Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body… The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation… What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this; to be a mother?” - József Cardinal Mindszenty

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the Catholic Church, the month of May is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. The May crowning is an act of popular devotion in honor of our Blessed Mother that is repeated every year as an expression of our love for Our Lady, and it is usually done during the month of May. Perhaps you or someone you know has some confusion about Mary and the role she has in our life.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The beauty of the Catholic faith is our emphasis on Divine Mercy. God’s mercy is available in abundance. No matter how great our sins, the mercy of God is greater than our sins. Just look at King David (who committed adultery and murder). Look at Peter, who denied Jesus three times, or the good thief, St. Dismas who asked for mercy from the cross. What about the Prodigal Son who wasted his inheritance and dishonored his father? These are just a few examples of the many sinners who called upon the mercy of God. Our Lord wishes us to recognize that His Mercy is greater than our sins so that we call upon Him with trust, receive His Mercy and share that mercy with others.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy Easter to all of you and a special welcome to all of our visitors! I pray as you celebrate Easter Mass with us that you may come to know the peace of God in your hearts now and always. You are always welcome to come and to thank God for His many blessings, most especially His Son who has risen from the dead and offers forgiveness for our sins! I find that people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and loneliness may have a difficult time relating to God. That relationship with God can be restored through His mercy.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Welcome to Holy Week! Today we begin the holiest week of the year for the Catholic Church. This week, the Church commemorates Christ’s death and burial. Ancient writers called this the Great or Holy Week of Our Lord’s Passion. The custom of keeping the Holy Week goes all the way back to the time of the Apostles. When the early Christians spoke about Jesus to others, they started with the Passion of Our Lord. Scholars believe that the Passion of Our Lord spread before the other parts of the Gospel were even written down. The Passion of Our Lord is really the starting point for building our relationship with Jesus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Maybe you have heard the critique that is lodged against Catholic parishes that goes something like this: “I went to Mass at that parish for many years and no one even said hello to me.” One could ask why an isolated person didn’t say hello either. But still, hospitality is an essential charism for any community that wishes to grow and flourish! I have heard from many visitors how blessed they felt by the warm welcome that they have received at St. Bernadette. Whether it be by the usher who welcomed them at the doors of the church, or a parishioner who welcomed them as they sat down, or at The Grotto for some coffee while looking for that perfect gift.