The Seed and the Soil: A Call to Grow
Dear Parish Family,

This week, the Word of God gives us one of the most powerful and practical messages in all of Scripture — the story of the Sower, seeds, and the kind of soil we choose to be. It is a story that speaks directly to everyday life, because every single day we are faced with a choice: will we let the Word of God truly take root in us, or will we allow the noise of the world to choke it out?

The Prophet Isaiah (55:10-11) opens our reflection beautifully. God declares through him: “Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful… so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; My word shall not return to Me void”.

What a promise! God’s Word is never wasted. It goes out with purpose, power, and precision. Every homily listened to, every Scripture read, every prayer prayed, none of it is empty. God’s Word accomplishes what He intends. The question is not whether God’s Word is powerful and it always is. The question is whether our hearts are open to receive it.

St. Paul (Romans 8:18-23) writes from a place of deep honesty: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us” (Romans 8:18). He acknowledges that life is hard. Suffering is an essential part of the Christian life, and one who truly believes will have a share of hardships and trials. Yet these are not ends in themselves, there is hope that they will lead to the full revelation of God’s glory.

This is incredibly relevant for our everyday life where we have bills to pay, families under pressure, health challenges, loneliness, uncertainty. St. Paul does not tell us to pretend it is easy. He tells us to hold on, because what is coming is far greater than what we are enduring now.

In Matthew 13:1-23 – Jesus tells one of His most famous parables. “A Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the Word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. Think about how often we hear the Gospel at Mass but walk out distracted, already thinking about Sunday brunch or the game in the afternoon.

In Palestine, sowing often preceded plowing, so much of the seed was scattered on ground that was unsuitable. Yet while much was wasted, the seed that fell on good ground bore fruit in extraordinarily large measure. God is generous and He keeps sowing. The miracle happens in the good soil.

 Putting It Into Practice This Week:

· Turn off the noise. Make five to ten minutes of quiet each morning to read one Scripture verse and let it settle in your heart.

· Come to Mass ready to receive. Arrive a few minutes early, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart before Mass begins.

· Share the Word.  Tell one person this week something from today’s readings. When you share it, it takes root even deeper in you.

Reflective Questions:

1. When you hear God’s Word proclaimed at Mass or in prayer, does it truly sink in or does the busyness of life quickly crowd it out? What is one distraction you can remove this week to make more room for God?

2. What difficulty are you carrying that you need to entrust more fully to God?

3. What kind of soil is your heart today—rocky, thorny, or fertile? What will help you become good soil that bears abundant fruit?

Finding Rest in the Heart of Jesus

Dear Parish Family,

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). How comforting to hear these words which are not simply a beautiful promise; they are a personal invitation from our Lord Jesus to each one of us.

The burdens we carry are many. Some of us struggle with illness or declining health. Others carry the pain of losing a loved one, loneliness, family concerns, or uncertainty about the future. Jesus knows every burden we bear. He does not ask us to face life’s challenges alone. Instead, He invites us to come to Him with trust, knowing that His love is greater than any difficulty we may encounter.

Prophet Zechariah (9:9-10) announces the coming of a King who is humble and brings peace. Unlike earthly rulers who depend on power and force, the Messiah comes with gentleness and compassion. Jesus fulfills this prophecy perfectly. His strength is revealed through humility, mercy, and self-giving love.

St. Paul (Romans 8:9, 11-13) reminds us that the Holy Spirit lives within us. Even in moments of weakness, the Spirit strengthens us to live as children of God. We are never alone. God’s Spirit gives us courage to persevere, hope in difficult times, and confidence in God’s faithful love.

Many of us have learned through the years that faith does not remove the cross away from us, but it does give us the grace and strength to carry it. Sometimes, we may feel as though we no longer have the strength to do all that we once could. Yet our prayers, our quiet witness, our kindness, and our steadfast faith continue to build up our parish and our families. Never underestimate the power of a life lived faithfully with Christ.

This week, let us accept Jesus’ invitation. Spend a few quiet moments with Him each day as we bring Him our worries, our gratitude, our fears, and our hopes. Let us intentionally allow Jesus to carry what feels too heavy for us. His heart is gentle, His mercy is endless, and His peace is a gift that the world cannot give.

I invite you to pray with me:

“Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

Take care of everything.”

May the Lord bless you and your loved ones with His peace, renew your strength through the Holy Spirit, and fill your hearts with the joy that comes from trusting in Him.

Reflection Questions

1. What burden am I carrying that I need to place in the hands of Jesus?

2. How can I imitate the humility and gentleness of Christ in my relationships this week?

How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to trust God more deeply, even in the challenges I face?

True Freedom in Christ.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last Sunday we celebrated the Father’s Day and honored and prayed for our dear Fathers, Grandfathers and Fatherly figures in our lives. This Sunday, Jesus gives us a challenging message: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). At first hearing, these words may sound harsh. Jesus is not asking us to love our families less. Rather, He is reminding us that when God is first in our lives, every other relationship finds its proper place and becomes stronger.

In our culture, we often face competing priorities. Work schedules, sports activities, social commitments, financial pressures, and endless distractions can easily push our faith to the margins. Jesus invites us to examine what truly comes first in our hearts. When Christ is at the center, our decisions, relationships, and daily routines reflect His presence.

The First Reading offers a beautiful example of hospitality. The Shunammite woman welcomed the prophet Elisha into her home, recognizing God’s presence in him (2 Kings 4:8-11). Her simple act of generosity became a channel of God’s blessing. The Gospel echoes this theme when Jesus says, “Whoever receives you receives Me” (Matthew 10:40). Every act of kindness offered in Christ’s name becomes an encounter with the Lord Himself.

Many of us may not have the opportunity to welcome prophets into our homes, but we can welcome Christ every day. We welcome Him when we make time for prayer, attend Mass faithfully, help a struggling neighbor, visit someone who is lonely, support our parish, or listen patiently to a family member who needs our attention. Jesus assures us that even “a cup of cold water” given in His name will not go unrewarded (Matthew 10:42). In God’s eyes, no act of love is too small.

St. Paul, in the second reading, reminds us of another important truth. Through Baptism, we have been united with Christ’s death and resurrection. “We too might live in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Our faith is not merely about beliefs or religious practices; it is about living as new people. Each day is an opportunity to leave behind selfishness, resentment, and indifference, and to choose love, forgiveness, and service.

As we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of our great nation’s independence this July 4^th we give thanks for the many freedoms we enjoy. True freedom is the ability to choose what is good, right, and holy. Christ frees us from sin so that we can live with purpose, love generously, and serve others faithfully.

As families gather for cookouts, parades, and family celebrations this holiday weekend, perhaps we can take a moment to thank God not only for our great nation, but also for the gift of faith. May we never take for granted the freedom to worship, pray, and live as disciples of Jesus Christ.

May the Lord help us place Him first, welcome Him in those we meet, and live each day in the freedom of His love.

God bless you and your families, and may God continue to bless our Country.

Questions for Reflection:

What priorities or distractions keep Christ from being first in my life?

How can I welcome Christ this week through a simple act of kindness or hospitality?

As I celebrate Independence Day, how am I using my freedom to grow closer to God and serve others?

Do Not Be Afraid… God Knows Your Name.

The thread running through all the Readings for this Sunday is one of the most needed messages: Do not be afraid. God sees you. God holds you.

Today the Church and our nation both honor ‘Fathers’. It is no accident that this falls on a Sunday when Jesus speaks of the Father’s tender, watchful care – counting hairs, noticing sparrows. The best earthly fathers reflect something of that divine fatherhood of God. They courageously protect the family. They speak truth even when it is unpopular. They stay, even when it is costly.

