In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words that are both challenging and deeply freeing: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…and whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” At first hearing, these words can sound harsh. But Jesus is not asking us to love our families less—He is inviting us to love Him first, so that we may love others more faithfully, more freely, and more fully.

To put Christ first is to anchor our lives in the One who never fails us. When Jesus is at the center, every other relationship finds its proper place. Our love becomes purified, strengthened, and shaped by His own sacrificial love.

Jesus also reminds us that discipleship involves the cross—not as a burden meant to crush us, but as a path that transforms us. The crosses we carry—suffering, sacrifice, forgiveness, perseverance—become places where His grace works most powerfully.

And then Jesus speaks of the smallest acts of kindness: “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water…will surely not lose their reward.” God sees every act of love, no matter how small. Nothing done in love is ever wasted.

This week, our parish continues to live this Gospel through prayer and devotion:

• First Friday Adoration at 11 AM, followed by the Healing Mass at Noon
• First Saturday Adoration at 7:30 AM, followed by Mass at 8 AM—which is also our July 4th Mass
• Weekend Masses: Saturday 5 PM, Sunday 8 AM and 10 AM

These moments of prayer root us more deeply in Christ, helping us carry our crosses with hope and offer our “cups of cold water” with love.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, help us place You at the center of our lives. Strengthen us to carry our crosses with trust and love. Bless our parish as we gather in prayer this week and make every small act of kindness a reflection of Your heart. Keep us faithful in following You today and always. Amen.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

The heart of the Twelfth Sunday is Jesus’ call to courage. In Matthew 10:28–33, He urges His disciples not to be afraid—three times. Fear is real, but it is not meant to rule out the life of a believer. Jesus knows the cost of discipleship, yet He reminds us that the Father’s love is deeper than any threat we face.

Jesus says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” This is not a dismissal of suffering but a reorientation of our vision. The world can wound us, misunderstand us, or oppose us, but it cannot touch the deepest truth of who we are: beloved children of the Father.

He then speaks of sparrows—creatures of little value in the ancient world—yet the Father notices each one. If God cares for sparrows, how much more does He care for us, whose names are written on His heart. This is the foundation of Christian courage: not our strength, but God’s unwavering attention and love.

This Sunday also coincides with Father’s Day, a moment to honor the men who reflect God’s fatherly love through their strength, sacrifice, and quiet fidelity. Good fathers—biological, spiritual, or father figures—mirror the God who protects, guides, and delights in His children. Their vocation is not perfect, but it is holy. We pray for fathers living and deceased, for those who long to be fathers, and for those who carry wounds in their relationship with fatherhood.

Alongside this celebration, the Church continues to draw from the deep well of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Heart of Christ reveals a love that is patient, wounded, and endlessly faithful—a love that fathers are called to imitate. The Sacred Heart reminds us that God’s love is not distant; it is tender, personal, and poured out for each of us.

Jesus also speaks of acknowledging Him before others. This is not merely about words; it is about living a life that reflects His truth, mercy, and compassion. To acknowledge Christ is to let our faith shape our choices, our relationships, and our witness in the world.

This Gospel challenges us to examine our fears—fear of rejection, fear of suffering, fear of living our faith openly—and it invites us to place those fears in the hands of the Father who counts every hair on our heads. Ultimately, Jesus calls us to a courageous trust—one rooted not in our abilities but in His presence. When we stand with Him, He stands with us.

Prayer: Loving Father, calm our fears and strengthen our hearts. Help us trust in Your care and walk boldly as disciples of Your Son. May we acknowledge Christ in our words and actions and find courage in Your faithful love. Keep us close to You today and always. Amen.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on the quiet, steady work of God—how His grace grows in hidden places and transforms the ordinary into the holy. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom as a seed that grows silently, almost unnoticed, yet becomes something strong enough to shelter and nourish life. This Sunday reminds us that God is always at work, even when we do not see immediate results. Our small acts of faith, kindness, and perseverance become seeds in His hands.

This week also brings us into the radiant mystery of the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart is the fullest revelation of God’s love—a love that is patient, wounded, merciful, and endlessly faithful. The Heart of Jesus is not a symbol of sentiment but a living invitation to trust. It is the Heart that beats in the Eucharist, the Heart that forgives sinners, the Heart that longs for each soul to return to Him.

In many parishes, this feast is also a moment for Consecration to the Sacred Heart, a beautiful act of surrender and belonging. To consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart is to say: Jesus, I give You my heart so that You may shape it like Yours. It is a commitment to live from His compassion, His humility, His courage, and His mercy.

