Dear Parishioners,

The USCCB just completed the National Eucharistic Revival Congress that was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, and included several days of Eucharistic Adorations, talks and teachings, various Masses, and Eucharistic processions, all meant to bring about a renewed love for our Eucharistic Lord. There were over 50,000 people from across the country who participated, including some from our Diocese. I followed different talks and events, and admit that it seemed like a very spirit-filled time of renewal.

Dear Parishioners,

My first memory of Psalm 23 is from my grandfather’s funeral. I was eight years old and clearly remember someone reading, “The Lord is my shepherd…”. Even at that young age, it brought me comfort. The images of verdant pastures, restful waters and a refreshed soul captured my heart. It is still one of my favorite psalms. The readings this weekend remind us of the need for rest and quiet to renew ourselves.

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.

Dear fellow disciples,

This weekend, Jesus teaches in the synagogue and all are astounded by His wisdom and mighty deeds. Teaching is a key role that Jesus had in sharing the Father’s plan of saving love. When we are taught, it can increase understanding, leading to deeper compassion, patience and conviction.

Dear Parishioners,

Monday, July 1st is the 30th anniversary date of the establishment a new parish to serve the growing population in North Scottsdale. It would later be named Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in August of 1994. Since that time, we have grown in numbers of families, buildings on campus, but most importantly our faith. Those early years were important ones that were built on encounters with Christ as the community gathered first at Mountainside Middle School for 8:30 and 10:30am Mass.

Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel and image is the storm on the sea. It reveals Jesus’ power over the wind and the sea. Who but God, who has such power, would have been in the hearts and minds of the men in the boat. Jesus was revealing to them that, as long as He is with them, they can survive any storm life brings.

Dear Parishioners,

Today we hear Jesus speak to us in parables about seeds. How fun it can be to scatter a packet of wildflower seeds in a pot or patch of ground and then watch them grow not knowing for sure what will pop up and when. What type of flowers will bloom over time? They, of course, need water and sun, but generally will do just fine with little care. They sprout and grow because it is their nature – their very reason for existing – to take root, grow and bloom.

Dear Parishioners,

June can be a month of weddings, anniversary celebrations, graduations, vacations and transitions. In the desert, the heat is here and we tend to spend a bit more time indoors. It can be a good time to spend some time putting together a personal or family plan for spiritual growth– thinking of what things will help you to come to a fuller appreciation of the goodness of God in your life. How do we pray, how do we serve and how do we deepen our knowledge can be three important questions to help form a plan.

Dear Parishioners,

On February 14th – Ash Wednesday, we made a commitment to consecrate our Parish to the Most Holy Eucharist. We did so on Holy Thursday in the Garden of Repose after celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Many of you participated in reading the 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory book as well as the discussion/prayer group. It was a special way to make the Lenten journey and renew ourselves in the great gift of the Holy Eucharist. We extended the hours of Adoration on Wednesdays for all of Lent and Easter – to allow us time to be in His Eucharistic presence.

Dear Parishioners,

With the Solemnity of Pentecost, we have completed the Easter Season and are now in Ordinary time. It is a time for us to practice good, Godly order in our lives. This Sunday is the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity and provides us with the opportunity to ponder the mystery of the way God reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit... One God, three persons. Much has been written about the Holy Trinity and about each of the persons of the Trinity. What I f ind most intriguing is that God is a relationship of persons. It reveals to me that God, by His very nature, desires relationship in creating us in His own image. We are created for a relationship with God and with one another.

Dear Parishioners,

We celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost this weekend. This Feast Day is often referred to as the birthday of the Church because, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the disciples are emboldened and empowered to go out and share the Good News. They are transformed from confused and afraid to courageous and spirited people of God. The Church grows from that moment and we, here at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, are a fruit of that first Pentecost.

Dear Parishioners,

This week we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus – the prayer of Mass reminds us, “He ascended, not to distance Himself from our lowly state but that we, His members, might be confident of following where He, our Head and Founder, has gone before.” It is an invitation to a deeper understanding that we are living in a different state of being with Christ as our head, not separated but living as people on a journey focused on living His truth and love in our lives each day. Of course, it is through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which we celebrate next week on the Feast of Pentecost, that we find power and grace to love like Jesus.

Dear Parishioners,

The month of May is one dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. At our parish, we have a special dedication to the Memorare prayer. It is a prayer linked to Saint Bernard of Claivaux and is the mosaic that wraps the upper walls of the main aisle of our Church. To honor Our Lady and to be in solidarity with one another as fellow parishioners, I invite you to pray the Memorare every day in May for peace in our families, community, country and world. We trust in the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the gift of peace, which is her Son. We have printed the prayer in the centerfold of the bulletin. Let us unite as the people of Saint Bernard of Clarivaux in this common prayer.