INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor,” Jesus instructs. “Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.” Each of us has our own banquet to offer, our own gifts to share. Who will we invite?

Today is Labor Day! Take this time to reflect on a little bit of Catholic Social Teaching. Today parish office will be closed. "If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected — the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative." -USCCB

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 31, 2025 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 14:1, 7-14 Once I was invited to a group meeting with Pope Francis. Entering the room, I paused, eyeing the seats next to the Pope’s fancy chair. Someone saw my paralysis and invited me to sit in the seat farthest from what I wanted. Hiding my disappointment, I sat. We waited. To our surprise, an aid pointed out that those seats were still empty and invited me and another to have them. We calmly but gleefully strode across the room and sat. Pope Francis entered, and we enjoyed two hours of amazingly uplifting conversation. Jesus says this week to us: “When you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table” (Luke 14:10). This is not about how to score free seat upgrades. Rather, it is a wise pattern for the whole of life. It is how to live free from the anxiety of constantly grasping for status and recognition. Jesus perfectly embodies his seat-taking advice. He eschews his glorious throne for the lowest: death on a cross, that lonely chair we all deserve. In his resurrection, he calls us up higher to his marvelous banquet seats. This week, perhaps we should look for opportunities to choose the lowest seat. We’ll be pleasantly surprised when we do. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Face-To-Face Confession Question: In today’s digital world, do we really need to be face-to-face with a priest to confess our sins? Would Facetime or Zoom ever be allowed? Answer: The question of whether or not Catholics can celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation virtually (via social media, by phone, or in some other way) is a question that has actually been around for several years. The recent COVID-19 pandemic brought the question back in a new way, especially as many parishes were forced to introduce a sort of “social distanced” confession, with the sacrament being celebrated outdoors. In reflecting on this question, however, there are a couple points that we want to keep in mind. First, as the Code of Canon Law observes in different places, the faithful have a right to the sacraments of the Church and the Church’s ministers have a responsibility to make them accessible. At the same time, however, we always have to be sure that we respect the nature of the sacraments themselves. Although modern forms of technology and communication can help us in our work of evangelization catechesis, the Pontifical Council for Social Communication has reminded us that, “Virtual reality is no substitute for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the sacramental reality of the other sacraments, and shared worship in a flesh and blood human community. There are no sacraments on the internet” (The Church and the Internet, no. 9). Although our encounters with others on the internet and via social media can be considered “real” in one sense, in the sacraments we encounter Christ in a personal and ecclesial way. It is never just a private experience but is always grounded in the life of the Church and this means that it must truly be personal, including the contact between the confessor and the penitent. While the convenience or ease of online celebrations might be appealing for many reasons, at heart, we always want to keep in mind the fullness of the Church’s tradition and the meaning of the sacraments. ©LPi

Today, we remember the passion of Jesus' cousin, St. John the Baptist. How fitting, then, that this weekend at Mass we will hear, "For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11). St. John the Baptist was a great example of humility and love. St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

Today is the feast of St. Augustine. Together we pray: Good Shepherd, Guide me through the narrow gate. Remove from me anything that distracts me from You, Your love, Your invitation, Your mission. Keep me close to You, familiar at every step. St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, pray for us!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises are prayers and meditations which are meant to accompany souls on a journey toward deeper contemplation of God’s love and a more meaningful understanding of his call to discipleship.

LIVE THE LITURGY — “Strive to enter through the narrow gate,” Jesus tells us. “Many will attempt…but will not be strong enough.” So let us never be so foolish that we rely on our own strength. Narrow does not mean unpassable — not if we ask for help.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — Jesus speaks to the crowds of the dire consequences of rejecting his call to salvation. What could be some effective ways to bring others to faith in Jesus?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 24, 2025 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 13:22-30 I’ve been hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona most of my life. It is a vigorous forty-five minutes to the top. Near the peak, the end suddenly appears much further away, and steeper. At that moment, a descending hiker often offers encouragement: “Keep going! The peak is right there. It’s not as far as it looks. You can do it!” It usually works. After another five minute push, you summit and enjoy a glorious panorama of the Sonoran Desert in the Valley of the Sun. When Jesus is asked about how many people are saved, he says: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24). How many? Strive! Focus on your journey. What does heavenly census taking have to do with you or me? How would it help a hiker on a mountain to ask the others coming down, “How many people are going to make it to the top?” A normal response would be something like: “How is that a relevant question? Carry on!” Jesus links one virtue directly to salvation: perseverance (cf. Matt 24:13; hypomone in Greek). Strive! Endure! Keep going! The one absolutely necessary virtue is perseverance, to not give up on our journey. The mountain we struggle to climb is often our own weakness, failures, and sins. Persevere in prayer. Keep celebrating the sacraments. Embrace daily duties. With God’s grace, you are strong enough to keep going. Perhaps the peak is not as far away as you might fear. Keep going! — Father John Muir ©LPi

