Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 16:13-20, we are given a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples. This passage is important to Catholics since it speaks to the very foundation upon which Christ has built the Catholic Church. It’s a passage that invites us to reflect on our faith, our understanding of Jesus, and our role within the Body of Christ.

Jesus posed a critical question to His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Of course, Our Lord knew who He was but Jesus leading His disciples to a much deeper place in their faith. They responded, recounting the various opinions circulating, likening Him to John the Baptist, Elijah, or other prophets. But Jesus was not really interested in public opinion; He was seeking a confession of their faith.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

If you have ever had questioned your faith or wondered if the Lord hears your prayers, then today’s Gospel is for you. Our Lord offers us a powerful lesson in faith, humility, and perseverance. The Canaanite woman (who would not usually speak to a rabbi) approaches Jesus asking him to help her daughter who is suffering. She calls out to Jesus: "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon."

Obviously this woman has a great need. Her daughter is being tormented by a demon. Most people believe that Jesus would respond with great compassion. But Jesus initially seems to ignore this woman’s dire request. Jesus seems to be testing the woman’s faith. But instead of being discouraged, she persists, kneeling before Jesus and pleading for His help.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Tuesday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that the Virgin Mary “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” This doctrine was dogmatically defined by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950, in the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus, while exercising papal infallibility. But this feast has long been a belief in the Church.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We at St. Bernadette are so blessed to have St. John XXIII Catholic grade school as part of our history. For over 20 years, dedicated teachers and staff have educated thousands of young people in our beautiful Catholic faith. As we begin our 2023/2024 school year, we are blessed to welcome our students and their families.

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