Parish Blog

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last week, I presented a brief teaching on the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity— because they “inform all the moral virtues and give life to them.” (CCC,1841)

The Church teaches that these virtues are not merely human motivation. They are “infused by God into the souls of the faithful,” so that we can act as God’s children and “merit eternal life.” (CCC,1813)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the life of faith, there are gifts that do not simply help us “manage” the spiritual journey—they guide it. St. Paul teaches that faith, hope, and love abide, and that “the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13). Pope St. John Paul II describes these virtues “like three stars” that rise in the sky of our spiritual life to lead us to God, forming a “triptych” whose apex is love (agape). (Pope St. John Paul II’s General Audience, Nov 22, 2000)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States—a moment to give thanks, to remember, and to ask God for renewed moral clarity. The Church’s prayer for our nation begins by placing every civic good under divine truth: “open our hearts to the truth of his Gospel, that your peace may rule in our hearts and your justice guide our lives.” (Roman Missal, 3rd ed.) In this anniversary, we ask that the promise of liberty be lived not merely as a political idea, but as a responsibility rooted in God, human dignity, and the common good.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, after choosing the twelve, Jesus sends them to preach and instructs them. He warns them about the persecution they may likely suffer and advises them on their attitude: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Mt 10:28)

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Christ trusted His apostles to reveal and introduce “salvation” to all His people. He calls us in a personal way, awarding us redemption and conversion. Such tremendous gifts mandate sharing the Gospel throughout the world. A priest is called to be “servant, victim, brother, listener and friend.” (Terence Cardinal Cooke) Above all, a priest must be a good Father. Not everyone can carry out such a demanding task; nor is it a responsibility that can be easily mastered. Men are being called now, more than ever for the “the harvest is great.”

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

It is with great joy that we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through the consecrated bread, Jesus chooses to remain with us for all eternity, as he had so promised after the miracle of the multiplication of loaves. He delivered on that promise on the evening of Holy Thursday. In every tabernacle in the world, Jesus Christ is present within the Eucharist, the very same Christ who suffered, died, and rose, for each one of us.