Genuflecting & Kneeling Question: Does it matter what leg you kneel on when genuflecting? Answer: Genuflection is an act of devotion that literally means “to bend the knee.” For many Catholics, it’s an almost automatic gesture that we perform before entering our pew or row of seats at Mass. But, like many of the symbols and gestures of our faith tradition, genuflecting can also be an invitation for deeper reflection. The practice of “bending the knee” is an ancient way of recognizing the presence of someone greater than we are. It has been said that the practice dates back to the time of Alexander the Great, but it became a common part of etiquette in the royal courts of the Middle Ages. From throne rooms and palaces, it was a small step to genuflecting, becoming part of the devotional lives of Christians who used this secular gesture as a way of recognizing the presence of the One who is King of Kings, especially in the Eucharist. In our tradition, although many have been taught or prefer to genuflect by placing their right knee on the ground, there is no prescribed way to genuflect. This is especially important to keep in mind if physical limitations or age make certain movements difficult for us. Today, Catholics are asked to genuflect in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament (whether in the tabernacle or exposed on the altar during eucharistic adoration). So, while it has become second nature to genuflect before entering your seat in church, we should pay attention to where the Blessed Sacrament is kept in each church or chapel we visit, and genuflect in the direction of the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is kept. In churches or chapels in which the tabernacle is in a separate space, we are invited to simply bow toward the altar. ©LPi

We may think of queens as the spouse of a king, but there is another key relationship: the king’s mother. Mary’s guiding influence over Jesus is seen most notably in the Wedding Feast at Cana. Mary is not Queen on her own merit. She is “full of grace” and “blessed” in “all ages” because of the reign of her Son. Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us!

Prayer for Bravery — Dear God, In the moments when my faith is met with others' disdain or ridicule, give me the grace to be grounded in You. Remind me that Your mission matters, and that You alone bring comfort, healing, and salvation. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Defined by a monophonic (meaning a single melody without harmony or chords), unaccompanied song, Gregorian chant is a form of sacred music used in liturgical settings and prayer. It has been synonymous with Catholic musical worship since the first millennium.

In the 2nd reading this past Sunday, the author of Hebrews encourages his community to focus on Jesus as a way to stay strong and hopeful. Can you think of a time when your faith in Jesus helped you through a challenging circumstance?

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Jesus tells us that he has come to set fire to the earth. What can we give him as kindling? Let us look into our souls and see where the fire of Christ can be ignited, and pray that our souls may be consumed by its life-giving flames.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 17, 2025 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 12:49-53 During my baseball career, my best coach often said, “You shouldn’t be worried if I yell at you. Be worried if I don’t. If I stop pushing you, it means I don’t think you have any more potential.” He demanded a lot, and I knew it meant he saw that I could be something special on the baseball field. Jesus says some demanding words to us this week. “Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth?” he asks, “No, tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:51). He wants you and me–in fact, all the earth–to participate in the luminous glory of God. That’s why he speaks of himself as a divine arsonist. Divine fire is like a good coach: it demands the removal of all that obstructs the achievement of the lofty goal. How is your life demanding right now? That inconvenient family situation, the unfair boss at work, the kids who reject their parents’ wishes, the nagging health issue? Maybe things would be more peaceful devoid of these seemingly arbitrary difficulties. But for us who believe in the one who comes to set the earth of fire, we should be much more worried if he stops demanding so much from us. In fact, let’s thank him for it. He sees how glorious we can become. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Why Use Incense? Question: Why do we use incense at Mass? Answer: The use of incense in religious ceremonies and worship is a practice that predates Christianity, and which is also found in many other religious traditions today. Incense, which is made from resin infused with aromatic spices and oils, is one of those fundamentally human symbols that incorporates more than one of our senses, helping us to reflect on realities that transcend the everyday details of our lives. The use of incense in the Church’s liturgy — in the Mass, as well as in devotions to the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours — is inspired by the use of incense in the Jewish tradition. In the writings of the Old Testament, we hear about incense being used in the worship of the temple, and Psalm 141 asks, “Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering” (vs. 2). The image here is that, as the incense gently rises to heaven, our prayers also rise to God as something sweet and pleasant. Another ancient use of incense that has also become part of our Catholic tradition is the idea that when we incense something, it’s because it is something special or sacred. This is why the Book of the Gospel is incensed during the Liturgy of the Word and the bread, wine, priest celebrant, and congregation are incensed at the presentation of the gifts. To this, we can also add the incensing of the Blessed Sacrament during eucharistic adoration and benediction, and the body of the deceased at the end of the Mass of the Resurrection (the Funeral Mass). ©LPi

The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is today (Friday, August 15). On this holy day of obligation, we celebrate our belief that Mary was taken into heaven, both body and soul, at the end of her life on Earth. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Our Mass Schedule for Assumption is as follows. 8:30 am & 5:30 pm

Tomorrow we celebrate the Solemnity of Assumption of Our Blessed Mother. The following is our Mass Schedule. 8:30 am & 5:30 pm.

