Dear Parishioners,

This weekend is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe or what we have more often called, Christ the King. While Christ has always been King, the Feast was not instated until 1925 by Pope Pius XI in response to the growing secularism and atheism in the world. During this time in Mexico, Russia and other parts of Europe there were militant secularistic regimes that threatened and persecuted the Catholic Church. In Mexico, many faithful Catholics called the “Cristeros” were martyred for the faith and the great cry “Viva Cristo Rey” became their last words. They kept Christ the King as the center of their lives despite anti-Christian governments.

Dear Parishioners,

This coming week we gather with friends and family to celebrate the American holiday—Thanksgiving. It is a beautiful holiday to stop and give thanks—to be grateful in this fast paced world that is often more ready to criticize and complain than give thanks. Of course, we as Catholics give thanks every time we gather for Eucharist...we are truly thanksgiving people.

St Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This can be hard if we see gratitude or thanksgiving as an emotion rather than a virtue. Christian thanksgiving does not depend on circumstances but on practices and habits we develop by always looking for the good and trusting in God.

Dear Parishioners,

One of my favorite quotes is from Saint Augustine, Bishop in the late 4th and early 5th century.

“Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying, but let us live well, and the times shall be good. We are the times, such as we are, such are the times.”

Dear Parishioners,

As you read this I hope the Diamondbacks have clinched the World Series title. A worldly hope, but none the less a hope. What is Christian hope? This week at morning Mass, St. Paul in his letter to the Romans, speaks of hope, “for in hope we were saved.” It also speaks of “creation groaning” in this life, much like we groan when we watch the news these days...hoping for peace, for the respect of human life and care for those most vulnerable. As Christians, we groan as we wait in hope for God’s fulfillment.

Dear Parishioners,

The end of October and first days of November take on a special focus in the Church as we celebrate All Hallows’ Eve on October 31st, All Saints Day on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd. They are days that help us to focus on the Communion of Saints—”the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers” (Paul VI, CPG 30).

This weekend we express our gratitude to God for Fr. Simon and his generous service to this parish. I have known Fr. Simon over the years since his arrival in the United States, but have definitely gotten to know him better once he was assigned here at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and most recently since I arrived as pastor. Living together, sharing a meal, prayer and working side by side with him in ministry has been a joy.

Dear Parishioners,

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me…”

This familiar line from the popular hymn is an important one to reflect upon given the recent uprising in Israel and Palestine, the continued war in Ukraine, and the mean spirited division we see in so many areas of the world. Having just been to Israel in April celebrating Holy Week and Easter it was hard to watch the news on Saturday and see what was happening in the country. It is a beautiful land with beautiful people and troubling to see such violence and anger towards fellow human beings. True peace comes only from the Prince of Peace—in justice that is merciful and kind.

Appreciation to the Parishioners of St. Bernard of Clairvaux,

It is almost three years since I started my ministry here at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish. First, I would like to thank all our parishioners for your love, patience, and care for me throughout my years of service. I am also grateful to Fr. Straley for allowing me to experience what parish ministry is all about. I also thank Fr. Fred for supporting me in various ways as a brother and assuring me that St. Bernard’s is my home parish. Thank you, Fr. Fred, for opening your doors for me to be a son of this great parish.

Dear Parishioners,

I was filled with joy this past weekend with the presence of so many people participating in the various gatherings here at Saint Bernard. I gave thanks to God over and over for your loving witness as a community.

Presence—physical presence is an important part of the Christian journey. A fundamental teaching of our Church is the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the deep love of God who desires to be physically present with us in our Sunday gatherings at Mass. Our Sunday obligation or rather “opportunity” is a reminder of His Real Presence and our call to be present to Him and one another.

It is hard to believe it is October already. For us in Arizona it is a promise of cooler weather and the months of desert beauty we love. As Catholics, this month is filled with special feast days, starting with October 1st, the Feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux. Her little way is a model for many to love the Lord in every situation we find ourselves in.

The rest of the month includes many Catholic favorites—the Holy Guardian Angels, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Faustina, Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Denis and Companions, St. John XXIII, St. Margaret Mary Alacouque, St. Luke, St. Paul of the Cross, St. John Paul II, St. John of Capistrano, St. Anthony Mary Claret and Sts. Simon and Jude. Plus many other saints that fill our days and lives.

I write this on Monday morning, September 18th, as Fr. Simon and I prepare to journey north to Flagstaff for the Priest Convocation. This is a special gathering of the priests of the Diocese of Phoenix with Bishop Dolan. It is a time of prayer, priestly fraternity and building stronger bonds in the common priesthood we share together.

Dear people of God,

As I returned from my time away on sabbatical and came here to be pastor of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, I was filled with great peace and a true sense of being home. There is much to share, but we have time in the future. What I am most enthused about is being in a community that is committed to living the Gospel as disciples of Christ. We do that together day by day and week by week, through the ups and downs, challenges and joys of life. Always with our eyes focused on Christ and the mission he gives us to spread his merciful love. I am grateful to God that the next step in my journey is with all of you!

What are you supposed to do about the bad behavior of the people around you? You know who I’m talking about. That family member, friend, coworker, or acquaintance who is quite immoral. On this front there are two lively options in our culture: bash the person to others (probably online) or pretend everything’s fine. The former damages the person. The latter ignores reality. What to do?

Isn’t it easy to relate to Peter? One moment Jesus announces Peter’s deep communion with God the Father. The very next, when he rejects the logic of Jesus’ suffering and death, Jesus calls Peter Satan. We Christians shouldn’t be too shocked when we experience both spiritual highs and lows, when we perceive breathtaking contradictions in our hearts.