Fr. Don KlinePastor · St. Bernadette

Pastor's Notes - Freedom and Responsibility

Dear Brothers and Sisters.

For many people, these summer days offer more opportunities to spend time together, rest, and create cherished memories with those we love. For families with children in school, months filled with work, studies, activities, and responsibilities, summer gives us the chance to renew our strength and dedicate more time to family, friendship, and our spiritual lives. We know that rest is a blessing and a gift from God. Proper rest helps us regain the energy needed to experience life with joy and enthusiasm. At the same time, let us remember that we should never take a vacation from our faith. Wherever we may be, Sunday Mass remains the most important appointment of our week and the source of the grace that sustains our Christian life.

As Christians and faithful Catholics, our life is centered around the Eucharist. Holy Mass is the source and summit of our faith. Holy Mass is the most important moment in our week. So it makes sense that we give our respect and reverence to God as we participate in Holy Mass. I understand that summer in Arizona comes with very hot temperatures. Naturally we all want to dress in lighter and more comfortable clothing. However, as Catholics, we must remember that when we enter the church, we are entering a sacred place—the House of God—where Christ is truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The way we offer ourselves for the celebration of Holy Mass is really an expression of our faith and reverence. Sunday dress can be an outward expression of our inward disposition. I dress up because God matters to me. Therefore, I encourage everyone to avoid overly casual attire at Mass, such as very short shorts, athletic wear, inappropriate T-shirts, overly revealing clothing, or attire more suited for the beach or recreational activities. Sacred Scripture reminds us that God said to Moses, "Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground" (Exodus 3:5). These words teach us that God's presence deserves a special attitude of reverence. Likewise, the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that our outward signs and actions help express the interior worship that we owe to the Lord.

Some will argue that "God doesn't care how you dress. He is just glad you are at Mass." Of course God sees the heart. This means that the way we dress is not about fashion, elegance, or financial means. Rather, it is about expressing our care and love for God. A person's outward appearance can express to oneself and to others that the Eucharist is the most important event of our week and that the church is unlike any other place we visit throughout our day. Just as we take care in our appearance for any important occasion, we should also do so when we come to encounter God. Many of you do express exactly that love and devotion. If you are struggling with this challenge, take it to prayer and ask God to help you take this matter seriously so that you may approach it with a spirit of faith. We are all called to help ensure that our liturgical celebrations reflect the dignity, reverence, and beauty that the sacred mysteries deserve.

Let us also teach our children and grandchildren this beautiful tradition of respect for the House of God. I am convinced that this small outward act of attentiveness can help us rediscover a profound truth: when we come to church, we are not attending a social event or just another gathering—we are coming to encounter the Lord. And He deserves our very best.

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline