Dear friends,

This week, September 29th (Tuesday) is the feast of the archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The liturgy celebrates the three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith (#328).” Angels are immortal, pure, created spirits with intellect, and will. The name “angel” means servant or messenger of God. Angels are on a higher order than human beings as they have no bodies and do not depend on matter for their existence or activity. Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels listed in the Bible. In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominions, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim. The angelic hierarchy provides a sense of order, progress, and ascent in how God’s infinite knowledge establishes and maintains the order and beauty of creation.

Dear friends,

As we all know our pastor, Father Wilson has been away on vacation for a few weeks and we are excited to know that he is returning this Friday, September 25th. We have been praying for Father Wilson’s fruitful retreat and wishing him a restful break. May God bless him and bring him back home safely.

This week, September 21st (Monday) is the feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist. In today’s Gospel (Matthew 9:9-13) we have a short account of Jesus’ call of Matthew, a tax collector. Jesus called him out of his daily work to a life of discipleship. I cannot hear the account of the calling of Matthew without thinking of the famous painting by Michelangelo Caravaggio painted at the end of the 16th century. This painting is still in display in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.

The painting depicts a particular moment, that is, the seconds before Matthew’s decision. What will Matthew say when Jesus says, “follow me”? Undoubtedly, this was a dramatic call and yet Matthew got up and followed the Lord. The painting not only depicts the calling of Matthew but also our calling, as Jesus is inviting us daily to follow Him. Jesus comes to us in the midst of our everyday work, in the daily challenges of life. Christ is calling us to holiness. He is calling us to follow in His footsteps. How will I respond?

Dear friends,

I want to take this opportunity to say, “thank you” for your warmest welcome. I am truly blessed to be part of the St. Mary’s family. I also want to thank you for all your prayers and especially for praying for me while I was sick with COVID-19. Your prayers worked!

It all started in Mexico while visiting family in the middle of July. I wasn't able to breathe and it just got worse after that. I really thought I was not going to make it, but God had other plans for me. Let us pray for all of those who are struggling with this horrible virus that they may not lose hope and that God may heal them. Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us. Remember, Jesus Himself would often slip away to pray.

This week we celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also known as “The Triumph of the Cross.” According to tradition, early in the fourth century, St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem to excavate the Holy Sepulcher and discovered the True Cross. Holy Cross day is a day which honors and commemorates the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross for our salvation.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

First, a reminder about scammers using the names of priests and parish staff: Some parishioners continue to get texts or emails claiming to be me, our school principal, or another trusted member of St. Mary’s parish. The scammers always ask for money in the form of iTunes gift cards or something similar. They even say things like, “I’m going into a meeting, so don’t call me. Just reply to this email” (or text). Please know that no one from St. Mary’s will ever ask you for funds like this. If you’re unsure, do nothing until you speak directly to the person you are trying to help. The scammers troll through our bulletin and website to get phone numbers and emails from volunteers or others. There isn’t much we can do to stop them since it is often someone overseas. Please pray for these unfortunate, deceitful people.