Today is the feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan friar who died in the Auschwitz concentration camp during WWII. His example of love and personal sacrifice for his fellow prisoners is a profound testament to his trust in Jesus. St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Catholics who move to a new place of residence often wish to have their dwelling blessed, to call the favor and help of God upon all those who live in the house and all those who will enter it. The Roman Ritual provides two formats for such blessings.

Prayer for Generosity — God who has gifted me every good thing, Help me to remember what truly matters. To treasure love above all else, and to serve readily. Amen.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — We are the servants and God is our master. He has told us His will, and given us all that we need to carry out His directions. Do we have the courage to act as our master desires? Do we have what it takes to be stewards of God’s grace?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 10, 2025 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 12:32-48 There was a young mother in my parish community who was depressed due to financial strain. She prayed for help. One morning before Mass, she placed on the counter a zip-lock bag filled with jewelry and old coins. Smiling, she explained she had been fixing an old cabinet and found the items hidden deep within the walls of her home. One particular coin could be worth as much as $900,000. The contents of the bag–previously unknown to them–were now their prized possession. Their plans changed that week. They had to learn how much it was worth. This week, the Lord tells us, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Luke 12:34). Our lives revolve around what we treasure. When we discover the treasure the Father gives us–the kingdom of God–everything changes. We might not know its precise value, but we rearrange our lives around it. The joy of this discovery should never be far from our minds. Sometimes we go through times when we can’t find this treasure. It seems hidden. Or it appears like dirty old coins and worthless jewelry in a Ziploc bag. But how crazy would my parishioners be if they tossed it away without knowing the cash value? How much crazier are we if we center our hearts on any treasure except that of Jesus and his kingdom? Remember, the Father is pleased to give it to us. That’s why we put our hearts there, even when it is hidden. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Should a Catholic Pursue an Annulment? Question: After a civil divorce, is a Catholic obligated to pursue an annulment? Answer: Many Catholics are not exactly sure what an annulment does. An annulment does not deny that a marriage took place, nor does it deny that there once was love. It does not mean that people say anything untrue, such as they never loved each other or that everything in their marriage was wrong. An annulment does not negate children, nor make them illegitimate. An annulment addresses the spiritual aspect of marriage. In effect, an annulment says that at the time of the wedding, there was either something present or something absent that prevented the sacrament from taking place. It is a spiritual determination that, if granted in the affirmative, allows a person to marry in the Church. Annulments have no legal standing and are unable to be used in a civil court. Therefore, a Catholic has no moral obligation to pursue an annulment. However, when the tragedy of divorce occurs, and there is no hope for reconciliation, annulments may help bring some spiritual closure to a person’s life. Some people have found the process to be healing and others have found it to be difficult. Speak to your priest or a member of the Diocesan Tribunal staff to decide what is best for you. ©LPi

Today is the Feast of St. Dominic! Fun Fact: St. Dominic is frequently depicted with a dog in art. When his mother was expecting, she had a dream about a dog with a torch in its mouth, inspiring the reflection that Dominic would be a great preacher (and he was)! St. Dominic, pray for us!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! A holy hour is the practice of spending one hour’s time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, praying and meditating on the agony of Jesus Christ.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus. During this event, Jesus' physical appearance dramatically changed in front of three of his disciples. He appeared with Moses and Elijah and a voice from the heavens declared him God's Son. Jesus, please continue to reveal Your divine glory to us every day!

August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With both the Assumption of Mary and the Queenship of Mary celebrated this month, it’s the perfect time to turn to the Mother of Jesus in prayer. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

LIVE THE LITURGY — Jesus warns us that at any moment we can be called before God to face judgment. When we are, our life will be measured not in dollars or accomplishments, but in what matters to God. What do we have to show for our time spent on earth?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 3, 2025 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 12:13-21 Recent studies suggest that millennials will be the first generation in America to be worse off than their parents in terms of financial earnings and job status. Many lament this. I propose that this week’s Gospel provides a hopeful way to see the trend as good news. The Lord Jesus says, “Take care to guard against greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist in possessions” (Luke 12:15). Greed damages us with the deception that we are what we possess. But to Jesus, this is simply not true. What makes us happy is who we are, who we become. Does not the expectation that every generation should do better than their parents subtly mask the poison of greed? A similar attitude is mirrored in the man who demands that Jesus justly arrange his share of the family inheritance. Despite the injustice, Jesus will not play that game. In fact, he seems to prefer that the man have less than his parents. What good would having more be to this man if he becomes enslaved and miserable by greed? What good would it be for us to have more if it means we become much less? In allowing the man to have less, Jesus opens a space for him to become more: a man free to love. In that much more meaningful sense, perhaps he was better off than his parents. Maybe the millennials will be, too. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Priests & Marriage Counseling Question: How can a priest counsel people about marriage when he has never been married? Answer: If a marriage counselor is in a bad marriage does that mean that he or she will be a bad counselor? If one's counseling ability depended upon first-hand experience, would that require counselors to be perfect before they can help others? Obviously not. Some of the skills necessary to help others do come out of personal life experience. But you don't need personal, first-hand experience in order to understand something. We would not think that a doctor, who is an oncologist, would not be able to treat cancer because he himself has never been sick. We also would not expect every doctor to treat cancer. It is the same with priests. Essentially marriage is a relationship and we've all been involved in different kinds of relationships: in our family, with our friends, and with God. And so counseling people about marriage is really helping them to look at the issues that really are part of their relationship, finding ways to better understand themselves in relationship to one another and in relationship to God. In many ways a priest's training, background, and experience, as well as his personal knowledge of many different relationships in families and couples, gives him a broad background from which to draw upon. Most priests are quite capable of helping couples prepare for marriage and discussing the issues that are important as they begin their life together. And they do not do it alone. With the help of married couples and specially trained counselors, most parishes offer a very good preparation for the sacrament of marriage. ©LPi

