Our Lady of Fatima, the Miracle of the Sun, and the Power of the Rosary

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In 1917, the world was at war and people everywhere were suffering. Right in the middle of all of that, a lady believed to be the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children: Lucia dos Santos, age 10, and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, ages 9 and 7, in a field in Fatima, Portugal. She came not once, but six times. And every single time, her message was the same: ‘Pray the Rosary’.

She promised that God would grant peace to the entire world if her requests for prayer, reparation, and consecration were heard and obeyed. She also told the children that during the last of her six appearances, she would provide a sign so people would believe in the apparitions and in her message.

That day came on October 13^th and it was a very rainy day, yet this did not keep believers and non-believers from coming. Some estimated the crowd at around 70,000. Our Lady came and gave her final message: “I want to tell you to have them build a Chapel here in my honor. I am the Lady of the Rosary. Let them continue to say the Rosary every day.“

Then God showed the world He meant it. After the Rosary had been recited by the crowd, the dark sky opened, and the sun suddenly began to tremble and shake, then spin like a great wheel of fire, casting off long shafts of colored light. This went on for ten minutes and was seen from twenty-five miles away. Then the sun broke loose and seemed to plunge toward the people, who fell to their knees crying out for forgiveness.

The first newspaper to report the miracle on a full front page was an anti-Catholic, Masonic newspaper. Even those who wanted nothing to do with God could not deny what they saw. The miracle of the sun was understood by the people to be the seal and guarantee that the three children were telling the truth.

Thirteen years later, in 1930, after the most careful investigation, the bishops of Portugal declared that the veneration of Our Lady of Fatima was officially authorized.

What is the Rosary?

It is not just beads. Every prayer walks us through the life of Jesus: His birth, His suffering, His rising from the dead. Mary herself shows us how it is done: “She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). When we pray the Rosary, we sit with Mary and think about Jesus together.

Think about that for a moment. No one in human history was closer to Jesus than His mother. She carried Him, raised Him, watched Him die, and rejoiced when He rose. When we pray the Rosary, we are not just reciting prayers, we are asking the person who knew Jesus best

to walk us through His life, mystery by mystery, and bring us closer to Him. It is the most personal kind of prayer imaginable.

Our Lady also gave us a short prayer to add after each mystery: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.” Those words carry the weight of the whole mission of the Church: love for God, love for neighbor, and a burning desire that no soul be lost.

This past May, on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima (May 13), Pope Leo XIV recalled Our Lady’s message, saying: “I would like to reiterate the invitation of the Virgin of Fatima: ‘pray the Rosary every day for peace.'” And this October, Pope Leo has invited all the faithful to pray the Rosary throughout the entire month of October, with the particular intention that wars may cease, and that peace may be established among peoples in conflict. The message has not changed in over a hundred years and neither has the need.

Pope Leo XIV, speaking to children gathered to pray the Rosary, called it “a simple prayer that everyone can recite.” He described the sight of a million children praying the Rosary across the world as “fifty million Hail Mary’s rising to heaven from every corner of the earth and in every language, asking for peace.” That is what the Rosary does. It binds the whole world together in one prayer, at the feet of one mother, before one Lord, Jesus Christ.

St. John Paul II who credited Our Lady of Fatima with saving his life after the assassination attempt on May 13, 1981, urged every soul to rediscover the Rosary, calling it the work of “contemplating the face of Christ along with Mary” and urging that we rediscover “the mystical depth contained in the simplicity of this prayer, so much loved by popular tradition.”

Friends, on October 13th, after urging the daily praying of the Rosary and repentance for sins, God provided the Miracle of the Sun to confirm faith in the message Our Lady brought to the world at Fatima. Heaven went to extraordinary lengths to get our attention.

As a parish, we gather to pray the Rosary on October 14 at 5.30pm at Sacred Heart Church in Merrill for ‘Beads & Brats’. The world is still loud, anxious, and desperate for peace. And the answer offered by Heaven itself is not a program, a politician, or a plan. It is a mother. It is her Son. And it is 15 to 20 minutes, a set of beads, and a willing heart.

Our Lady is still asking. Will you say yes?