And no father in salvation history models this more powerfully than St. Joseph. Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, yet he was chosen by God to be His father in every human sense that matters. He protected the Holy Family. He provided for them. He was silent in Scripture, but thunderous in action. When Herod threatened the Child, Joseph did not freeze in fear — he rose in the night and moved (Matthew 2:13–14). He protected the child Jesus. He was a man of courage precisely because he was a man of trust.

Prophet Jeremiah (20:10–13) is a man in real trouble. People are plotting against him for nothing other than faithfully delivering God’s message. Rather than going silent, he trusts that God is with him, protecting and strengthening him and he believes God will save him from his enemies. Sound familiar? Many of us face quieter versions of this same pressure: staying silent about our faith at work, at the dinner table, on social media. Jeremiah’s courage is a call to ours.

In the Second Reading (Romans 5:12–15), St. Paul reminds us that sin and death entered the world through Adam but Jesus Christ brings grace and eternal life. Adam’s sin brought punishment, but Jesus’ sacrifice brings forgiveness and new life to those who believe in Him. This is the great exchange at the heart of our faith. We did not earn it. It is a pure gift.

And then in the Gospel (Matthew 10:26–33), Jesus speaks with stunning intimacy. He says not even a sparrow falls without the Father knowing, “So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows“ (Matthew 10:31). He goes further: every hair on your head is counted. That is not poetry. That is theology. You are personally, specifically, individually known and loved by God.

Jesus also says: “Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” His exhortation “have no fear” is itself challenging. He is not saying life is easy. He is saying there is only one fear worth having — the holy fear of God — and when that fear is in its proper place, every other fear loses its grip.

Jesus doesn’t just say ‘be brave’, He grounds the command in a fact: ‘You are known’. So the deeper question really is this: Do you actually believe, in the ordinary moments of your Tuesday afternoon while gardening or when on hospital bed in pain or grieving for your beloved one when alone, that the God of the universe knows your name and is watching over you right now?

Dear Fathers: St. Joseph shows us what it looks like to father without fanfare, to lead without noise, to love without condition. That is the model. That is the calling.

Dear Families: Let us take a moment today to thank the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, uncles, and spiritual fathers in your life. Their steady presence is a sacrament of God’s own Providence.

THIS WEEK’S REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS

Take these with you into the week, perhaps share them at dinner, or sit with one in your Holy Hour:

1. What specific fear am I allowing to keep me silent about my faith and what would it look like to hand that fear over to God this week?

2. St. Joseph fathered Christ by showing up, staying faithful, and trusting God’s plan even when he did not fully understand it. Who in my life is calling me to that same kind of quiet, steadfast fatherly love?

3. Jesus says, “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father” (Matthew 10:32). When did I last acknowledge Christ clearly and publicly and what stopped me the last time I didn’t?

May St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family and Patron of the Universal Church, pray for all our fathers today and may God the Father who counts every hair on your head hold you in His peace this week. Amen

Happy Father’s Day. God bless you and your families.

Dear Parish Family,

Look at the three readings this Sunday side by side and one message emerges loud and clear: God chooses people — to send them on mission.

That is exactly what Bishop Gruss is asking of us this year in the Year of the Holy Spirit for the Diocese of Saginaw. The timing is not a coincidence.

You Are a Kingdom of Priests. (Exodus 19:2–6a)

At Mount Sinai, God tells Moses something remarkable — if the people keep His covenant, they will be His “treasured possession” and a “kingdom of priests.” In the ancient world, priests were the ones who carried the presence of God to others. God was not simply saying “you are Mine.” He was saying “you are Mine for a purpose.” That purpose has not changed. Every baptized Catholic is part of that priestly people. We are not spectators in the pew. We are carriers of God’s presence in the world.

You Were Rescued for a Reason. (Romans 5:6–11)

St. Paul reminds us that Christ died for us “while we were still sinners” before we earned it, before we deserved it. Salvation is entirely God’s gift.

This matters enormously for how we go on the mission. We are not sent because we are impressive or talented or clever or experienced. We are sent because we are loved and rescued. We go not with pride, but with gratitude. That changes everything about how we approach someone who is far from God.

