire self to God.

Not part of you.

All of you.

No half-measures at the altar.

✝️ YOU ARE ENTERING HEAVEN'S LITURGY

The Eucharistic Prayer is not ordinary speech.

It is the Church standing at the edge of eternity.

When you answer, "We lift them up to the Lord," you join the worship of angels and saints.

Earth and Heaven meet.

Time touches eternity.

And bread and wine are about to become the Body and Blood of Christ.

Casual is not the word.

✝️ SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Those words are a promise.

A commitment.

A declaration.

If your lips say, "We lift them up,"

while your heart remains buried in distraction,

then the words have outrun the soul.

The goal is to let the soul catch up.

✝️ FINAL WORD

The next time you hear those words, do not mumble them.

Do not rush them.

Mean them.

Place everything on the altar:

your joys,

your wounds,

your fears,

your future.

Lift them all.

✝️ REMEMBER THIS ALWAYS

At Mass, God does not merely ask for your attendance.

He asks for your heart.

And when the priest says,

"Lift up your hearts,"

He is inviting you to do exactly that.

✝️

05/02/2026