Luke 10:41

In Part 3 of the Called By Name series, Fr. Will reflects on the call of the first disciples in Matthew 4. While the Gospel can make it seem like the disciples followed Jesus instantly, the wider witness of Scripture shows that Jesus had already been drawing them into relationship over time. This homily explores vocation as a twofold call: first into relationship—“Come after me”—and then into mission—“I will make you fishers of men.” Every baptized person shares in the universal call to holiness, while each of us also receives a particular vocation, most often lived through marriage, priesthood, or consecrated life. The challenge is simple but demanding: like the disciples, we are asked to drop our nets, to let go of what we think will make us happy, and to trust that Jesus truly knows the way to our flourishing.

This homily is the second reflection in the Called by Name: Relationship, Identity, and Mission series. Preached by Dcn. Chris Haberberger, it focuses on the unshakable Christian identity revealed in baptism. Beginning with the simple but searching question, “Who are you?”, the homily examines the many labels we use to define ourselves—our work, relationships, achievements, and affiliations—and the anxiety that arises when those identities shift or disappear. While these roles matter, they are ultimately fragile and unable to bear the full weight of the human heart. Drawing from the Gospel of John, Dcn. Chris proclaims the central truth of the Christian faith: through baptism, we are not metaphorically but truly made sons and daughters of God. This identity is not achieved through performance or self-construction, but received as a gift of God’s love. From this secure identity flows true holiness, freedom, and vocation—not as anxious striving, but as a trusting response that can finally say, “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” This reflection prepares the way for the final homily in the series, which will focus on mission as the fruit of relationship and identity.

This homily marks the beginning of a three-part series, Called by Name: Relationship, Identity, and Mission, preached on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In this first reflection, Fr. Will Rooney focuses on the foundational truth that our Christian mission flows from relationship with God, not mere activity. Drawing on the life of St. Louis IX and the Gospel account of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, the homily explores how identity is revealed through relationship. Before Jesus begins His public ministry, the Father reveals Him as His beloved Son. This relationship—lived in prayer, trust, and communion—is the source of everything Jesus does. Through baptism, we are invited to share in Christ’s own relationship with the Father, becoming beloved sons and daughters in the Son. This reflection challenges listeners to examine whether their lives are rooted in that relationship and to rediscover prayer, the sacraments, and intimacy with God as the true foundation for any authentic Christian mission.

This homily is the final reflection in a three-part Christmas–Epiphany series on the family. Celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany and preached by Fr. Will Rooney, it focuses on the mission of the family as God’s chosen instrument for making Christ known to the world. Reflecting on the visit of the Magi, this homily highlights how Jesus chose to manifest Himself not in power or prestige, but within the simplicity of the Holy Family. Their encounter with Christ changes them—and reveals a lasting truth: God continues to evangelize the world through families who welcome Him into their homes. Every family, despite its imperfections, is called to become an epiphany—a visible manifestation of Christ’s light that draws others to Him. Fr. Will explores how families live this mission concretely by first being evangelized themselves, by forming communities of prayer and sacrificial love, and by allowing the grace of Christ to shape daily life. Through small, faithful practices—praying together, blessing the home, building relationships with neighbors—families become domestic churches where Christ’s light shines outward to the world. This final homily completes the series by uniting the roles of fatherhood and motherhood with their shared purpose: to educate, empower, and evangelize, so that every nation may come to adore the Lord.

This homily marks the beginning of a three-part Christmas–Epiphany series on the family, rooted in the mystery of the Incarnation. God chose to enter the world not simply as a man, but as a child born into a family—and in doing so, He reveals both the dignity of family life and its essential mission. In this first reflection, Fr. Will focuses on the role of the father as provider and protector, drawing from Scripture, St. Paul’s teaching, and the example of St. Joseph. Christian fatherhood is presented as a vocation of authority ordered to charity—an authority that images Christ’s self-giving love for the Church and places the entire family in loving submission to Him. Recognizing that many families carry wounds or fall short of the ideal, this homily emphasizes that the Church holds up the Holy Family not as an unattainable standard, but as a call to ongoing conversion and healing. This reflection sets the foundation for the rest of the series, which will continue with reflections on motherhood and the mission of the family in the world. Series Outline (Optional to Include on Website or Podcast Page) Part 1: The Role of the Father – Provider and Protector Part 2: Motherhood (January 1) Part 3: The Mission of the Family (Feast of the Epiphany)

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