The Harvest Is Right in Front of Us. (Matthew 9:36–10:8)

Here is the heart of today’s Gospel. Jesus travels through every town and village. He looks at the crowds — tired, troubled, lost and His heart is “moved with pity” for them because they are “like sheep without a shepherd.”

That image is not ancient history. It describes our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our own families. People who are lonely. People who walked away from the Church. People who have never heard the Gospel in a way that reached them.

Jesus does not look at the crowd and turn away. He turns to His disciples and says:

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38

And then, without waiting, He sends the Twelve. He gives them His own authority. He tells them to cure the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons. And then He says something we must not rush past:

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Matthew 10:8

The sending did not stop with the Twelve. It continues in us through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us right now.

The Year of the Holy Spirit Is a Year of Mission.

Bishop Gruss proclaimed this Year of the Holy Spirit calling us to become “more missional focused” and reminding us that this mission begins “with the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Today’s Gospel is the blueprint. Jesus saw the crowd. He prayed for laborers. He sent them out and He is sending us too.

The question is not whether we are called. We are. The question is whether we will respond to the call of Jesus and go.

Three Practical Steps This Week:

Pray for laborers — starting with yourself. Jesus said “ask the master of the harvest.” Spend five minutes this week asking God where He wants to send you — in your neighborhood, your workplace, your family. The Year of the Holy Spirit begins one prayer at a time.

Look at the crowd around you. Pay attention this week to people who seem troubled, lonely, or lost. We do not need a program to reach them. We need the compassion of Christ which is already ours through the Holy Spirit. Start with one person. Ask how they are really doing.

Come to the Sacraments as fuel for the mission. We cannot give what we do not have. Go to Confession. Come to Mass with fresh eyes. Let the Eucharist and the Spirit send us, as Jesus sent the Twelve, back into the world ready to serve.

FOR REFLECTION THIS WEEK

1. Do we live as though we carry the presence of God into every room we enter — at work, at home, in the neighborhood? What would change this week if we did?

2. When we think about someone who seems far from God, do we lead with the mercy that found us or with judgment? Which one looks more like Jesus?

3. Who is that crowd in our life right now? And is the Holy Spirit asking us to be the laborer sent to them this week?

250 Years, One Heart: Consecrating America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Something extraordinary is about to happen and this parish family is invited to be part of it.

On June 11, 2026, the U.S. Bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus marking the first such formal consecration of our country to Christ’s Heart. This historic act coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founders declared truths they believed to be self-evident. Today, we are invited to declare something even more foundational: that this land, its people, and its future belong to the Heart of Jesus.

Do not let this moment pass without you.

Why the Sacred Heart? Why Now?

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a devotion to Christ’s Heart, which represents and recalls His love for us. It is not merely a pious image. It is the living symbol of the God who loves us without condition, without limit, and without end and who asks, in return, that we entrust ourselves entirely to Him.

Pope Francis in his encyclical Dilexit Nos ‘He Loved Us’ (October 24, 2024) on the human and divine love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, highlighted the devotion as an antidote to modern superficiality.

There has never been a moment in our nation’s history more in need of what only Jesus can offer. We feel it in our homes, in our communities, in the news we scroll past every morning. But what if this very moment of need is exactly the opening grace has been waiting for? The Sacred Heart of Jesus is not a symbol of a distant God. It is the sign of a God who moves toward us, who sees the fractures in our families, the coldness in our culture, the longing in our hearts and says: “Come to Me”. Not to a policy. Not to a party. To Me. To My Heart. That is the invitation of June 11.

What Are We Being Called to Do?

The Bishops are asking us to participate. Fully. Personally. At every level of Catholic life.

The national consecration is a powerful act. But the Bishops want it to go deeper than a ceremony. They want it to reach into parishes, into dioceses, and into the rooms of our homes so that this becomes not just a moment in history, but a turning point in the life of every Catholic family in America.