This Sunday at Mass, Jesus tells the crowds the parable of the rich fool, warning against excessive material wealth. How do you balance your material needs with “what matters to God”? See you at Mass!

Rest In Peace Monsignor Michael McGraw We are saddened to report that Monsignor Michael McGraw, Pastor Emeritus of St. Joan of Arc parish in Boca Raton, passed into eternal life early this morning. Monsignor, formerly a priest of the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, was incardinated into the Diocese of Palm Beach in 2008, and has been ministering in the Diocese since 2004. He was on the faculty of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Administrator, then Pastor of St. Joan of Arc parish from 2009 until his retirement in 2022. He was Dean of the Southern Deanery for 5 years, served on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities, the Priestly Life & Ministry Committee and the Presbyteral Council. The funeral arrangements are not finalized. Keep Monsignor McGraw and his family in your Masses and prayers. May he rest in peace.

Prayer for Hope – Lord, Restore my hope! Where I fear the future, write a new script in my heart. Where I doubt Your goodness, fill me anew. Give me steadfast hope for a beautiful tomorrow. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The daily examen is a spiritual practice whereby one places himself in the presence of God, prayerfully reflecting on the blessings of the day, the actions he took, and the invitation God has for his future decisions.

Today is the Feast of Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus. On this day we remember Martha and Mary's immense grief after the death of their brother. Everyone experiences grief at some point. If you are grieving right now, we invite you to join our parish grief ministry.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK – Jesus encourages his disciples to be persistent and bold in praying to God. Can you think of a time when God answered a bold prayer from you?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 27, 2025 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 11:1-13 Once I went to a hospice facility to celebrate Last Rites for an elderly dying man. His family had told me that he had been uncommunicative for days. At the conclusion of the ritual, we began to recite the Our Father prayer. To everyone’s surprise, his lips moved, clearly mouthing the words to the Lord’s prayer. Stripped of most of his faculties, the man could still pray those precious God-given petitions. A lifetime of prayer had planted the words even deeper than his failing consciousness. Do we want the Lord’s prayer to be as deeply embedded in us? If we want to be people of hope, we should. Recall that our Lord immediately follows the prayer by saying: “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). We only ask, search and knock because we hope that the request is not in vain. Everything we could possibly hope for is contained in the prayer. Praying the Our Father deepens our hope. We should consciously pour all our hopes into the Lord’s prayer; we should allow it to be an expression of hope, not simply rote words. Then, over time, it builds up our hope in God. It sinks deep into our souls and bodies. How blessed we are when these words of hope are on our lips, even when everything else seems to fail. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Who Can Offer Anointing of the Sick? Question: Can anyone offer the Anointing of the Sick to a sick or dying person, or is that only something a priest can do? Answer: The Letter of James speaks to us of the ancient tradition of a special anointing and blessing of those who are sick: “Is there anyone sick among you? Let him send for the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord … If he has committed any sins, they will be forgiven him” (5:14, 15b). This passage forms the foundation for the theology of the sacrament that we call “Anointing of the Sick.” In keeping with what we read in the Letter of James and the ancient tradition of the Church, the anointing of a person of who sick or dying many only be performed by a priest or bishop. Although deacons and other members of the Church are not able to celebrate the sacrament with a person who is sick, we can read Sacred Scripture and pray with and for those who are ill. Resources like the Book of Blessings also contain special blessings that can be celebrated by deacons or lay ministers. In the end, we want to be sure that we show a special care and concern for the sick, helping them to always experience God’s loving comfort through made tangible through our acts of charity and service. ©LPi

This Sunday is the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Gospel, we turn to the book of Luke: “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” See you at Mass!

Prayer for Focus – Lord, help me to remember what matters and who matters. And then help me to prioritize rightly and wisely, with Your heaven as my guide. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The St. Bridget Prayers evoke the imagery of Christ’s suffering and death, plead for the forgiveness of the supplicant’s sins, for a happy death, for fear and love of the Lord, and for a renunciation of worldly desires.

In the 2nd reading this past Sunday, Paul found reasons to rejoice despite suffering for his faith in Christ and his mission to the Gentiles. How do you find joy and hope in difficult situations?

