Pastoral Message

Happy Fourth of July! Our country's 250th birthday invites us to give thanks for the many freedoms and blessings we enjoy. As Catholics, we recognize that true freedom is rooted in truth and guided by God's law. Let us pray for our nation so that we may continue to grow in unity, peace, and respect for the dignity of every human person, and that we may be faithful citizens who bring the light of Christ into the world. In other news:

A Word of Thanks – I offer heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make last Sunday's Parish Picnic such a success! With perfect weather, good food, games, and even better company, I would say that a fun time was had by all. Thanks to all who: shopped, cooked, setup/tore down, and to everyone who attended! Your generosity and joyful spirit remind us that our Cathedral parish is truly a family of faith. Moments like these strengthen our bonds and reflect the joy of the Gospel in our community!

Anniversary Reflections – It is amazing to think, but last Tuesday (June 30) marked my first anniversary among you as your pastor! Where did that time go? What a wonderful year it has been! My first weekend here, I wrote you that heard early in my priesthood that "joy is the mark of a grateful heart." I certainly am happy and blessed to be with you, but also incredibly grateful. Grateful to all those who have been involved in this transition and will continue to be involved in the days and months ahead! We have accomplished much together over the year, and much is still ahead of us! But, for now, thank you… thank you for support, your dedication, your prayers, and for being you! Know that you are always in my daily prayers, as I hope that the Parish Staff and I are in yours!

Building up a Flourishing Apostolic Parish – As you saw in our goals, we are deliberately focusing our parish life on three essential pillars: worship, evangelization, and service. In worship, we encounter the living God who nourishes us through Word and Sacrament. In evangelization, we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News, not only with our words but with the witness of our lives. In service, we put our faith into action, reaching out to those in need and building up the Kingdom of God here and now. These are not separate tasks, but one unified response to our own personal encounters with Christ. There is a place for each of us as we move forward as a parish community! I thank all who are already participating and invite others to join a commission that focuses on the pillar about which you are most enthusiastic. If you would like to learn more, please visit: < https://saintjohncathedral.com/building-up >, where a summary and presentation remain available.

Summer – Now that summer is in full swing, I encourage you to make the most of this time. It is a perfect time for us to take time for rest and renewal, remain faithful to Sunday worship, and even, look for new opportunities to serve and evangelize. Just as our renovation continues in the Cathedral, we know that the Lord continues to work on each one of us and calls us, even in the slower seasons, to deeper discipleship and openness to his presence.

May the Lord bless and keep us,

Ordinary Time XIV 5 July 2026