So here is the invitation, simply stated: Consecrate your Parish. Consecrate your Homes. Gather your family on June 11 and pray together out loud, with intention that the Heart of Jesus reigns here. There is something profound and even courageous about a family choosing, in the middle of this cultural moment, gather around your kitchen table, in your living room, with your children beside you. Our Parish family will pray the Consecration Prayer on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14.

Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

You know the longings of our hearts, and You desire that we enjoy friendship with You. From Your pierced side, You have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your Heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with You.

We celebrate the abundant gifts You have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against You and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. May our hearts be united to Yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us..

Last Sunday on Pentecost, something significant happened beyond our parish walls. Bishop Gruss proclaimed a Year of the Holy Spirit for the entire Diocese of Saginaw beginning Pentecost 2026 and running through Pentecost 2027. That announcement was not just a calendar note. It was a pastoral call where our Bishop is inviting us to actually encounter the Holy Spirit. And this Sunday — the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity — is the perfect moment to hear that call and respond. Trinity Sunday is not just a feast about God’s inner life. It is a call to let the inner life of God reshape ours and here is what I want us to hold onto from the readings.

The God who shows up and tells us who He is.

In the book of Exodus 34:4b–6, 8–9, Moses climbs the mountain and God passes before him, not to terrify him, but to introduce Himself: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, rich in kindness. This is the God who leads with love and mercy and not with wrath. Moses’ response? He drops to his knees and worships. That’s the right instinct for us too. When we see who God actually is, the knees go down first.

The most important verse in the Gospel

The Gospel (John 3:16–18) takes us to the heart of everything: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” The Father sends the Son and the Son saves. And through Baptism, we are invited into a deeper encounter with the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, who has sent us on mission. That is the inner logic of Holy Trinity Sunday and the Year of the Holy Spirit, held together. The Father loves. The Son saves. The Spirit stays recreating us, strengthening us, and sending us out on mission.

The Holy Spirit is already living in us.

In Bishop Gruss’ words: “The Holy Spirit is the power, breath, and fire of the Church. The Spirit is the One who makes Christ present, breaks the chains of sin, heals wounds of the heart, restores hope, strengthens virtue, ignites courage, and awakens holiness. The Spirit does not merely improve us — He recreates us.”

Bishop Gruss has invited us to become “more missional focused” and that ministry begins “with the power of the Holy Spirit.” He envisions numerous events in the Diocese and in particular parishes to celebrate the Year of the Holy Spirit.

Here are three simple things we can do starting this week:

1. Pray to the Holy Spirit daily. “Come, Holy Spirit.” Say it in the morning. Say it before a hard conversation. Say it before Mass. Let it become an innate reflex.

2. Make the Sign of the Cross slowly and deliberately. It is a profession of faith in the Trinity, a reminder of our Baptism, and a small act of worship every time we make it. Don’t rush it.

Go to Confession. The Holy Spirit reconciles us with God and one another. If we want to be open to the Spirit’s work this year, let us start with a clean slate. The confessional is where that begins.

God is not far away. He is Father, Son, and Spirit and He is with us.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It’s the birthday of the Church – Happy Pentecost!

The First Reading (Acts 2:1-11) brings us back to that Upper Room where we hear about a driving wind, tongues of fire, frightened disciples suddenly transformed into fearless witnesses. That was not a one-time event. The Holy Spirit is alive, active, and moving right now, in our time, in our Diocese.

A Historic Day for Our Diocese

Most Reverend Robert Gruss, our Bishop, officially proclaims the Year of the Holy Spirit for the Diocese of Saginaw beginning today, Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026, and concluding on Pentecost Sunday 2027. This is Bishop Gruss’ invitation to every Catholic in our Diocese to do one thing above all else this year: deepen our personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Third Divine Person of the Most Holy Trinity. This is not a program. This is a call. And the timing could not be more perfect.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Across America, something extraordinary is unfolding. The New York Times (March 26, 2026) reported “Roman Catholic Churches See a Surge of New Converts.” Catholic Answers (April 2, 2026) declared “Catholic Conversions Hit Decade Highs.” Aleteia (April 3, 2026) highlighted “College Teens Choosing to Become Catholic.”