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK –� In life, there are so many “Marthas” — people and situations that distract us from God. But if we imitate Mary and sit calmly at the feet of Jesus, his Word will guard our hearts from the anxiety of the world.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 20, 2025 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 10:38-42 One of my close friends is a hermit priest who lives on a desert mountain. Recently I found myself in a group conversation about him. One vehemently objected, “What does he do up there all day? Nothing! Priests are down here working, running parishes, making a difference, and he…he is doing nothing! What a waste.” The words dripped with indignation and resentment. Most of the group quietly nodded in silent agreement. Were they correct? No! To see why, consider a similar scenario in this week’s gospel. Jesus visits his friends Martha and Mary. A hardworking and exasperated Martha complains to Jesus that her sister is attending to him rather than to urgent household tasks. Our Lord, rather than praising hospitality, explicitly celebrates the less-productive sister for doing the “one necessary thing.” He praises her for she “has chosen the better part” (Luke 10:42). Mary is busy doing what matters. Before we freak out like Martha, consider that all work–domestic, manual, professional, ministerial, contemplative–is done to help us (sooner or later) to experience the love that makes us happy. We should be thankful for those who focus on the “better part” of radical, ceaseless prayer. They invite us to remember the purpose of all work is the enjoyment of love. Contemplatives, hermits, anyone fervently committed to prayer–they invite us to cast aside our forgetful, resentful, and self-aggrandizing attitudes in exchange for hearts ready to do what is finally necessary. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Psychics and Mediums Question: Are Catholics allowed to visit psychics? Why or why not? Answer: It’s part of human nature to experience some sense of unease and fear about the future. This can lead some people to seek out the services of psychics or consult horoscopes or turn to other occult practices or resources (e.g. Ouija boards or tarot cards). The Catechism of the Catholic Church is very clear that Catholics should avoid such practices: “Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (no. 2116). Despite the uncertainties we might feel, we are called to have faith and trust in God, confident of God’s desire for what is best for us. This means that we are called to surrender, to pray and to reflect on how we can best move into the future in hope, knowing that God is with us. ©LPi

At Mass this weekend, we will hear about how Jesus teaches Martha that her anxiety and worry can be calmed by listening to his words. How can you be present this week to an anxious friend or co-worker? See you at Mass!

Prayer for Charity – Give me the grace, Lord, to truly see those around me: the overlooked, the uncomfortable, the odd and disliked. Your kingdom is one of belonging, help us to be the types of neighbors who see and respond with Godly generosity. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Spiritual direction is the practice of seeking counsel from someone who is learned in the faith for the purpose of discerning the will of God in one’s life.

On Wednesday, July 16 we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We will have the Mass at 8:30 am and it will be followed by blessing and distribution of scapulars. All are welcome.

Question of the Week – This past weekend, we read about the good Samaritan. In this parable, Jesus teaches the lawyer that a neighbor is anyone you treat with mercy. Who might you treat with mercy this week?

Fun Fact– St. Kateri Tekawitha was a Native American woman whose holiness led to her canonization. Her father was a Mohawk Chief, belonging to the Turtle Clan, so she is sometimes depicted with a turtle in art. Today is her feast day! St. Kateri, pray for us!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 13, 2025 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 10:25-37 I used to be a bad neighbor. I’d get wrapped up in my life and ignore those around me. Then I found sage advice from Benjamin Franklin to this effect: to be a better neighbor, ask someone to do a favor for you. It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? Tell strangers that I need their help? Yuck. I’ll risk looking needy. Worse, I’ll be indebted to them. But I tried it, and it works like a charm. Recently I asked my neighbor Alan for a hacksaw, and Inga for an egg. They kindly obliged, and our friendship is growing. This week we hear a scribe of the law cynically ask Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). Like him, we prefer to keep the list of our “neighbors” as short as possible. It requires less interruption and inconvenience. But when Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, he exposes the lonely, cold-heartedness tendency of the scribe’s (and our) heart. My “neighbor” is anyone I encounter who manifests a concrete need. There isn’t time to require any other credential because human need opens us to the happy reciprocity which is love. Jesus’ words challenge us this week to ask a neighbor for help in some small way. How marvelous that God himself shows us how. He moves into our world and asks us to love Him with small deeds of love. Maybe that’s where Ben Franklin got the idea. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Changes to Mass Question: Why do we make changes in the Mass? Some seem so small and unimportant. Are they really necessary? Answer: The celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of our identity as Catholics. Our purpose as a Church community revolves around the Eucharist. Everything we are and everything we do is measured not only by how well we celebrate, but also by how well we live the sacrament. If that is so, then we as a community will always strive to celebrate the Mass as best we can. The reasons for some changes might seem more obvious than others, but there is a reason behind each one. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal is the introduction to the Missal that contains all the prayers for the celebration of the Mass. The Order of Mass we use now was issued in 1975 and, as often happens over the course of years, some questions have come up about the proper way of doing some things and whether or not other practices are acceptable. These changes clarify some things and make the celebration of the Mass more meaningful for everyone. The opportunity is presented to us to better learn and understand each part of the Mass, which in turn should help us deepen our appreciation for its beauty and meaning. We will be a better Church if we have a clearer understanding and knowledge of Who and what we celebrate. ©LPi

At Mass this weekend we hear the parable of the good Samaritan. As Christians we know that everyone is our neighbor. It’s drilled into us from the first time we hear this reading. But do we approach the victims that we see? Or do we draw away from the suffering of others in fear and confusion, thinking: “That’s not my problem”?

Fun Fact – Of course Sunday is a special day set aside for rest and worship of God. Since we celebrate every Sunday as a "little Easter," some festivity is a good idea... like, maybe a little ice cream!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The prayer to St. Michael, composed by Pope Leo XIII, invokes the protection of the archangel Michael in the ongoing spiritual battle for the souls of all mankind. It is commonly said at the end of the rosary and by some parishes after the conclusion of Mass.

July is the Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus! While the Feast of the Precious Blood wasn’t officially established until 1849, devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus is as ancient as Christianity itself. Thank you, Jesus, for the profound sacrifice you made for humanity through the shedding of your Precious Blood!

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the Texas floods. We pray that those who are missing are found and we pray for the heartbroken families across Texas.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — As he sends his disciples into the world to proclaim his name, Jesus tells them to be bold. He tells them to be flexible. To be forgiving. To be faithful. As we enter this week, let’s remember these instructions. It’s good advice, in any century.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 6, 2025 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 In the days after the awful 2020 killing of George Floyd, a Catholic friend remarked, “Racism is today’s great evil. We should put all our energy into fighting it.” I admired her intuition that the church must stand firmly against evil. Amen, I thought. At the same time, something felt wrong. As months went by, I saw her steadily slide into bitterness and anger. Soon, despondency. She spoke of giving up the fight. Don’t we too wonder how to fight evil without losing our joy or energy? Jesus’ words this week help. He says, “Rejoice not that you have power over demons, but that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Notice the asymmetry in where he wants our focus: on the latter, not the former. Should we confidently embrace our God-given power to overcome evil? Absolutely. But even more so, we should emphasize the positive element of our relationship to God. It is tempting but dangerous to define ourselves by what we oppose. It is better to define ourselves by––to rejoice in––what we celebrate: in Jesus, God has written our names in heaven. This sustains our battles. This week, our marching orders are: fight evil. But more deeply, rejoice that God knows and loves us personally, individually. We allow this joyful knowledge to undergird our fight against the darkness of our day. Then we enjoy long-term stability to be cheerful warriors, who never forget the reason for the contests we are called to fight and win: love. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Sin on the Soul Question: Why do some sacraments leave a character or mark on the soul? Don’t all sacraments affect the soul? Answer: All sacraments mediate grace and connect us to Christ and to the Church. Some sustain us in our faith journey, while others help us heal from the effects of sin. Each one offers a share in God’s life, giving us what we need to be faithful followers of Jesus. But some sacraments change us in ways that are irreversible. The three sacraments that leave a character are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. We are literally different people because of the effect of the grace of those sacraments. We are changed at the core of our being in such a fundamental way that we can not go back to what we once were. In Baptism, we are freed from original sin, initiated into the Body of Christ as adopted sons and daughters. In Confirmation, we are given the fullness of God’s Spirit, sealed in his grace and gifted with what we need to live a Christian life. In Holy Orders, a priest is marked as an ‘alter Christus,’ another Christ, and is once and forever a priest who offers sacrifice, forgives sin, and acts in the person of Christ. In these three sacraments, we are conformed more closely to Christ, reflecting his love and truth. ©LPi

Happy 4th of July! May the Lord bless our nation and every person in it. Amen. Our Independence Day Mass will be at 8:30 am. It will be followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Fun Fact – Jokes aside, we mustn't leave unwanted graffiti! Instead of spray paint, we can evangelize and share the love and redemption of Jesus through our words, our actions, and by our example. God has called each of us to share the Gospel!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! A pilgrimage is a journey to a place of spiritual significance undertaken by one who is seeking closeness to Heaven while still on Earth.

This weekend, we heard how Jesus commissioned Peter to be the foundation (“rock”) of his Church. Are there any roles or responsibilities you feel called to do in your parish?

This past Saturday, we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On this special day, we honor Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation and her unwavering faithfulness to her divine calling. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Wedding Feast & Epiphany Question: How are the feasts of the baptism of Jesus and the account of the wedding feast of Cana related to the Epiphany celebration? Answer: The Epiphany season focuses on revealing Jesus to the world. Following the Christmas celebration, the liturgical year lays out a series of manifestation points in which Jesus is made publicly known. From its very beginning, the Christian community highlighted three events in the life of Jesus. These are the Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord and the wedding feast at Cana. The Epiphany discloses Jesus to the world of the Gentiles, represented by the magi from the East. The accounts of Jesus' baptism reveal his identity and mission, along with exposing him to those to whom he was sent to minister. The miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding feast of Cana, unique to John's Gospel, is the first public sign that Jesus performs, thus manifesting his public identity and his powers. Today in the Roman Church, these are usually celebrated on three successive Sundays: Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord which is usually the next Sunday, and the wedding feast of Cana, which is proclaimed on the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time in lectionary year C. These feasts connect around the concept of epiphany, public manifestation of Jesus to the world. They help us get to know more intimately who Jesus is and what he is about. Spend some time delving more deeply into your understanding of who Jesus is. Continue to cultivate these "epiphany" moments in your life. ©LPi

Today, June 27th, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for your Sacred Heart and your merciful love for all of humanity. Teach us to love as you love!

Prayer for the True Presence — Jesus, What a gift we have in your True Presence: the assurance of your friendship, your company, your grace, your love. Increase our thirst for you as you, also, desire to draw closer to us. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Marian consecration is the act of consecrating oneself to Jesus through the intercession of his Blessed Mother and is rooted in the words of Jesus himself when he beseeched the Apostle John to look upon Mary as his mother (John 19:27).

Each year on June 24th, we observe the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. On this special day, we celebrate his birth and honor his sacred mission to prepare the way for Jesus. St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

This weekend we celebrated the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In the Gospel we heard about how Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. (Lk 9:11b) Thank you, Lord, for the Eucharist!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 22, 2025 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Luke 9:11-17 A Catholic friend of mine occasionally says, “The Eucharist is not a noun. It’s a verb.” In so saying, he is making the point that the Eucharist isn’t simply Jesus’ bodily presence given to us in holy Communion. It also manifests the dynamic pattern by which Christ actively loves and saves us. He teaches us to cooperate with that pattern. This Eucharist actually embodies four verbs: Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives. Let’s consider each one. He takes: Do we acknowledge that we are totally in God’s hands? Do we receive everything in our lives as a gift, and act responsibly with it? He blesses: Do we actively reflect that Jesus makes us holy in our baptism? Do we embrace our bodies and souls as temples of God, worthy of love, peace, and joy? He breaks: Do we run from failure and disappointment, from getting old or being ignored? Are we too worried about getting hurt or sick? Do we embrace our sufferings with confidence? He gives: Are we willing to make our lives a gift for others? Are we confident that we will always have enough love to give to others, that God will always provide enough for us? Do we rejoice in giving away what we have to others, expecting nothing in return? This is the dynamic life the Eucharist empowers us to live. — Father John Muir ©LP

Coming Back to Church Question: I have been away from the Church for a few years and really want to get active again, not so much for me, but for my children. Is this a bad reason to come back to Church? Answer: If you are on your way to the supermarket, and you are forced to detour from your usual route because of road work, does the food you buy taste different? Is the meal less filling? Are the vegetables less tasty? Of course not. In our faith journey, there are many detours called sin. Some are greater than others, some are even a bit longer. But God's grace comes to us in ways we understand and recognize and need. Your children leading you back to the Church is not as important as the fact that you are back. This is an opportunity for you to renew, strengthen, and deepen your faith. Regardless of how we get to Church, or what draws us closer to God, the fact is we are there. Do what you need to do to get right with God and the Church. Go to confession, begin good family religious practices, and be involved in the ministries your parish offers. Be more than a lukewarm parishioner. Be the kind of Catholic you want your children to be. ©LPi

Today, Friday June 20th, is World Refugee Day. In the Gospel reading this past weekend, Jesus taught his disciples that the Spirit gives to believers everything the Father has given to the Son. When have you been generous to others?

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17) A very happy Juneteenth Freedom Day to our parishioners! St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of freedom, pray for us!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Popularized in the 17th century by a French priest named Fr. Claude Bernard, the Memorare is a prayer to the Blessed Mother in which the supplicant calls upon the maternal love and protection of Mary’s intercession in an hour of dire need.

Prayer to the Holy Trinity — Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, who calls us into communion with Him, a life of grace and mystery, reconciliation and unity. Amen.

Today, June 27th, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for your Sacred Heart and your merciful love for all of humanity. Teach us to love as you love!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 8, 2025 The Most Holy Trinity John 16:12-15 I am amazed at how my four siblings teach their many kids in age-appropriate ways. For example, now that my nephew Brandon is 24 years of age, they give him insights and freedoms that would have been positively confounding or even dangerous when he was a toddler. Imagine if they had taught him at age four how to drive a car, use a credit card online, or handle power tools. But eventually, they did, and he is a high functioning young man, I’m proud to say. They are good teachers. This week we learn that Jesus teaches us in a similar way. He says to his Apostles, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now” (John 16:12). How disappointing for them. But imagine at that moment, before his resurrection and ascension, if the Lord had started telling them about synods and sacraments, popes and parishes, martyrs and monasteries, rosaries and relics, catechisms and crucifixes? They would have been absolutely overwhelmed, confused, and discouraged. He tells them what they need to know, when it is time for them to know it. So he does for us. Jesus has unceasingly taught the Church as she matures through the centuries, just as he teaches you and me through our lives in ways we can understand. Our task should be to learn what he is teaching us now, knowing that (although revelation per se is complete in him and his Apostles), he never ceases to teach us as we spiritually mature. Be confident: he knows what you are ready to learn now. — Fat

Dropped Host Question: What happens to a consecrated host if it accidentally falls to the ground? Answer: This a very practical question because, as we all know, accidents happen, even during the most careful celebration of the liturgy. The short answer to this question is that nothing happens to the consecrated host. The Real Presence of Jesus remains in the consecrated host or any consecrated wine that might accidentally be spilled. Another question we might ask is: How should the minsters respond if the Eucharist is dropped or spilled? If this happens, the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of holy Communion should immediately pick up the dropped host and consume it. If it is a case of the Precious Blood being spilled, the minister would use the purificator (and additional purificators if needed) to clean the spill and then the area should be reverently washed as soon as the Mass is over and the water poured into the sacrarium (a special sink that is located in church sacristies for reverently disposing of holy water, the water used to clean sacred vessels, etc.). ©LPi

This upcoming Sunday is Father's day! We will hear in the Gospel this weekend that, "Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (Jn 16:15) St. Sebastian will be offering a Father's Day Novena Masses begining on Father's day.

Fun Fact — Nine days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles in the form of fiery tongues. From this grace, the Apostles were able to speak in a way that anyone could understand them!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The practice of praying before meals is Biblical, and in the Gospels, Jesus is shown praying before the Last Supper and other meals. In Laudato SI’, Pope Francis urged the faithful “to return to this beautiful and meaningful custom."

Prayer for Pentecost — Holy Spirit of God — Disturb this room with your presence today, filling us, empowering us, emboldening us. Descend upon us with your gifts, your inspiration, and your promptings. Lead us to where we should go, stirring within us the movement of God. Amen.

Today, June 9th, is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. This memorial was established by Pope Francis in 2018 and is observed annually on the Monday after Pentecost, the day the church was born. Blessed Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 8, 2025 Pentecost Sunday John 20:19-23 When I was a seminarian almost 20 years ago, a bank vice president taught us etiquette classes. She said, “Gentlemen, please make sure your breath isn’t bad. Take some breath mints before you hear confessions, okay?” We nervously laughed because the proximity that makes breath noticeable (whether pleasant or not) can be a bit awkward. When Jesus breathes on his Apostles (John 20:22), he must have been within inches of at least some of them. This closeness of his breath has a purpose: the purpose of forgiveness of sins. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:23). Why in the world would the almost uncomfortable closeness of his breath forgive sins? In the Bible, breath is spirit or wind. It comes from above and makes that which is below to have identity. To not have a single identity is to be multiple, divided. The word “sin” comes from an ancient word that means “to split” or “render asunder.” Sin divides us sinners and the world around us; our spiritual “breath” leaves us and our identity splinters. Only breath from above restores. For example, a shattered vase is rendered whole because the craftsman breathes the spirit of the vase back into it when he repairs it. A human being shattered by sin is made whole by the breath of God, breathed by Jesus through his priests. His breath alone forgives sins. It's always done with his gentle, loving closeness. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Is it Right to Sue? Question: Is it right to sue someone? Isn't it a way of getting revenge? Answer: Revenge is inflicting harm for harm's sake, the idea of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and then some. There is often a fine line between justice and mercy, between compensation and forgiveness. Unfortunately, things can happen to us that cause harm, suffering, and damage, regardless of people's intentions. When someone is hurt, especially in such a way that special care or treatment is required, the cost of that care needs to be paid. In a perfect world, those with special needs, handicaps, or disabilities would find the help and care they need, including those who are injured or hurt. But justice is not always forthcoming, and people are not always fair. So, using the legal system to right a wrong is sometimes the only option. In some cases, it is the only way that people can get the help they need and deserve. However, frivolous lawsuits, or 'fishing for money' is not only unfair, but immoral as well. The law is there to protect people and making use of it when necessary is a good thing. ©LPi

This weekend we celebrate Pentecost! In the first reading, we'll hear about how the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and able to speak in multiple tongues so that all the people could understand them. When do you feel the Holy Spirit present in your life?

Fun Fact — St. Boniface is known as the apostle of the Germans. By the grace of God, he converted many of the pagans in Germany to Christianity. Today, June 6th, is his feast day. St. Boniface, pray for us!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Though it is a less common practice in the modern world, early Church fathers like Tertullian and St. Jerome extolled the importance of praying after a meal, an action meant to inspire an attitude of thanksgiving and an acknowledgment of our dependence on God.

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This month we focus on and reflect on Jesus' love and mercy, symbolized by His Sacred Heart.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — “Father, they are your gift to me.” This is what Christ says of his disciples. It is what he says of us. “I wish that where I am, they also may be with me.” Do we have the courage to be where Christ is? Can we be the gift?