Reflective If God backed up this message with a miracle seen by 70,000 people, including skeptics and non-believers, what does that say about how seriously Heaven wants us to pray the Rosary?

• Mary “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). When was the last time you truly sat in silence and thought deeply about the life of Jesus and what might change if we did that every day?

• Our Lady’s request at Fatima was simple: pray, repent, and return to God. Is there one area of your life where you know God is calling you to turn back to Him and are you ready to bring it to Him through the Rosary this week?

Our Lady of the Rosary — Five Reasons to Pray This October

Dear Parishioners,

October is here—the month dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. In 1917, at Fatima, Blessed Mary appeared to three shepherd children and gave them a command that still echoes through the centuries: ‘Pray the Rosary every day’. Nearly 110 years later, her words remain urgent, her promise remains sure, and her call remains unchanged. This month, I invite you to answer that call with renewed commitment and faith.

Why should we pray the Rosary? Here are five compelling reasons:

1. The Rosary Is Biblical ~ The Rosary is not a Catholic invention, but it is woven directly from Scripture. The “Hail Mary” comes from Luke’s Gospel: The Angel Gabriel’s greeting (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth’s praise of Mary (Luke 1:42). The “Our Father” is the prayer Jesus Himself taught us (Matthew 6:9-13). The Mysteries of the Rosary trace the central events of the Gospel narrative: the Incarnation, the Passion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension of Christ.

As the Church teaches, the Rosary is a compendium of the Gospel. When we pray the Rosary, we are not adding to Scripture; we are meditating on Scripture. We are holding the Gospel in our heart and letting it transform us. Scripture itself commands this: “Mary treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51). She knew Christ most intimately, and the Rosary invites us into that same treasured knowledge.

2. To Come Closer to Jesus Through the Mysteries ~The Rosary is Christocentric: Christ is its center and its purpose. As we meditate on the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries, we are not praying to Mary; we are praying through Mary to her Son. We contemplate His Incarnation, His agony in the Garden, His Crucifixion, His Resurrection, His Ascension – the very heart of our faith.

Pope St. John Paul II taught that “the Rosary is a powerful means of fostering spiritual life” precisely because it leads us into deeper communion with Christ. Each Mystery opens a door. Each decade deepens our meditation. By the time we finish, we have lived with Jesus through His life, death, and glory. We know Him better. We love Him more. We follow Him more faithfully.

3. It Makes Us Holier ~ Holiness is not achieved through willpower alone and it is cultivated through prayer and grace. The Rosary is a school of sanctity. As we repeat the words, meditate on the Mysteries, and intercede for our needs, the Holy Spirit works within us. He softens hard hearts. He strengthens weak wills. He draws us away from sin and toward virtue.

The Catechism teaches that “Mary’s role is to lead us to her Son and His grace” (CCC 968). When we pray the Rosary faithfully, we allow Mary to lead us toward holiness. Saints throughout the centuries, from St. Dominic to St. Thérèse of Lisieux to modern martyrs, have testified that the Rosary is a ladder to sanctity. As we pray, we become more patient, more merciful, more forgiving, more like Christ. Our families see the change. Our parishes feel it. Our world needs it desperately.

4. Our Lady Herself Asked Us at Fatima, October 13, 1917 ~  On October 13, 1917, at Fatima, Portugal, Mary appeared to three children and gave them a direct command: “Pray the Rosary every day.” This was not a suggestion. This was a mother’s plea to her children in a time of spiritual crisis where World War I was raging, secularism was spreading, souls were being lost.

Mary’s message at Fatima remains urgent for our time. She asked the children to continue saying the Rosary every day, and she promised peace – not the false peace of the world, but the peace that comes from grace, from forgiveness, from union with Christ. She appeared as “Our Lady of the Rosary,” placing this prayer at the center of her maternal mission: “Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom He loved, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:25-27)

5. The Rosary Weakens the Devil. A Weapon Against Evil ~ St. Paul writes, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12).

Pope Pius XI declared with prophetic clarity: “The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin. If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary.”