Data compiled by ‘Hallow’ from more than 140 U.S. Catholic Dioceses indicates that over 80% reported increases in Easter OCIA participation in 2026, with Dioceses averaging a 38% rise in people entering the Church compared with 2025. Catholic Herald (April 12, 2026) reported that Los Angeles welcomed over 8,500 new Catholics – a 139% surge. Detroit received 1,428 – its highest number in 21 years.

It looks like something is happening, isn’t it? And it’s the Holy Spirit.

Young adults, college students especially, are leading this journey. Tired of the emptiness that culture promises and never delivers, they are walking through Church doors hungry for truth, beauty, and something real. Bishop Dewane from the Diocese of Venice stated: “Our modern culture has not borne good fruits, and I think people see that. They recognize that. They know that.” Source: National Catholic Register / EWTN News, March 30, 2026.

In the Gospel (John 20:19-23), Jesus appears to frightened disciples behind locked doors and says: “Peace be with you… Receive the Holy Spirit.” He has never stopped saying those words to us.

St. Paul reminds us (1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13) that each of us has received a gift of the Spirit, not for ourselves, but for the common good. We are one Body. Every one of us has a role in this moment of renewal.

The Spirit did not fill the Upper Room so the disciples could stay inside. He sent them out. He is sending us out, too.

As we enter this Year of the Holy Spirit together, let us:

· Pray daily and ask the Holy Spirit by name to lead and transform you

· Live the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness – visibly and boldly\

· Invite someone – the wind is blowing right here in Saginaw. Don’t let someone you love miss it

Veni, Sancte Spiritus. Come, Holy Spirit — come again.

Three Questions for Reflection:

1. Where are the locked doors in my own heart, the fears, and doubts, where am I still waiting for the Holy Spirit to break in? (Acts 2:1)

2. What gift of the Spirit has been placed in me and how will I use it to build up this parish during the Year of the Holy Spirit? (1 Cor 12:7)

3. Who in my life, may be a child, a grandchild, a coworker might the Spirit already be drawing toward the Church? What is one step I will take this week to open that door?

“Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.” Psalm 104:30

“Go Therefore – The World Is Waiting”

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Let’s picture this: Jesus has just ascended into heaven. The apostles are standing on a hillside, staring up into the clouds and two angels appear and ask them: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (Acts 1:11)

That question is not just for eleven men on a hillside two thousand years ago. It is for every Catholic in this parish, right now.

We believe. We show up. We love the Lord. But sometimes we are not quite sure what He is asking us to do next. This Sunday, the Church answers that question beautifully.

In Acts 1:1–11, two angels gently but firmly redirect the disciples who are frozen in amazement: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (v. 11) The message is clear – there is work to be done, and we are the ones to do it. Is there a moment this week- a conversation, a relationship, an opportunity where Christ might be inviting us to take one small step of faith instead of standing still?

In Ephesians 1:17–23, St. Paul prays something stunning over his people and over us. He prays that we would truly grasp the hope we have been called to and recognize the power already at work in us. The same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him above every authority is alive in us through our Baptism. That is not a small thing. That is everything. How would our week look different if we actually lived that way?

In Matthew 28:16–20, Jesus gathers His disciples – the ones who doubted, the ones who were afraid, the ones who were imperfect and He looks them in the eye and says: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” (v. 19) And then, so they would never forget it, He adds: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (v. 20) He did not wait for them to have it all together. He never does. He is asking us right now, as we are – to go. Who is one person already in our lives who needs to encounter the love of Christ and what is the most natural, loving way we can be that bridge for them this week?

THIS IS OUR MOMENT TOO

Here is what strikes me about this feast: the Ascension is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of ours. Jesus does not ascend to disappear. He ascends to reign in us, over everything, on our behalf. And in doing so, He hands the mission to us. To this parish. To the people sitting in these pews. To each one of us reading this right now.

We do not need a theology degree. We do not need to have all the answers. We just need to be willing to go where He sends us and trust that He meant it when He said He would be with us always. The mission field is not far away. It is our neighborhood, our workplace, our family dinner table. The people who need to encounter the living Christ are already in our lives. They are waiting even if they do not know it yet.

A WORD FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

Scripture tells us Blessed Virgin Mary was right there in the upper room: “All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with…Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14). She did not stand frozen staring at the sky. She gathered, she prayed, and she pointed every soul in that room back to her Son, just as she does for us today.

This is May, a month dedicated to her, and there is no better response to the mission of Ascension Sunday than to pick up the Rosary. The Glorious Mysteries walk us through the very events we celebrate this Sunday: the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray the Rosary this month. Write down the name of someone who needs to experience the love of Christ and bring them to Our Lady. She has never stopped doing what she did at Cana, pointing to Jesus and saying: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). She will not disappoint.

Next Sunday the Church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost – her very birthday. Let us go to Confession this week if we have not recently. Come open. Come expectant. And let us invite someone to join us. There is always room in this family.

“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

Celebrating Love and Guidance: A Tribute to our Mothers

Dear Parish Family,

On the 6^th Sunday of Easter, the Word of God reminds us of the profound love and guidance that comes from our faith and our cherished relationships. This Sunday, which coincides with Mother’s Day, is especially meaningful to me as a priest. It offers a precious opportunity to reflect on the impact of our Mothers, and the influence she has had on our lives.

In the Reading from Acts of the Apostles (8:5-8, 14-17), Philip goes to Samaria, proclaims Christ and the people pay attention. Unclean spirits are cast out, the sick are healed, and ‘there was great joy in that city.’ When word reaches Jerusalem, Peter and John are sent to pray for the new believers and the Holy Spirit falls upon them through the laying on of hands. This is the Church in motion, love that does not stay behind closed doors, but goes out, heals, and draws others toward God. We clearly see this in our Mothers, a love that never stayed behind closed doors, but always moved toward good of others, like the Apostles. In her tireless effort to create a nurturing home, our Mothers gave the greatest testimony St. Peter in his first letter (3:15-18) could ask for: a reason for hope, offered not in grand words, but in a faithful, gentle life.

In the Gospel (John 14:15-21) Jesus speaks to His disciples with words that have echoed through every generation: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth”, and He also says, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you,”  where we hear the echo of every mother who ever kept a light on, waited up, and refused to let her child face the darkness alone. And Jesus gave us from the Cross a precious gift of His Mother to be our spiritual Mother, when He said “Behold, your Mother” (cf. Jn 19:27), and like a mother, she continually points us to her Son, Jesus, with tender care.

This week, let us give thanks to God for the mothers God has given us and let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us carry their example into the world, just as Philip carried the Good News into Samaria: boldly, joyfully, and with hearts set free.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mothers!

I invite you to join me in this special prayer for our Mothers:

A Prayer of Gratitude for Mothers:

Gracious and Loving Father,

We lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of mothers, who reflect Your boundless love in our lives. Bless them with strength and patience as they nurture and guide us on our journey of faith. Grant them joy and peace in their hearts, knowing their love makes a lasting impact on our lives. We thank You for their sacrifices, their wisdom, and their unwavering support. May they feel cherished and appreciated, surrounded by the love of their families and friends.

For mothers who have passed into Your eternal embrace, grant them eternal rest and the joy of Your presence. Heavenly Father, comfort those mothers who face challenges, and fill their hearts with hope. May they draw inspiration from Mary, our Blessed Mother, who embraced Your will with grace and courage. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us honor our mothers, both earthly and heavenly, cherishing the love and wisdom they provide. May we continue to reflect Christ’s love in our families and communities.