This consecration also strengthens the message of Ordinary Time: God works through the ordinary rhythms of our lives. When we entrust our hearts to Jesus, He plants His love within us like a seed. Over time, that seed grows—quietly, steadily—until our lives reflect His Heart to others.

Let us Pray: Sacred Heart of Jesus, gentle and humble, take our hearts and make them like Your own. Help us trust in Your love, surrender to Your mercy, and walk faithfully in Your ways. May the seeds of grace You plant within us grow into lives of compassion, forgiveness, and peace. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like Yours. Amen.

After the 10 o’clock Mass on this Sunday we will make the Dedication to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus together at the church, and you can offer yours wherever you are, too. “Jesus meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto thine.”

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

The solemnity of Corpus Christi draws our hearts back to the center of our faith: Jesus Christ truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the Eucharist. In this sacrament, Christ does not merely give us something; He gives us Himself. The Eucharist is the living reminder that God desires to remain with His people, to nourish us, strengthen us, and draw us into communion with Him and with one another.

When we adore the Eucharist, we are not gazing at a symbol. We are standing before the same Christ who walked the roads of Galilee, who healed the sick, who forgave sinners, who offered Himself on the Cross. The feast of Corpus Christi invites us to renew our reverence, deepen our gratitude, and rekindle our hunger for the One who alone satisfies the human heart. It challenges us to become what we receive: a people of compassion, mercy, and sacrificial love.

This year, our diocese also prepares to celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on the 14th. The Sacred Heart reveals the inner life of God—a love that is tender, burning, and unending. The Heart of Jesus is not an abstract idea; it is the beating heart of the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost, comforts the weary, and pours out mercy without measure.

Corpus Christi and the Sacred Heart belong together. In the Eucharist, we receive the very Heart that loves us. In the Sacred Heart, we contemplate the love that makes the Eucharist possible. Both feasts call us to deeper intimacy with Christ and to a more generous sharing of His love with the world.

As we approach these celebrations, we might ask: Where is Christ inviting me to love more fully? To forgive more freely? To serve more joyfully? The Eucharist strengthens us for this mission, and the Sacred Heart inspires us to live it with courage and tenderness.

Our parish will honor Corpus Christi with a Eucharistic procession— inside the church right after the 10 A.M. Mass—which reminds the whole community that Christ walks with His people. It is a public act of love, reverence, and witness to the Real Presence.

During the procession, the Blessed Sacrament is carried solemnly in the monstrance. This is not just a ritual—it is a proclamation that Jesus is truly Emmanuel—God with us, moving among His people, blessing them, and inviting them to deeper faith. A procession inside the church can be especially powerful. It allows the entire assembly to remain close to the Lord, to adore Him as He passes by, and to unite their hearts in silent worship. It also reflects the truth that our parish church is the spiritual home where Christ dwells in the tabernacle and nourishes us at every Mass.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, present in the Most Holy Eucharist, draw us close to Your Sacred Heart. Fill us with Your compassion, strengthen our faith, and make us instruments of Your love. May Your Body and Blood nourish us, and may Your Heart guide us in all we do. Amen.

Happy Feast and Blessings of the Great Feasts to you all,

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley

The mystery of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is the heart of our Christian faith. It is not simply a doctrine to be studied but a relationship to be entered. God is not solitary; God is communion. The Trinity reveals that love is the very essence of God’s being. The Father creates, the Son redeems, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies—three divine Persons, one eternal God, united in perfect love.

When we make the Sign of the Cross, we profess this mystery. When we pray, serve, forgive, and love, we reflect the Trinity’s life within us. We were created in the image of a God who is relationship, which means we are made for communion—with God and with one another. The Trinity invites us to live not for ourselves but in self‑giving love, just as the Father, Son, and Spirit pour themselves out for the salvation of the world.

The Holy Trinity also reminds us that God is always near. The Father watches over us, the Son walks beside us, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us. In moments of joy, God celebrates with us; in moments of suffering, God strengthens us; in moments of confusion, God guides us. The Trinity is not far away—it is the divine presence woven into every moment of our lives.

As we honor the Trinity this week, our parish also gathers in prayer and devotion, living out this communion of love. On Friday, June 5, we come together before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament beginning at 11 AM for adoration. In the spirit of the healing love of the Trinity, we will celebrate a Healing Mass with the Anointing of the Sick, followed by lunch in the Parish Hall, sharing fellowship as one family in Christ.

On Saturday, June 6, we honor Our Blessed Mother—daughter of the Father, mother of the Son, and spouse of the Holy Spirit. We begin with 7:30 AM adoration and the rosary, followed by 8 AM Mass, entrusting ourselves to her intercession as she leads us ever closer to the heart of the Trinity. In these gatherings, we do not simply attend events—we enter into the life of God, who draws us together in unity, healing, and grace.

Let us Pray: Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—draw us into Your perfect love. Make our parish a reflection of Your unity and peace. Bless our worship, our healing, and our devotion to Mary. Guide us always to live as Your children. Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley

The heart of Pentecost is simple and sweeping: the Holy Spirit descends not as an idea, but as a living fire that transforms ordinary people into bold witnesses of Christ.

Pentecost reminds us that the Church is not a human project held together by strategy or strength. It is born from the breath of God. The same Spirit who hovered over creation, who spoke through the prophets, who overshadowed Mary, now fills the disciples—and us—with divine life.

The Spirit arrives as wind and flame—signs of movement, purification, and power. Wind disrupts what is settled; fire burns away what is false. Pentecost is not comfortable. It is God stirring His people into mission.

What Pentecost means for us today:

• The Holy Spirit is not distant. He dwells within us, guiding, strengthening, and consoling.
• The Church’s mission continues through our words and actions, just as it began in the Upper Room.
• Spiritual gifts are given not for personal glory but for building up the Body of Christ.
• Unity in diversity is a hallmark of Pentecost: many languages, one message; many people, one Spirit.

Pentecost challenges us to ask: Where is the Spirit inviting me to speak, to forgive, to serve, to love more boldly? The Spirit does not erase our fears, but He empowers us to move through them. He does not demand perfection, only openness.

The same fire that descended on the apostles seeks a place in us. When we allow the Spirit to work, our lives become signs of God’s presence in the world—quietly, steadily, sometimes unexpectedly. Pentecost is not a past event; it is a present invitation.

Let us Pray: Come, Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with your fire and renew in us the joy of the Gospel. Make us instruments of peace, courage, and compassion. Guide our steps, strengthen our faith, and send us forth to bear witness to Christ in all we do. Amen.

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord invites us to contemplate one of the most beautiful mysteries of our faith: Jesus returning to the Father, not to leave us behind, but to lift humanity to a new dignity. The Ascension is not an ending—it is a beginning. Christ rises to heaven so that we may follow where He has gone, and so that the Holy Spirit may come to strengthen the Church.

In the Gospel, Jesus commissions His disciples to preach, baptize, and witness to the Good News. This mission is not only for the apostles; it is entrusted to every believer. The Ascension reminds us that our faith is not passive. We are called to be active witnesses—through charity, forgiveness, and courage—bringing Christ’s presence into our families, workplaces, and communities.

The Lord’s departure also teaches us hope. Jesus does not abandon His people. Instead, He promises, “I am with you always.” His presence continues in the Eucharist, in Scripture, in the Church, and in every act of love. The Ascension lifts our eyes beyond the struggles of this world and reminds us that our true home is with God. Heaven is not a distant dream—it is the destiny Christ has opened for us.

As we celebrate this feast, may we renew our trust in God’s plan. Like the apostles, we may not always understand the path ahead, but we walk with confidence, knowing that Christ intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father and sends the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, as You ascended into heaven, lift our hearts to seek what is above. Strengthen us with the Holy Spirit, that we may be faithful witnesses of Your love. May our lives reflect Your glory until we join You in the fullness of the Father’s kingdom. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

“I will not leave you orphans.” With these tender words, Jesus speaks directly to the deepest human fear: the fear of being abandoned. As He prepares His disciples for His departure, He does not promise a life free from struggle, but He promises something far greater—His enduring presence through  the Holy Spirit.

This Gospel reminds us that Christian faith is not about following a distant God. It is about living in relationship with a Lord who remains close, who accompanies, who consoles. Jesus knows the fragility of the human heart. He knows how easily we feel alone, overwhelmed, or forgotten. And so, He assures us: you are not abandoned; you are not on your own; I am with you.

The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, is the living presence of Christ within us. He is the quiet strength that helps us choose love when anger feels easier, forgiveness when resentment seems justified, and hope when despair whispers loudly. The Spirit teaches us to see God’s hand in ordinary moments—through the kindness of others, the peace found in prayer, the courage to do what is right.

Jesus also links love with obedience: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” This is not a demand but an invitation. Love naturally expresses itself in action. When we keep His commandments—especially the command to love one another—we make space for His presence to dwell within us. We become living signs that God has not abandoned the world.

In this Easter season, we are reminded that the Resurrection is not only a past event but a present reality. Christ lives. Christ remains. Christ sends His Spirit so that we may never walk alone.

Today, let us hear His promise personally: in moments of fear, He is our peace; in moments of confusion, He is our guide; in moments of loneliness, He is our companion. Truly, He has not left us orphans.

Jesus will not leave us alone. He won’t make us children of God in Baptism only to leave us “orphans,” He assures us in today’s Gospel. We remain in this grace so long as we love Christ and keep His commandments. And, strengthened in the Spirit whom Jesus said would be our Advocate, we are called to bear witness to our salvation—to the tremendous deeds that God has done for us in the name of His Son.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, you promised that You would not leave us orphans. Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen our hearts, guide our steps, and remind us that You are always nearby. Help us to love as You love, to live as Your disciples, and to trust in Your constant presence. Remain with us, Lord, today and always. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

By His death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house. His Father’s house is no longer a temple made by human hands. It is the spiritual house of the Church, built on the living stone of Christ’s body. As Peter interprets the Scriptures in today’s Epistle, Jesus is the “stone” destined to be rejected by men but made the precious cornerstone of God’s dwelling on earth.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” These words from Jesus are not merely a statement of identity—they are an invitation. In the midst of uncertainty, fear, and the many paths the world offers, Jesus speaks with clarity and tenderness. He does not simply show the way; He is the way. He does not merely teach truth; He is the truth. He does not just give life; He is the life.

To say that Jesus is the way means that our journey to God is not a maze of rules or a test of perfection. It is a relationship. We walk toward the Father by walking with Christ—imitating His compassion, trusting His guidance, and allowing His love to shape our choices. When we feel lost or overwhelmed, this Gospel reminds us that the path is not hidden. It is a person who walks beside us.

To say that Jesus is the truth means that in a world filled with conflicting voices, He remains the steady center. His truth is not cold doctrine but a living reality—revealed in mercy, forgiveness, and the dignity of every person. When we anchor ourselves in His truth, we learn to see the world as God sees it.

To say that Jesus is the life means that real, abundant life is found not in success or comfort but in communion with Him. His life flows into ours through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of love.

Today’s Gospel calls us to trust. Jesus assures us that He prepares a place for us, and that He Himself will lead us there. Our task is simple but profound: stay close to Him. Walk His way. Live His truth. Receive His life.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

In the Gospel, Jesus offers one of His most tender and protective images: “I am the gate for the sheep.” At first glance, it seems simple, even rustic. But for the early listeners, this image carried deep meaning. In ancient sheepfolds, the shepherd himself would lie across the opening at night. His body became the gate—nothing harmful could enter, and no sheep could wander off without passing over him. The shepherd’s very presence was the protection.

When Jesus calls Himself the gate, He is telling us that He is the way into safety, belonging, and abundant life. He is not a barrier but an opening—an invitation into the Father’s love. Through Him we enter a place where we are known, cherished, and guarded. In a world filled with competing voices, false promises, and spiritual noise, Jesus stands as the one true entrance into peace.

But Jesus is also the gate that leads us outward. Once we have entered His love, He sends us forth to pasture—to live, serve, and bear witness. The Christian life is not meant to be lived behind walls of fear. It is a life of movement, guided by the Shepherd’s voice, nourished by His grace, and strengthened by His Spirit.

This image is especially meaningful as we approach Confirmation on the 29th. Our young people are preparing to step more fully into the sheepfold of Christ and to walk confidently through the gate into their mission. The Holy Spirit will seal them, strengthen them, and guide them. They are not alone. Christ stands at the gate of their lives—protecting, calling, and sending. May they learn to recognize His voice above all others. May they trust that wherever He leads, life in abundance awaits.

May First is the First Friday of the Month—Adoration at 11am, Holy Mass/Anointing of the Sick at 12 noon, and following is the lunch served by the St. Andrew’s Table group. May 2nd is First Saturday, which is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother—7:30 am Adoration/Rosary and 8 am Mass.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd and the Gate of the sheepfold, draw us into the safety of Your love. Guard our hearts from all that harms, and lead us into the fullness of life You promise. We lift up all those preparing for Confirmation on the 29th. Fill them with Your Spirit, strengthen their faith, and guide their steps. May they always hear Your voice and follow You with courage and joy. Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley