Rick Montanez

Pondering like Mary; Waiting in Hope

Homily: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 1 January 2021 Luke 2:16-21 Fr. Ricky Canet Montanez On Christmas day, less than a week ago, in this very church, we experienced an earthquake. I was in the choir loft watching the sanctuary lamp swinging and must admit I was scared. I thought to myself… “Oh no,Continue reading “Pondering like Mary; Waiting in Hope”

Parenting with Roots and Wings

Homily: Feast of the Holy Family Luke 2:22-40 27 December 2020 Fr. Ricky C. Montanez Back in London, we had a volunteer catechist who conducted First Communion preparation class for the parish children. She used to tell me how impressed she was by one of the Filipino kids because she could recite the three basicContinue reading “Parenting with Roots and Wings”

When at the Door of Humility…

Homily: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord John 1:1-18 25 December 2020 Fr. Ricky C. Montanez Entering the Door of Humility “By the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin and became Man”. At those words, we all kneel each time the creed is recited during CTKs five masses forContinue reading “When at the Door of Humility…”

Inviting Christ into our Hearts

Homily: Fourth Sunday of Advent (B) 20 December 2020 Luke 1:26-38 Fr. Ricky Canet Montanez One of the things I’ve missed throughout this pandemic is travel. I enjoy traveling as much as you do. I learn so much about our country, our world and people. I do avoid traveling during the Christmas peak season whenContinue reading “Inviting Christ into our Hearts”

With Him, we rejoice amidst our woes

Homily: Third Sunday of Advent (B) 13 December 2020 John 1:6-8, 19-28 Fr. Ricky C. Montanez Last week the world was ecstatic over the news that some people in the United Kingdom had finally received the much awaited COVID vaccine. Although it might take months or even a year for these vaccines to reach ourContinue reading “With Him, we rejoice amidst our woes”

Removing Obstacles; Making Room for Christ

Homily: Second Sunday of Advent (B) Mark 1:1-8 6 December 2020 Fr. Ricky C. Montanez When I was a kid one of my favourite family activities was decorating the house for Christmas. We really did not have much but we always did that together. We used the same decorations every year, sprucing up a littleContinue reading “Removing Obstacles; Making Room for Christ”

Advent: Running Forth to Meet the Lord

Homily: First Sunday of Advent (B) Mark 13:33-37 29 November 2020 Fr. Ricky Montanez When I was in London, one of my priestly duties was to hear confessions of children from one of the parochial schools in preparation for their First Communion. To one little boy, I intended to give the penance of an OurContinue reading “Advent: Running Forth to Meet the Lord”

Reigning by Example; Ruling to Serve

Homily: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (A) Matthew 25: 31-46 22 November 2020 Fr. Ricky Montanez Yesterday, we did a rewind of the concert we staged last year to celebrate Christ the King Parish’s 40th anniversary. That evening was the grand launch of the CTK Hymn, Christ in Our Hearts. Every day,Continue reading “Reigning by Example; Ruling to Serve”

In Making the Most; In Going Beyond the Given

Homily: Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) Matthew 25: 14:30 15 November 2020 Fr. Ricky Montanez In Making the Most; In Going Beyond the Given People can’t wait for 2020 to be over. Many will say it’s the worst year of their life yet. It’s already November but the bad news keeps coming from differentContinue reading “In Making the Most; In Going Beyond the Given”

Opting to Wait; Opting to be Ready

Homily: Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)Matthew 25:1-1308 November 2020 Fr. Ricky Montanez Opting to Wait; Opting to be Ready In this parish, I know a vibrant group of senior citizens with such a zest and appreciation for life. Maintenance meds and a variety of aches and pains don’t get in the way ofContinue reading “Opting to Wait; Opting to be Ready”