Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In an age of disinformation and fake news, a group called Arizona for Abortion Access is working to make abortion more available in our state. As they claim on their website: “There are many reasons why someone may decide to have an abortion. But no matter how you personally feel about abortion, every person should be able to make their own decisions with their healthcare provider and those they love and trust.” There are many problems with this statement, not the least of which is the ability to make decisions. The statement does not include the decision of the infant in the womb who would decide to live every time - if given the chance.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The recent declaration from the Vatican this past December entitled Fiducia Supplicans has caused a lot of anger and bewilderment throughout the world. The confusion has led many to wonder about the legitimacy of and reason for the document. Many good and faithful Catholics are clearly frustrated by this document’s wording. For many, the most frustrating and concerning things include the lack of consensus among the bishops worldwide on how to understand and implement the document. Therein lies the problem. Words matter. Many intelligent people are reading this document and finding it difficult to decipher its meaning much less how to implement it in a pastoral way.

Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ,

Your participation in the life of our parish is an important way to live the Catholic faith as well as use your gifts and talents with and for others. Being a good disciple includes loving, serving, and giving to build the Kingdom of God, especially within your parish. The underlying motive for the good steward is Jesus’ love for us. When a person accepts that everything has been given to you by God out of His love for you, the only response is to generously give everything back to Our Lord and His Church.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As intentional disciples of Our Lord Jesus, we know there is a cost as we live our faith. Like the Magi, true disciples know in their hearts that giving our life to Christ includes the cross. Living the faith changes us and moves us closer to the kingdom. True faith invites us into an intentional relationship with Jesus Christ… a relationship that includes doing the will of God. Many faithful Catholics know too well that Jesus invites His followers to humbly “take up their cross” and follow Him.