When we pray the Rosary, we invoke Mary’s intercession and Christ’s power against the evil one. The devil trembles at the Rosary. He cannot bear the Name of Jesus repeated number of times in a single decade. He cannot withstand Mary’s maternal authority. He flees from grace.

In our homes, in our families, in our nation – the Rosary is our defense. It calls down Christ’s victory. It weakens the devil’s grip. It restores peace.

This October, let us commit to:

• Pray the Rosary every day, even one decade, even 10 minutes. Do it as a family. Do it alone. Do it in your car. Let’s just do it.
• Join us for communal Rosary before the Masses on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Teach your children the Mysteries. Let them see you pray. Let them learn that the Rosary is a gift of love.
• Pray for the intentions Mary asked the children to pray for: the conversion of sinners and the peace of the world.
• If you have forgotten how to pray it, ask any parishioner or come see me. We are here to help you answer Mary’s call.

Mary’s Promise:

St. Dominic received this promise from Mary: “Whoever prays my Rosary faithfully will obtain peace.”

On October 14, as we gather at Sacred Heart Church in Merrill for ‘Beads & Brats’, we remember her appearance at Fatima and her command: pray the Rosary every day. Honor her request. Claim her protection. Join the millions of Catholics worldwide praying for peace.

Our Lady of the Rosary – Pray for us.

“Which Son am I? God Asks for Your True Heart”

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today I want to speak to you about something that touches all of us. Jesus tells a simple story, about a father and two sons and when you hear it, you may see yourself in it.

The Story of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)

A father asks his first son to work in the vineyard. The boy refuses. He says no. But something shifts in the boy’s heart. He feels regret. He changes his mind and goes to do the work.

The father then asks his second son the same thing. This boy immediately says yes. “Of course, father!”

But he never goes. He stays home. His words mean nothing.

Jesus then asks us: “Which son obeyed his father?” The answer is obvious: the first one.

What Does This Mean For Us?

God does not measure us by beautiful promises or pleasant words. God looks at our hearts. God watches what we actually do. The first son was imperfect. He resisted at first. But he repented. His actions matched his change of heart. The second son was different. He told his father what he wanted to hear. But his life revealed the truth that he was not sincere. This is the crucial question we must face: Which son am I?

God Sees What Is Real

The Prophet Ezekiel carries God’s message: “If someone turns away from the wickedness he has done, and does what is right and just, he shall surely live.” Notice what God promises, not judgment for past failures, but life itself. Genuine transformation opens the door to blessing.

We all stumble. We all break commitments to God, to our loved ones, to ourselves. But God does not give up on us. He waits for us to turn around.

The Challenge For Us

We live in a culture where saying “I am Catholic” may be easy. Attending Mass occasionally is simple. Wearing the faith like a label requires no effort.

But living it? That is different.

That asks us to forgive when we want revenge.

To speak truth when silence is safer.

To serve the poor.

To love our families sacrificially.

To pray when we are tired.

The real question is not what we claim to believe. The real question is what we actually do with our time, our money, our energy, our love.

A Week to Reflect

Let us ask ourselves honestly this week: Where am I resisting God’s call, yet could still turn around and obey? Where am I making promises with my mouth but my life tells a different story?

The Freedom of Repentance

Repentance is not God’s punishment. It is His gift. It is the chance to start over. When we truly turn, we experience not judgment, but freedom.

The first sons “no” was not final. His mistake was not permanent. The moment he changed his heart, he was restored. This can be our story too.

One Small Step

Maybe we have been comfortable in our faith, going through the motions without truly investing our heart. Maybe we have made big promises to God that we have not kept. Maybe we know exactly where we may be fooling oneself.

Now is the time to stop pretending. Now is the time to choose honesty. Now is the time to take one real step toward obedience.

Not because we must. But because we want to be whole. Because we want our outside life to match our inside heart. Because we love God more than our comfort.

Questions for reflection:

• Am I more like the son who said no but repented, or the son who said yes but never acted? What does my honest answer reveal about where I stand right now?
• What is one specific area where God is calling me, but I keep resisting? What would it cost me to finally obey?
• Where is there a gap between what I claim to believe and how I actually live? What is one concrete change I can make this week to close that gap?

Blessings to you all!

“It Is Never Too Late; God Waits For You”
 Dear Friends in Christ,

What a beautiful time this is! On September 24^th, we celebrate something wonderful: Archbishop Fulton Sheen will become a Blessed, a saint almost! This is a big moment for our Church and for America. And this Sunday, the Word of God speaks directly to what made Fulton Sheen so important to us.

God Is Calling You (Isaiah 55:6-9)

The Prophet Isaiah speaks to us like a father: “Turn to the LORD. He will have mercy on you. Come back to God. He wants to forgive you.”

You see the beauty? God does not say, ‘You must be perfect first.’ He does not say, ‘You have failed too much.’ He simply says: Come. I am here. I will forgive.

This was the great gift of Blessed Fulton Sheen. He told America: God has not abandoned you. Turn to Him. He is waiting.

Bishop Sheen went on television, which was the new thing at that time, and spoke to millions of American families in their homes. His show “Life Is Worth Living” was on television from 1952 to 1957. He spoke about faith and living a good life. Millions watched him. Why? Because he made God real. He made God close. He spoke in simple words. He did not wait. He went to the people.

Why Does This Matter For Us?

In Bishop Sheen’s time, America was changing. Many people were losing faith. The world was becoming hard. But Sheen did not say, ‘America is bad. Give up.’ Instead, he said something beautiful: God loves America. God loves you. Come home.

He used the tools of his time: television, radio – to bring Christ to people. He met them where they were. This is what we must do too.

A Simple Story From Jesus (Matthew 20:1-16a)

A story Jesus tells us: A man owns a vineyard. He needs workers for the day. Early in the morning, he hires some workers for daily wage. At nine o’clock, he hires more. At noon, more workers. At three o’clock, more workers. And even at five o’clock, just before the end of the day, he hires more workers.

When the day is finished, he pays everyone the same wage.

The workers who came early in the morning are angry. “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.”

But the owner says: “My friend, I am not cheating you.  Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?  Take what is yours and go.  What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?  Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?  Are you envious because I am generous?”

What Does This Mean:

Jesus is telling us something very important: God’s love is not like money we earn by working hard. God’s love is a gift. We do not earn it. We receive it.

Maybe you have been Catholic your whole life. Maybe you have just come back to God. Maybe you are just starting to believe. It does not matter. God’s gift is the same for everyone. His love is the same. His forgiveness is the same.

Blessed Sheen Showed Us This:

This is what Blessed Fulton Sheen taught America. He did not say, “You must be perfect to come to God.” He said, “God is merciful. God is waiting for you. Come home.”

He showed us that we can use our time’s tools to bring Christ to people. He used television. We can use our words, our example, our kindness, our families, our work. We can show people that God is real, and God is merciful.

Dear friends, as we celebrate Blessed Sheen, let us ask ourselves:

Where in my life do I find it hard to believe God forgives me? What would change if I truly confessed my sins and accepted His mercy today?

Blessed Sheen used television to bring Christ to people. What can I use – my words, my actions, my example to show God’s love to those around me?

Jesus teaches that God’s love is a free gift, not something we earn. Do I treat God’s love like something I must deserve, or do I accept it as a gift?

May God bless you all!

God Never Forgets You — And Neither Should We
 Dear Parish Family,

As we celebrate National Grandparents Day the theme this year is a beautiful promise from God: “I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15) I think that message fits our Sunday readings very well.

The first reading from Sirach speaks directly about forgiveness. It reminds us that “wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight.” (Sirach 27:30) It then gives us some very practical advice: “Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.” (Sirach 28:2)

Then Peter asks Jesus a question we might all ask: “How many times do I have to forgive someone who hurts me? Seven times?” Jesus answers, “Not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22) In other words, don’t keep count.

That can be hard. Some hurts are small. Others stay with us for years. Sometimes the person we need to forgive isn’t even sorry. But Jesus still asks us to forgive not because what happened didn’t matter, but because He doesn’t want anger and bitterness to take over our hearts.

Think about how often God has forgiven us. We come to Confession carrying our sins, and the Lord meets us with mercy. He doesn’t ask us to earn His forgiveness. He gives it to us. And then He asks us to show that same mercy to others.

I think our grandparents and elderly parishioners have much to teach us about this. Many of them have lived through difficult times like war, sickness, financial struggles, the loss of loved ones, and family problems. Some have watched children or grandchildren walk away from the faith. Yet they kept praying. They kept going. They kept the faith. Many of us learned our first prayers from a grandparent. We learned to say grace before meals, to go to Mass, to pray the Rosary, and to trust in God.

That is a gift we should never take for granted.

So, this Week I encourage you to do something simple.

Call a grandparent.

Visit an elderly relative.

Stop and talk with an older parishioner.

If someone you love has gone before us, pray for them and tell their stories to your children and grandchildren. Keep their memory alive.

And if there is someone you need to forgive, begin there too. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Just ask God to help you take the first step.

And please, come to Confession. The Lord is always ready to welcome us home.

The Psalm gives us a beautiful reminder of who God is: “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.” (Psalm 103:8) That is the God we come to worship.

He has not forgotten our grandparents.

He has not forgotten the elderly.

He has not forgotten those who feel alone.

And He has not forgotten you.

May we never forget one another.

Let’s Pause & Reflect:

1. Who is someone I need to forgive? What is one small step I can take this week toward letting go of the hurt and asking God for the grace to forgive?

2. What did a grandparent teach me about faith? How can I pass that lesson on to someone younger?

3. Who might be feeling forgotten? Is there an elderly relative, neighbor, or parishioner I can call, visit, or simply spend some time with this week?

With prayers and every blessing.

Caring for God’s Gift of Water
 Dear Parishioners,

As we begin September, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, invites us to pray “For the care of water.” This intention is especially fitting as we enter the Season of Creation, from September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. (Pope Leo XIV, September 2026 Prayer Intention)

Water is one of God’s simplest yet most precious gifts. Pope Leo reminds us that water “quenches thirst, nourishes the earth, and heals wounds.” For Christians, it also reminds us of God’s grace and the new life we receive through Baptism.

A Blessing We Must Not Take for Granted

According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, in 2024, about 2.1 billion people, that is, one in four people worldwide lacked safely managed drinking water, while 106 million relied directly on rivers, lakes, and other untreated surface water. (WHO/UNICEF, 2025)

Behind these numbers are families and children who may spend hours searching for water that many of us receive simply by turning on a faucet.

For most of us in America, clean water is an everyday blessing. How easily we can take this blessing for granted! Let us pause and give thanks to God.

“The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it.” Psalm 24:1

God has entrusted creation to us as stewards, not owners. Our abundance therefore calls us to gratitude and responsibility.

A Call to Love and Stewardship

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we have a responsibility toward one another: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” (Matthew 18:15). This includes caring for creation, because waste and pollution can especially affect the poor and vulnerable.

Pope Francis wrote that “access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right.” (Laudato Si’, no. 30) He also reminded us: “Our right to water gives rise to an inseparable duty.” (February 24, 2017)

Pope Leo encourages us to become “pilgrims of the essential” – living more simply, avoiding waste, and caring for the resources God has given us.

This month, let us ask ourselves:

Am I grateful for the blessings God has given me?

Where am I wasting water, food, energy, or other resources?

What one change can I make to become a better steward?

Let us use water wisely, waste less, avoid pollution, and teach our children to see creation as God’s gift. And let us also pray for and support those who lack clean water and other basic necessities.

Jesus tells us: “I was thirsty, and you gave me drink.” (Matthew 25:35) When we care for those who are thirsty and in need, we care for Christ Himself.

As we celebrate the Eucharist, we bring before God the gifts of creation – bread and wine, fruit of the earth and work of human hands. May the Eucharist teach us to receive God’s gifts with thanksgiving, use them responsibly, and share them generously.

May our abundance make us more grateful, not more wasteful; more generous, not more careless. May we waste less, give thanks more, and always remember those who have less.

Let us take to heart Pope Leo XIV’s prayer: “May our care for water be a sign of love for the Creator and a commitment to the lives of the poor.”

May God bless you.

FOLLOWING CHRIST WITH AN OPEN HEART
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, Jesus says: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

These words are challenging, but they are also an invitation. Jesus knows that each of us carries a cross. It may be a family difficulty, a financial concern, a broken relationship, loneliness, disappointment, or the daily struggle to remain faithful. Jesus does not promise that we will have no difficulties. He promises to walk with us through them.

Allowing Christ to Change Us

St. Paul gives us another important message: “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Romans 12:2

We live in a society with many voices and opinions. Every day, we are told what will make us happy, successful, important, or secure. As Catholics, we need to pause and ask: What is Christ asking of me?

Our faith should not simply be something we inherited from our families or practice out of habit. It should be a living relationship with Jesus.

Pope Leo XIV recently encouraged us to “remain open to an authentic relationship with Christ.” He reminded us that we should not be satisfied with simply knowing about Jesus or relying only on what we have heard from others. Instead, we are called to know Him personally and allow our friendship with Him to shape our lives.

The Holy Father also encouraged us to ask: “Who is the Lord for me? Do I truly know him? What is His Gospel asking of me today?” These are important questions for every Catholic.

Faith in Everyday Life

Sometimes following Jesus means taking a path that is unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

It may mean forgiving someone who has hurt us. It may mean being patient with a family member. It may mean reaching out to someone who is lonely. It may mean putting aside our own preferences for the good of another person. It may mean returning to Sunday Mass, spending a few quiet minutes in prayer each day, or becoming more involved in the life of our parish.

These may seem like small things, but they are often where discipleship begins.

The First Reading reminds us of the struggle of the prophet Jeremiah. He experiences rejection and difficulty because he speaks God’s word. Yet he cannot simply walk away. He says: “The word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day.”  Jeremiah 20:8

Jeremiah teaches us that faithfulness is not always easy. There are times when doing what is right requires courage and perseverance.

The Psalmist expresses the heart of a person who longs for God: “My soul is thirsting for you, O my God.” Psalm 63:2

This should also be the desire of our hearts. The more we come to know Christ, the more we discover that He is not simply a figure from history. He is the living Lord who meets us in prayer, in the Eucharist, in Scripture, in our families, and especially in those who need our love and care.

A Simple Challenge for the Week

As we begin this new week, let us not be afraid to allow Jesus to change something in us.

Perhaps He is asking us to let go of an old resentment, to be more generous, to listen more patiently, or to make time for prayer. Perhaps He is asking us to step outside our comfort zone and serve someone who needs us.

Following Christ does not always require something dramatic. Often, holiness begins with one small and faithful decision at a time. Let us therefore keep our hearts open to Christ. Let us not assume that we already know everything about our faith. Instead, let us continue to meet Jesus in prayer and in the Gospel and allow Him to lead us along the path He has prepared for us.

May the Lord give us the courage to carry our crosses, the humility to be changed by His grace, and the openness to follow Him wherever He leads.

May God bless you and your families.

Reflection Questions for the Week

Who is Jesus for me in my daily life?

What is Jesus asking me to change or improve?

What one practical step can I take this week to grow closer to Christ?

Called to Serve, Grow, and Build Together
 

Dear Parishioners,

This Sunday, the Gospel invites us to reflect on Jesus’ important question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with faith, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15–16). Jesus then entrusts Peter with a special mission: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), and gives him “the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

These words remind us that Jesus established His Church with a clear mission and entrusted different responsibilities to those who serve His people. In the first reading, God says of Eliakim, “I will place the key of the House of David on his shoulder” (Isaiah 22:22).

The key is a sign of responsibility, trust, and service.

As Catholics, we are so blessed to belong to a Church where the Pope, Bishop, and Pastor have particular responsibilities in guiding and serving God’s people. The Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, serves the unity of the Universal Church. The Bishop shepherds the local Church entrusted to him, and the Pastor, under the Bishop’s authority, cares for and guides the parish community. His role is not simply to celebrate Mass. He has the responsibility to teach the faith, guide the parish community, care for the spiritual life of the people, and help the parish remain faithful to Christ and His Church.

This is why parish life works best when we understand the difference between having an opinion and having a responsibility with accountability. We may have different ideas about how something should be done. That is normal. But once the Church has given responsibility to a pastor or another legitimate leader, we are called to cooperate respectfully with the pastor and work for the good of the whole community.

These responsibilities are gifts of service. Each of us also has an important part to play in the life of our parish. When we listen, cooperate, encourage one another, and generously share our time and talents, we help our parish grow stronger in faith and love.

St. Paul reminds us to remain humble before the wisdom of God: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). We may each have different gifts and ideas, but we can always choose to work together with patience, understanding, and a spirit of unity.

A joyful and vibrant parish is built by everyone. Some teach, some organize, some care for our church and grounds, some welcome others, some give generously, and many offer their prayers. Every act of service makes a difference, and every person has something valuable to contribute.

Our Parish Picnic on August 23 is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate this spirit of togetherness. Let us come with joyful hearts, meet someone new, welcome others, thank those who serve, and enjoy the gift of being part of our parish family.

As we gather, let us remember that we are one parish family of ‘St. John XXIII’, united in Christ. By supporting one another, sharing our gifts, and working together, we can continue to build a parish that is intentionally welcoming, faithful, and filled with hope.

May Christ guide our Pope Leo, Bishop Robert Gruss, Pastor, and all who serve our parish. May He bless each of you and inspire us to serve with generous hearts and joyful spirits

God bless you and your families. I look forward to celebrating with you at our Parish Picnic on August 23!

Questions for Reflection This Week

1. How can I better appreciate and support the responsibilities entrusted by Christ to the Pope, Bishop, and Pastor?

2. How can I grow in a spirit of cooperation, patience, and unity within our parish community?

3. What time, talent, or simple act of kindness can I joyfully offer to strengthen and serve our parish family?

She Wouldn’t Give Up, And Neither Should We
 Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Have you ever prayed for something with all your heart and wondered if God was listening? Perhaps you have prayed for a sick loved one, a child or grandchild who has drifted from the faith, healing in your family, or peace in a difficult situation. Sometimes we pray for weeks, months, or even years, and begin to wonder: Lord, are You hearing me?

This Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 15:21–28) gives us a beautiful answer. It reminds us that God hears the prayer of a heart that refuses to give up.

We meet a Canaanite woman who comes to Jesus with one simple request: “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” She is a foreigner, someone outside the people of Israel, yet she approaches Jesus with remarkable courage and faith.

At first, Jesus does not answer her. Then the disciples want her sent away. Even when Jesus speaks of His mission to Israel, she does not leave. She kneels before Him and says, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

Jesus responds: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” Her daughter was healed.

What a beautiful reminder: keep bringing your needs to Jesus. Keep trusting Him. Keep praying.

When Prayer Feels Difficult

Many people in our parish carry prayers that have been with them for years. Perhaps you are praying for a child or grandchild to return to the Church, for healing, reconciliation, strength in marriage, or comfort in grief.

The Canaanite woman reminds us that we do not need to have all the answers before coming to Jesus. She simply came with her need and her love for her daughter. That was enough.

Persistence in prayer is itself an act of faith. Each time we return to God, we are saying, “Lord, I still trust You. I believe You hear me. I place this person and this situation into Your hands.”

St. Monica gives us the same example. For many years, she prayed for the conversion of her son Augustine. Her prayers were not answered quickly, but she never gave up. In time, Augustine returned to the faith, was baptized, and became one of the Church’s greatest saints.

Her story reminds us: God’s timing may be different from ours, but His love never fails.

God’s House Is Open to All

The Reading from Isaiah (56:1, 6–7) reminds us that God’s mercy extends to all peoples: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

The Canaanite woman shows us this promise in action. She was a foreigner, yet she came to Jesus in faith and received His mercy.

No one is beyond God’s reach. We should never assume that someone is too far away to return to God or to His Church.

God Has Not Given Up on Anyone

St. Paul (Romans 11:13–15, 29–32) reminds us that “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” God’s love is not something He takes back when we fail.

For those praying for loved ones who have drifted from the faith, this is especially important:

Do not give up on them. God has not.

Let us continue to pray, continue to love, continue to be patient. We may not know when or how God will work, but we can trust that He is always at work.

