Pastor’s Message: August 12, 2022

Dear Parish Family,

In today’s Gospel we don’t expect to hear such difficult words from Jesus “I have come to set the earth on fire” But it is good to be reminded that the decision to do the right thing, the good thing, is not always easy and without conflict. Jesus himself did not make easy decisions and avoid conflict.

In describing this fire St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote: “We affirm therefore
that the fire which is sent forth by Christ is for men’s salvation and profits … For the fire here is, I say, the saving message of the Gospel, and the power of its commandments; by which all of us upon earth, who were so to speak cold and dead because of sin, and in ignorance of Him Who by nature and truly is God, are kindled unto a life of piety, and made fervent in spirit.” (Cyril of
Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, 1859, Sermons 89-98, pp. 409-459)

We are all servants of the Kingdom of God and of God’s Holy Word. If Jesus came to serve and not to be served, we are called to do likewise. Everything we do must be in total confidence in God, seeking to always do what is right and not what is easy.

God Bless,
Fr. Cyrus

Pastor’s Message: August 5, 2022

Dear Parish Family,

This Sunday in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells us in parables, we must be like servants waiting for the master’s return. We must be watchful so that even if the master comes after midnight, we will be ready for him. This is what the coming of the Son of Man will be like.

The parables remind us that we should be found doing our jobs when the master arrives. If we are doing our jobs, our reward will be great. But if we relax, neglect our duties, and begin to act like the greedy rich man eating, drinking, and making merry we will not have a place in the kingdom. Watchfulness means living in such a consistently moral and obedient way that we are always ready to give an account to God of how we have lived. The rich man did not enrich himself in the eyes of God.

How can we avoid being foolish? All the gifts God has given to us he expects us to share with others.

God Bless,
Fr. Cyrus

Pastor’s Message: July 29, 2022

Dear Parish Family,
In this Sunday’s readings we are challenged to use the gifts God has given us for the common good, to work for our salvation, and for the greater glory of God.
“Having had hearing problems for a number of years, an elderly man went to the doctor, who had him fitted for hearing aids that allowed him to hear better than ever. The old man returned to the doctor one month later for an evaluation of his new hearing aids, and the doctor said, ‘Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.’ The man replied, ‘Oh, I haven’t told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I’ve changed my will three times!” (Original source unknown)
Thomas Aquinas says: “Temporal goods are subject to man, that he may use them according to his needs, not that he should make them his main purpose, or be overly anxious about them.” The more we place our hopes on things of this world, the more we lose sight of heaven. This is because: “Where a man’s wealth is, there is his soul.”
The words of the Gospel today are not meant to discourage or distress us. Instead, they are a wake-up call to put things in perspective and set priorities straight.
Jesus’ message is that true happiness does not come from getting, it comes from giving.
God Bless,
Fr. Cyrus

Pastor’s Message: July 22, 2022

Dear Parish Family,
In Luke’s Gospel Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray.
Jesus tells his disciples to pray for five basic things.
First that the Father’s name be made holy. Second, “Thy Kingdom come; in God’s kingdom all people share the Lord’s bounty. Third “give us our daily bread”. Give us what we need to do the work of Jesus today. Fourth, “forgive us our sins and forgive everyone who has sinned against us.” We are to forgive everyone no matter what the circumstances. Fifth “lead us not into temptation”. We ask God to give us the grace to recognize and resist temptation.
Prayer is a fundamental aspect of being a follower of Christ. It is our communication with our Father. How would we feel if no one never or rarely communicated with us? We probably would not feel loved or appreciated. Our heavenly Father would want to know what’s in our heart.
Prayer is a beautiful gift of communication given to us by God, who loves us beyond our comprehension.  When we pray the Lord’s Prayer we can rejoice and give thanks that God calls us His own and that He wants us to know Him deeply
God Bless,
Fr. Cyrus

Pastor’s Message: July 15, 2022

Dear Parish Family,
Our Lord makes it very clear that we must not only hear His words but also listen to them with the intention of making them profitable to ourselves. To profit from the word of God, we must let ourselves be moved by it in the depths of our heart. It is by listening to God’s word with the heart that we receive good inspirations. The heart comes alive and ever gains new strength and vigor.
However, it is difficult to listen to the Word of God with our hearts when our hearts are filled with anxiety. God is full of care for His creatures, but with peace and tranquility. Yet, our care tends to be anxious. Birds stay caught in nets because they flutter wildly. So it is when we desire to escape an anxiety. Resolve to do nothing that your desire insists on until your mind has regained peace.
(Adapted from L. Fiorelli, ed. Sermons of St. Francis de Sales)
Jesus invites everyone to his table for forgiveness and renewal, especially those who are far from him or have forgotten his love,
His hope for us is that we would do the same for others.
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I would like to thank you to everyone who helped us reach and go over our goal for the Annual Bishop’s Appeal
We raised $146,875 from 227 donors bringing the parish to 100.39% of its $146,300 goal.
God Bless,
Fr. Cyrus