Dear Parishioners,

This Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally celebrated as Good Shepherd Sunday, a day when the Church invites us to reflect more deeply on the tender and faithful care of Christ for His people. Throughout the Scriptures, especially in the Old Testament, we encounter the powerful image of the shepherd: one who watches attentively over the flock, leading them to safety, nourishing them, protecting them from harm, and never abandoning them in times of danger or need.

In Jesus Christ, this image reaches its fullness. He is not only a shepherd, but the Good Shepherd; one who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and lays down His life for them. This is the model of all shepherding within the Church.

You may have noticed that a bishop carries a crosier, a shepherd’s staff, as a visible sign of his responsibility to guide and care for the people entrusted to him. Likewise, the word pastor itself comes from the Latin word for shepherd. In every parish, the priest shares in this mission: to lead God’s people to the living waters of Baptism, to nourish them at the table of the Eucharist, and to awaken and strengthen the gifts of the Holy Spirit first received in Confirmation. This is not merely a role, but a sacred calling to reflect the heart of Christ Himself.

This Sunday also invites us to remember and pray in a special way for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Church continues to need faithful shepherds, men and women who are willing to give their lives in service to Christ and His people. Let us ask the Lord to stir generous hearts and to give courage to those He is calling.

As we reflect on shepherding in the Church, we also turn our attention to the Holy Father, the successor of Saint Peter and pastor of the Universal Church. Nearly a year has passed since we mourned the loss of Pope Francis and awaited the election of Pope Leo XIV. With gratitude for God’s providence, we recognize how the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church through every age.

As Pope Leo prepares to mark the first anniversary of his election on May 8th, I invite you to join me in praying for him each day. May the Lord grant him the heart of the Good Shepherd; full of compassion, wisdom, and courage, and strengthen him through the power of the Holy Spirit as he leads the Church in truth and love.

Finally, as many of you begin preparing for summer travel or time away to seek cooler temperatures, I encourage you to remain connected to our parish family. Our regular mid-week check-ins are a simple but meaningful way to stay united in faith. These updates are sent via email and posted on our parish Facebook page, helping us remain spiritually connected— even when we are physically apart. If you are not currently receiving these messages and would like to, please take a moment to update your email address with the parish office. We would be grateful to stay in touch with you.

Know of my prayers for you and your families. May the Good Shepherd continue to guide you, protect you, and lead you always closer to His heart.

Continued Easter peace and joy.

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