Dear Parishioners,

The Gospel this Sunday reminds us what it truly means to be a good steward. At the heart of stewardship is not money or possessions - it is love. Jesus does not condemn wealth itself, but He warns us that wealth without love is empty. Time and again, He calls us to be alert to the subtle ways money, power, pleasure and honor can blind us. They can tempt us to become self-reliant, self-protective and self-righteous.

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; one of those rare and beautiful moments when a feast day takes precedence over the regular Sunday liturgy. That alone tells us how deeply the Church desires us to pause and reflect on the immense gift of the Cross.

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend's readings invite us to reflect deeply on the love we have for Jesus-our first and greatest love. We're reminded that no relationship or possession should take precedence over our commitment to Him. At first, this may seem challenging, even jarring, especially in light of Jesus's command to love others. But what He asks of us is not to reject love, but to elevate it-toward a love that mirrors His: pure, selfless, and perfect.

Dear Parishioners,

Can you believe this weekend is the last weekend of August? Even though we who live here in Arizona have higher temperatures for a bit longer heading into September, things seem to change. Maybe it is the promise of cooler weather and the feeling that we made it through the hottest months. It is merely weather, but it does have an impact, as it reminds us of the changing seasons and the passing of life. God’s creation, including the wind, the stars, the oceans, rivers, mountains, hills, valleys, forests, and deserts, is deeply connected to us as men and women of faith. A favorite quote of our patron, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, is “You will find more in the woods, than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from the masters.”

Dear Parishioners,

In the Gospel of Luke this week, someone asks Jesus, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” Jesus does not give the inquisitive mind who asks the question a number, but rather the image of a narrow gate, not impossible, but narrow. It means that we must stay close to the Lord, come to know Him so that we recognize Him and pray that He recognizes us. It is more than just showing up, reciting prayers, and saying I am Catholic. It means connecting to the Lord and being on a continual journey of spiritual growth and conversion, allowing Him to work in our lives.

Dear Parishioners,

As we continue our journey through the ordinary time of the Church calendar, we embrace this wonderful opportunity to reflect on the enriching teachings of Jesus that guide us toward a deeper connection with Him and the Father. This week’s Gospel shares an inspiring message where Jesus passionately declares, "I have come to set the world on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" This fire symbolizes the burning love of Christ ignited in our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Just like fire warms, purifies, and provides light, God's love is an incredible force in our lives, uplifting and transforming us.

Dear Parishioners,

It was nice to return to the parish and settle in after my time in Michigan. This weekend, we will be holding registration for religious education (K-8) and the Children's Choir groups. Our teens and their parents are encouraged to provide contact information so we can share the various activities happening in the parish throughout the year. The parish is a place of support for you in teaching your children the faith; it is a true partnership.

Dear Parishioners,

August is here, and soon kids will be returning to school. The parish, too, begins to get busier with activities after a bit of a slowdown over the summer months.

This week’s readings give us a good lesson to hold on to for perspective in life. Are we rich in what matters to God? So often, we chase after worldly things for our happiness when true peace and happiness can’t be found in things and possessions. We collect and store things that we will only someday leave behind.