Fathers

Dear Parishioners,

A mighty oak begins its life as a small acorn in the ground. It takes many years to fully develop. The kingdom of God began the same way. A simple carpenter gathered disciples, preached and taught and healed. Today that kingdom of believers on earth consists of more than a billion men, women, and children, not to mention the billions in heaven and purgatory. For many years, Jesus was guarded, protected, and cared for not only by Mary, but also by Joseph the foster father of Jesus. Today we celebrate Father’s Day and remember those men who are, or were, our fathers or father figures in our growth to maturity. Today, our families need good fathers more than ever. Let us pray to our heavenly Father in thanks for the blessings received from our earthly fathers. Let us also pray for new fathers that they may imitate the virtues of St. Joseph and become strong, loving, and wise.

- Fr. Carl

“You do not know the resources of
God’s providence for those who put
their trust in him.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Corpus Christi (Body of Christ)

A Message from Our Deacon

If we would, perhaps we could genuinely hear what Jesus is saying about his life and our life together with him (Mark 14:12-16, 22-26). We could hear that the breaking of bread and the drinking of wine convey a mystery so profound that all history hangs on its meaning. We could, maybe for the first time or at least for the first time in a long time, hear deeply that God loves us so much, God gave all of who God is to us in Jesus Christ… nothing held back!

What would worship become for you and me if we tried to understand God’s gift to us? Worship would be transformed by wonder and grace that break through the mundane moments of our weary lives with life-changing power. Turn on your gift of imagination.

Today we honor the body and blood of Christ, remembering he gave himself for us. Come to this table and give yourself to him whom to know is the gift of life eternal.

- Deacon Robert

“When we receive Holy Communion,
  we receive our joy and our happiness.”
  - The Cure D’Ars

The Holy Trinity

Dear Parishioners,

Several years ago a priest thought he would be creative during a baptismal ceremony. So he baptized each child, “In the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier.” Of course, he should have said, “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” When his bishop found out, he was not amused, for the babies were not validly baptized and had to be returned to church and receive real authentic baptism. Why the priest did what he did, I don’t know. Perhaps he wanted to be more inclusive, but he had reduced the Trinity to three functions – creation, redemption, and sanctification. However, the Trinity is much more than that. The Trinity is three divine persons living in perfect harmony and loving relationship with one another so as to be united into one God. The Trinity is a model of who and what we should be. Let us pray for the grace to form more harmonious, loving relationships with one another so as to better reflect the Trinity in our lives.

- Fr. Carl

We should say every morning:
“My God, send me thy Holy Spirit
to teach me what I am and what thou art!”
- The Cure D’Ars

What are you waiting for?

Dear Parishioners,

The Spirit’s coming (Acts 2:1-11) blew the Apostles minds to new insights, their horizons to include a wider geographic scope, and their souls open to a bolder witness to the living Christ than they had ever imagined. All the barriers of language tumbled before them, as the curse of Babel was lifted in a miracle of understanding. The barriers of racial prejudice, gender bias, age discrimination and national pride fell before the rushing wind of the Holy Spirit.

So here is the question for us this Pentecost Sunday. Will we allow the rushing mighty wind of God to blow freely through us, to blow away any hindrance to God’s reign on earth? Will we celebrate and yield to the rushing wind of God rearranging our lives, our plans and our orderly ideas?

There is still too much injustice waiting to be made right. There is too much emptiness waiting to be filled. Isn’t this the moment, isn’t this the power we have been waiting for?

- Deacon Robert

“The Holy Spirit wants to take us to
Heaven; we have only to say ‘Yes,’
and to let him take us there.”
- The Cure D’Ars

God’s Faith in Us

Dear Parishioners,

Before Jesus left the disciples (Mark 16:15-20), he once again reminded them that they had a job, his job, to do (Acts 1:1-11). They were to wait for the Holy Spirit, but afterwards they would continue his work around the world through all the ages, until he returned again in glory. We often remark about the faith in Jesus that the fulfillment of that mission required from the apostles. And indeed, it did require faith from them, as it continues to require faith from us today… to carry out the mission of our Lord.

But just think for a moment about the faith Jesus had in the disciples and in us. After pouring himself into them for three years, after dying on the cross for the redemption of the world, after returning to them in the power of Easter, Jesus left his entire mission to that group of disciples, and by extension, to all of us. Now that is amazing faith indeed!

- Deacon Robert

“The Blessed Virgin loves above all
to see in her children purity,
humility, and charity.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Give Thanks For Our Mothers!

Dear Parishioners,

How appropriate today’s gospel (John 15:9-17) is as we celebrate Mother’s Day. Jesus talks about love and commands us to love one another as he has loved us. He reminds us that real love is sacrificial, “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Mothers are known for their devotion to their children and the awesome sacrifices they make on behalf of their children. Indeed, their love is so intense that they are often incapable of believing anything bad about their children no matter how much evidence to the contrary. Still even the most hardened criminal will have a soft spot in his heart for his mother as he remembers all the love, affection, and discipline she gave to him.

Today, let us remember our mothers, living or deceased, and give thanks to God for the blessings they have been in our lives.

- Fr. Carl

The Vine and the Branches

Dear Parishioners,

The Bible uses many vivid images to describe God and the Church and our relationship with them. It’s a unique and intimate connection. Today’s gospel (John 15:1-8) reminds us that this relationship is like a vine and its branches. Jesus is the vine who provides life and nourishment to us, the branches. May we never do anything to cut ourselves off from this life-giving relationship.

- Fr. Carl

“If you are afraid of other people’s opinion,
you should not have become a Christian.”
- The Cure D’Ars