Past, Present, and Future

The other day I was thinking about random things and it came to my mind that a year ago at this time, we were still watching the Pastoral Center being built, and all parish offices were clustered in modular units in the parking lot. Remember those times? It’s good to remember, and then to realize how blessed we are.

Now we have a beautiful facility where all kinds of groups can meet to celebrate, serve, and evangelize in a wide variety of ways. It’s wonderful to look at the calendar and see the vast array of activities that now have a home in our Pastoral Center. Of course, I am especially happy that we have resumed our Bible Study based on The Chosen. Besides being an awesome opportunity to see the Scriptures portrayed in a beautiful and relatable way, I really value the opportunity to spend time with you, discussing things that are important and/or interesting to us. If you’re not coming to this Bible Study, I hope you’ll give it a try. There’s a reason why it is so popular!

Looking towards the future, you will notice that we are already accepting registration for our Faith Formation programs, including preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. I encourage you to register as soon as possible so that you can get the classes on your calendar. Please also consider volunteering to be a catechist or a helper in one of these programs. Our young people learn about our Faith by watching us live it—not just listening to us talk about it.

I am grateful to God and grateful to you for this wonderful life of Faith, which all of us share. Let’s continue to pray for each other!

Gratefully Yours,

Season Two!

When we finished Season One of our Bible Study based on The Chosen, those of you who attended the final session enthusiastically expressed your desire to continue our Bible Study during the summer. After taking some time off for other activities, we are now ready to resume this popular program.

The Bible Study will take place from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in Knight Hall on the following Tuesdays: July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12, September 26, October 10, and October 24.

Remember, this Bible Study is open to everyone. No registration is needed. Bring your friends from other parishes and other religious backgrounds! We will follow the same format as before: we will read the Scriptural passages associated with the night’s episode; we will watch the episode; and we will discuss what we have read and seen.

Whether you came to our Season One Bible Study or not, I hope you will join us for Season Two. We always have good, inspiring discussions, and we come away from each evening with a greater experience of closeness to Jesus Christ, closeness to his followers, and closeness to God’s Word. I look forward to continuing my favorite program with you!

Gratefully Yours,

Peace

When Jesus sent his seventy-two disciples out to spread the Good News, he instructed them: “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.” (Lk. 10:5-6) The greeting of “Peace!” is echoed by the Lord many times in Scripture. In every Mass the priest quotes the Lord’s words during the Last Supper: “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you….” (Jn. 14:27)

I like to quote the beginning of the Prayer of St. Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Those words could form the basis of our Christian way of life. We are called to be at peace with God, within ourselves, and with others. It all begins with the Lord’s peace, which he gives to us and wishes for us.

We could transform the world if, before thinking, speaking and acting, everyone asked themselves, “Will this promote peace?” and then followed through in promoting peace. Let’s transform our world, one decision at a time. Each one of us really does make a difference.

Gratefully Yours,