Dear Family!

The theme of ‘Hope’ is very powerful in the readings today. One longs for ‘hope’ (a virtue) in times of despair, in times of utter powerlessness, in times of fear and/or even in times of separation from our loved ones. When we are disoriented and confused as to what future holds it is the virtue of hope that guides us to peace and comfort.

When differences of opinion exist, the Church chose the path of dialogue and fair treatment of each other. Mutual respect and a strong prayer life could bring about the virtue of Hope.

Dear Family!

This Sunday we reflect on Christian Charity as Jesus challenges us with the New Commandment which is also the fundamental mission and ministry of the Church. We understand that Christian love goes beyond self and our comfort zones. Jesus wanted to break the barriers and hurdles that the Jews were facing: The Old Testament restricted love of neighbor to themselves (Leviticus 19).

Dear Family!

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as ‘The Good Shepherd Sunday’. All three years (A, B, & C) we read from the same chapter (John 10). The sacred writers of the Old Testament beautifully presented God (Holy Name of God) as the Good Shepherd and in the sacred writers of the New Testament presented Jesus as the Good Shepherd since they perfectly understood and believed that Jesus is the incarnation of God the Father, revealing to us His identity by what he does as the Good Shepherd.

Dear Family!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (857) teaches us, “The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the apostles, in three ways:

- she was and remains built on "the foundation of the Apostles," the witnesses chosen and sent on mission by Christ himself;

- with the help of the Spirit dwelling in her, the Church keeps and hands on the teaching, the "good deposit," the salutary words she has heard from the apostles;

Dear Family!

This Sunday is the Divine Mercy Sunday. We had a great Triduum, and it was a joy to see so many come back to Church to worship and thank God. Starting from Palm Sunday to the Easter celebrations, I thank all the volunteers in the Decorations Committee, liturgical committees, ministries serving the poor, and all of you for your active participation and dedication.

Dear Family!

I wish you all a wonderful, grace-filled Easter! As this is the most important day for the Church, let us be mindful of the essence of what we believe! “Because Easter Sunday is the commemoration of Christ’s Resurrection, this day is the greatest solemnity of the liturgical year” (CCC 1169).

Dear Family!

After five weeks of preparation, we enter into Holy Week. ‘Hosanna’ means ‘save us’. This is the first cry of the people as Jesus rides into Jerusalem. Thats what exactly Jesus did - he completed the race - he followed through. Jesus journey of the Holy Week has the beginning in the prayerful intercessions of people. His complete surrender In the Father is the key to how we journey our Holy Week. Let us meditate on what the contemporary popes taught us in recent times:

Dear Family!

As the Holy Week nears, I remind you of your personal preparation and also of our preparation as a parish to witness the Paschal Mysteries taking deep roots within us. We have advertised and announced to the parish of the LENTEN MISSION for this year (Next Saturday, April 12th). I humbly urge you to make every attempt to attend and be inspired. Your very presence is a great boost of faith to your brother and sister who is struggling in his/her faith journey.

Dear Family!

My sincere thanks to all of you for participating in our Lenten Penance Service. Special word of thanks to all the parents who brought their children at 4:30pm for confessions. We thank all priests who helped us with confessions: Fathers Abraham Orapankal, Walter Wiktorek, Damian Tomscek, Luke Mary Fletcher, and Gilbert Starcher. We also thank our PCL Escarlen Duran and Confirmation Coordinator Deacon Rob for coordinating the event along with the Faith Formation Catechists. Thank you all!

Dear Family!

Just like the ‘Burning Bush’ experience, the Elects (people who are preparing themselves for the sacraments of Initiation) are experiencing God’s presence in their personal lives. As they go through these ‘three scrutinies’ we witness a lively congregation supporting and praying with/for them. Scrutinies are a series of liturgical rites that are part of the Lent, for the spiritual benefit of the elect.

Dear Family!

All three years in the Season of Lent we have particular themes that we reflect and pray about. In the first Sunday of Lent in all three years, we focus on the temptations of Jesus. In the second Sunday of Lent in all three years, we focus on the Transfiguration event.

Luke alone talks on the details of the actual conversation between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus.

Dear Family!

On Ash Wednesday we reflected on the symbolism of the ashes among other things. As the ashes and sackcloth together reminded people of repentance and reconciliation in the Old Testament, it also symbolized a desire to be free from sin. In our Christian understanding, ashes cannot take away sins as they are a Sacramental and not a sacrament.

Dear Family!

In my last week’s note, we were reflecting on the conclusion of the first part of the Season of the Ordinary Time and welcoming the Season of Lent on Ash Wednesday (March 5th ). On Feb 26th, our diocese held a special day of prayer at the Cathedral to pray for our Pope’s health. It is never too late; you could do it at any time - Please remember our Pope in your personal prayer.