Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

The word Advent comes from the Latin words advenire (to come to)   adventus (an arrival), and refers to Christ's coming into this world. The Advent season is a time of joyful expectation and preparation for Christmas, the day upon which Christ's birth is celebrated and His first coming into this world. The focus of Advent is upon the centuries of waiting and preparation by God's chosen people, which preceded the coming of the Messiah.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

I really enjoy this time of the year in Arizona and in our parish. The weather is beautiful, our programs are in full swing, and people just seem to be more pleasant. It is a great time to stop, rest, and focus on our gratitude! Thanksgiving Day is all about giving thanks to God for His countless blessings in our life.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

This weekend we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Cabrini, an immigrant who came to America from Italy over 100 years ago. (Her image can be found in the sanctuary of our church!) Ironically, Mother Cabrini came here reluctantly as her dream was to be a missionary in China. As God’s providence would have it (and also Pope Leo VIII!), she crossed the Atlantic to America

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus! Here is a quick rundown of all the upcoming major Feasts and Solemnities:

Solemnity of Christ the King
Sunday, November 21
The last Sunday of the liturgical year. There is a plenary indulgence associated with this day.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

I’m sure you have seen the rather macabre Halloween scenes in front yards around your neighborhood. The fascination with evil is troubling. The way our culture currently recognizes Halloween is more than scary… it is wrong. Let me attempt to clarify a few things. Next week we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints, which is celebrated every November 1st. This celebration dates back to the fourth century. It was originally called the Feast of All Martyrs. The words “martyr” and “saint” originally meant basically the same thing — someone who is a witness to Christ even unto death.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

The third tactic I want to address is known as argumentum ad populum or the "appeal to the people." This tactic uses emotion and hyperbole to appeal to the feelings of an audience and bring them to his or her side without demonstrating the validity of his or her position.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

The next type of argument that people may use to make their point is called ad hominem. This tactic is often used against pro-lifers. The approach is referred to as argumentum ad hominem, or "arguing to the man," and it consists of attacking a person or the organization instead of the person’s moral or logical position. Instead of arguing to the point, the person making their argument attempts to distract the other person’s attention away from the topic that is being discussed and rather focus on tearing them or their organization down personally.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

I recently listened to a Catholic talk show host by the name of Jim Burnham. Jim is considered a wise sage in the Catholic media world who is known for his ability to share the faith in ways that are accessible to those blessed enough to hear him speak. During his show, Jim was discussing how to have meaningful conversations with people who would rather shut you up or as some say, “cancel you”.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

A few years ago, I was blessed to travel with a brother priest and some friends to island of Molokai where St. Damien De Veuster and St. Marianne Cope ministered to lepers (both Saints are now painted in the apse of our church). There are a few people who afflicted with Leprosy or Hansen’s disease who are now cured remain on Molokai. We did not get a chance to meet any of these people on the island because they prefer to be hidden from the world after being treated so harshly when diagnosed.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

When I was growing up (and I still have a way to go), I remember being an altar boy. Serving the priest at Holy Mass is, and will always be, a very special memory for me. I remember my dad would take me to the 6:15am Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral when I was in kindergarten. He was the sacristan who would set up for Mass. He also served the priest during Mass. As a six-year-old, dad would have me stand off to the side and watch.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

In John’s Gospel, Chapter 14, Jesus gives us a great gift. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

For many people, peace means the absence of conflict or trouble. While this is certainly a definition of peace, it’s not what Jesus was talking about. The peace that Jesus was talking about means rest, quiet or a stillness in your heart despite the world around us.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

I had just finished offering the 6:15am Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. I returned to the rectory for breakfast. When I walked into the kitchen, I heard Fr. Frank watching the news on the television in the living room. I will never forget that feeling of helplessness and fear as I watched the planes fly into the twin towers in New York. This experience would forever shape the history and the landscape of our country and our world. Life would never be the same.

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

You may have noticed that the current labor shortage is forcing businesses to reevaluate how they can meet public demand. Many businesses are having to cut hours of operation simply because they lack adequate staff. “Help Wanted” signs can be seen in many stores and restaurant windows.