Dear Parishioners,

I remember seeing a sign on a Church board in Phoenix this time of year that said, “If you think it is hot here…”. Well, it has certainly been hot in the desert this July with record temperatures. Even back in Michigan, it has been warm and humid. While the temperature and weather do impact us, I also like to say its just weather… hot, cold, rain or snow; what is most important is how we stay grounded in our faith in the Lord. Striving always to not let outside influences impact our peace.

You can extend that idea beyond the weather but to all external things that can impact our lives; cause anxiety, fear, anger, apathy and depression. Yet if we stay connected and focused our faith and the Lord, we walk through it with confidence that He provides strength in all times.

I remain back in Michigan for a few more days and will be back next weekend. The time away has been relaxing and refreshing. It has been good to spend time with my parents, my sister and her family and my brother and his family, as well as friends. I have enjoyed reading, cooking, getting out on the lake, doing some gardening and sometimes just doing nothing. Time like this provides the mind, body and spirit the ability to step back and renew. It is hard to believe that it has been almost a full year of being at the parish. I am grateful for being back in a parish and being pastor. I am looking forward to the upcoming year and what God has in store for us.

In the readings for this weekend, Jesus sends the twelve apostles out two by two to evangelize. Preaching repentance - turning away from sin and toward God’s loving mercy. Healing people and casting out demons. We are all called to evangelize as well. We go out in the world to be witnesses of God’s love that heals and leads us away from darkness to light. While the world and times change, the message we are called to share is the same. God creates us in goodness and love even if we wander and look for love in all the wrong places. He sent His Son to save and restore us to His love where we respond in humility to His saving grace - grounding ourselves in His goodness and love. As Catholics, we are called to evangelize and share this message and gift of faith as missionary disciples in the world. At the end of every Mass we are sent into the world to share what we have received in God’s Word and Sacrament.

I pray that you are keeping cool. Remember that the Church is open during the day and can be a nice place to just take a break and soak in his love and peace.

Grace and peace in Him,

Fr. Fred

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