A Word of Hope

The Canaanite woman came to Jesus with nothing but her need, her love for her daughter, and her faith. She could have walked away when the answer did not come immediately. Instead, she stayed, trusted, and asked again.

Her story reminds us that when prayer feels difficult, we do not have to give up.

If you have been praying for someone for years, keep praying.

If you have been waiting for healing, keep trusting.

If someone you love has wandered from the faith, keep loving.

If God seems silent, keep coming to Him.

We may not always understand God’s timing, but we can always trust His heart. The God who heard the Canaanite woman’s cry hears yours, too.

So bring your prayers to the Lord once again.

She wouldn’t give up—and neither should we.

May God strengthen our faith, renew our hope, and teach us to trust Him more deeply each day and help us to make our parish a more welcoming one. 

Three Ways to Live This Message

1. Keep praying: Bring that person or situation to Jesus again this week, by name, and trust that He hears you.

2. Pray with others: Bring your intentions to Mass, light a candle, or ask someone you trust to join you in prayer.

3. Welcome someone home: A kind word, a listening ear, or a simple invitation to Mass may help someone take a step back toward God.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
 

Dear Parish Family,

Every one of us experiences storms in life. Some storms come suddenly, while others linger for months or even years. They may be concerns about our health, the loss of a loved one, worries about our children or grandchildren, financial pressures, or the uncertainty we see in our nation and throughout the world. Whatever form they take, storms can leave us feeling tired, anxious, and wondering what tomorrow will bring.

The readings this Sunday remind us that the Lord never abandons His people, especially in difficult times.

In the first reading, the prophet Elijah has reached a point of discouragement. He has faithfully served God, yet he feels alone and exhausted. As he waits for the Lord, there is a mighty wind, an earthquake, and a fire. But Scripture tells us that “the LORD was not in the wind… not in the earthquake… not in the fire.” Instead, God comes in “a tiny whispering sound” (1 Kings 19:11–13).

That is an important lesson for us. We often expect God to act in dramatic ways, yet He usually speaks quietly. We hear Him in the silence of prayer, in the words of Sacred Scripture, in the celebration of the Eucharist, in the kindness of a friend, or in the comforting presence of someone who simply sits beside us. If our lives are filled only with noise and distractions, we may miss the gentle voice of the Lord.

The Gospel continues this message of trust. The disciples are struggling against strong winds on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus comes toward them walking on the water. They are frightened, but Jesus immediately says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Peter steps out of the boat with great faith. As long as he keeps his eyes on Jesus, he walks on the water. But the moment he focuses on the wind and the waves, fear takes over, and he begins to sink. Even then, Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus reaches out His hand without hesitation.

Isn’t that our story too? There are times when we become overwhelmed by bad news, health concerns, family problems, or the uncertainties of life. When we focus only on the storm, fear grows. When we turn our eyes back to Christ, we discover that He has been beside us all along, ready to strengthen us.

In the second reading, Saint Paul opens his heart as he speaks of his sorrow for those who have not yet accepted Christ (Romans 9:1–5). His words remind us never to stop praying for those we love. Many of us carry children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends in our daily prayers. Some have drifted away from the Church. Others struggle with faith or face burdens known only to God. Our prayers matter. The Lord hears every one of them, and He continues to work in ways we may never fully see.

As we move through another week, perhaps the Lord is inviting each of us to slow down just a little. Spend a few quiet moments with Him each day. Read a passage from the Gospel. Pray the Rosary. Visit the Blessed Sacrament if you are able. Call someone who may be lonely. Offer a word of encouragement to a neighbor. Often, God’s gentle voice is heard most clearly through simple acts of faith and love.

The storms of life will come and go, but the presence of Christ remains constant. He still speaks the same words to us today: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” May those words give us hope, strengthen our faith, and remind us that we are never alone.

Let’s Ponder:

· What storm in my life is Jesus asking me to trust Him with today?

· Am I making time to listen for God’s quiet voice in prayer, or am I distracted by the noise around me?

·  How can I be a source of hope and encouragement to someone who may be struggling this week?

May the Lord bless you and your family, keep you safe, and fill your hearts with His peace.

See you at Mass!