“Art is meant to bring the divine to the human world, to the level of the senses, then, from the spiritual insight gained through the senses and the stirring of the emotions, to raise the human world to God, to his inexpressible kingdom of mystery, beauty, and life.’”
– Built of Living Stones §142

This week we look at six more stained glass windows that will fill the clear glass now flanking the doors on the north side of our church as well as the windows located in our confessionals.

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.

As the preparation to move back into our newly renovated church begin, I thought it would be appropriate to thank all our parishioners who have donated so generously to this project and encourage those who may still want to share their blessings through a financial gift, please prayerfully consider doing so. There is a spiritual and emotional satisfaction knowing that you are part of something that will impact others for generations in a such a meaningful way.

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.

Born: October 23, 1964
Ordained: June 7, 2003
Assignments: Parochial vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Scottsdale and St. Timothy, Mesa; pastor at St. Bernadette since 2007.
Died: September 13, 2017

Fr. Pete Rossa collapsed during morning Mass on September 12 at St. Bernadette Parish in Scottsdale. Fr. Rossa died the following day. He was 52.

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.

Traditionally, the four Gospel writers have been represented by the following symbols: St. Matthew, a pine man; St. Mark, a winged lion; St. Luke, a winged ox; and St. John, a rising eagle.

You can find these symbols first referenced by the Prophet Ezekiel (1:1-21):

In the 30th year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the river Chebar, the heavens opened, and I saw pine visions… As I looked, a stormwind came from the north, a huge cloud with flashing fire, from the midst of which something gleamed like electrum.

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.

The references to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary can be found in Sacred Scripture which point to the love and compassion of Jesus and Mary. The image of the heart can be found throughout Sacred Scripture and can offer us powerful insights into the mercy, compassion, and love of God.

“Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Matthew 11:25