Happy Advent!

As we enter this blessed season of Advent, the Church places on our lips the words of the ancient entrance antiphon: “To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.” These words, prayed for centuries, express the heart of Advent which is a longing, a trusting, and a steadfast hope in the God who comes to save.

Happy Christ the King!

As we gather this Sunday for Mass before the Thanksgiving holiday, my heart is filled with gratitude for each of you. Your faith, your perseverance, your generosity, and the quiet ways you build up our parish family are known, seen and loved. Thanksgiving invites us to pause and recognize the abundant blessings God pours into our lives.

Happy Sunday!

What a joy it was to witness our parish and community come together for this year’s Fall Fest! From the laughter of children to the dedication of volunteers, from the aromas of good food to the sounds of music and fellowship. It was a true celebration of faith, family, and the goodness of God. I am deeply grateful to every person who gave of their time, talents, and hearts to make it such a success.

Happy Sunday!

This weekend we celebrate a feast that might seem unusual at the first glance, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Why do we, here in our own parish, celebrate the dedication of a church so far away? The answer lies in what the Lateran Basilica represents. It is the cathedral of Pope Leo XIV, the mother and head of all the churches in the world, a symbol of the unity of all Catholics under one faith, one baptism and one Shepherd, Christ the Lord.

Happy All Saints and All Souls Day!

We are blessed to have these beautiful celebrations this weekend. In this year of hope they offer us a remembrance of those saints known and unknown. On these holy days, our eyes are lifted heavenward, and our hearts are drawn to the mystery of eternal life, the communion of saints and the mercy of God for all who have gone before us.

Happy Sunday!

After spending a few days on a retreat in Assisi I have returned with a gratitude to be home. Though here in Phoenix the leaves may not turn quite as they do in Assis, but the rhythm of the liturgical year always invites us to a deeper transformation of heart and that is the change that truly matters. We are drawn to a deeper faith, humility and trust in God and perseverance in living as sons and daughters.

Dorothy Day, the great Catholic activist, doubted God’s existence. At least in her early adult years. But something changed when after giving birth to her daughter, she experienced an overwhelming gratitude. She later described how, as she held her daughter, the only appropriate response was a kind of unlimited gratitude. She had done nothing to deserve such a gift — this tiny, miraculous life — but there she was, flooded with gratitude, completely undone by the love of such a Giver.

Happy Sunday from the Pastor!

May the peace of Christ be with all of you! After the decree and events of being installed as the pastor of Saint Joan of Arc, my heart is filled with gratitude. As we move forward together as a family of faith united by our shared mission to live the love of Christ in a world that often seems marked by confusion, injustice, and weariness of heart, we trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.