Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. Contrary to much of what we see in the stores and malls, online and on the radio, Christmas doesn’t begin until December 25th. The four weeks prior to Christmas are not meant to replace the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is meant to direct our hearts and minds to the birth of Christ as well as Christ’s second coming at the end of time.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe we are reminded of the one and only true King, Jesus Christ! Today’s liturgy calls us to proclaim that the reign of Jesus Christ surpasses every earthly empire and invites each of us to become faithful subjects of His Kingdom here and now. The Church lifts its voice to the ancient hymn “Adveniat Regnum Tuum”—Thy kingdom come. In a world that constantly measures power by wealth, territory, and influence, the Gospel we have just heard presents a startling picture: Jesus declares, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36). This proclamation turns our expectations upside down. Rather than a throne of gold, Christ’s reign is displayed on a rugged wooden cross; rather than a scepter, He holds a reed; rather than a regal robe, He wears a crown of thorns. Yet in this humility lies the true power that can redeem every heart.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

On the television show Jeopardy, the final question was “How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns”. All three contestants missed it! So if you are ever a contestant on Jeopardy… here is some facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

Frequently Asked Questions About Perpetual Adoration

What is Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration?
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion whereby members of a Parish (or some other community) unite in making continuous adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament (in most cases, exposed) throughout the twenty-four hours of the day, seven days a week.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

Our St. Bernadette family has been blessed to have adoration of Our Lord offered for many years. We have many committed parishioners who adore Our Eucharistic King regularly. This is such a wonderful blessing for them and for our parish.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

The Solemnity of All Saints can inspire us to become who God has created us to be, namely, saints. As I get to know the holy men and women who are now Saints in heaven, I am inspired by their heroic lives. How did these ordinary people end up living such extraordinary lives? One thing we can point to is their love for Our Lord… a love often fostered by spending time in His Real Presence in Eucharistic Adoration.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

One of the things I have practiced and promoted throughout my priesthood is Eucharistic Adoration. Over the years, my daily holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament has strengthened my faith, helped me in my priesthood, and brought me closer to Our Lord and the people I serve. Eucharistic Adoration has also brought many blessings and life changing moments to the parishioners in the parishes I have served over the years.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden…Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

I hope most people of faith understand the value of sharing your time, treasure, and talent with others. I want to focus your attention on what I will call the stewardship of time and talent. Being a good steward with your finances is equally important for the good of your soul and the betterment of humanity, but what about your time and talent? What does it mean to be a good steward of these God given blessings?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we celebrate Respect Life throughout the month of October, Our Lord reminds us of the sacredness of every life. Catholics have always held and will always preach the value of human life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that:

"Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being” (CCC 2258).

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Catholic devotions are usually popular prayers, rituals and pious practices used by individuals or groups to worship God or venerate Mary and the Saints. Often devotions express a particular conviction about the object of the devotion. For example, Eucharistic devotions, Adoration of Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Processions, and Benediction all express our Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

People are sometimes curious about what I do all day. Fair question. People are also surprised when I tell them that among my priestly duties, not a day goes by that I don’t encounter parishioners who have been afflicted with an addiction. Addiction touches nearly everyone, either directly or through a relationship with a loved one. Sadly, addiction was previously understood as some sort of substance abuse and dependence. The truth is that addiction originates and manifests itself in a variety of ways. Addictions have been linked to increased access to online pornography, legalized marijuana and sports gambling in many states, heightened pressure to meet societal standards, and fewer personal bonds has left our culture looking for love and seeking God in the wrong places.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross has special meaning for me. The year was 1987 and I was just accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Phoenix. On September 14th that same year, Pope John Paul II was in Phoenix. He had a Mass with about 80,000 people and I was able to be an altar server for that Mass!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Church celebrates 2 important canonizations in the universal Church. On September 7th, Pope Leo XIV will canonize two Italians, Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, who both died young … but not without making their marks in the church and throughout the world.

Soon-to-be-Saint Pier Giorgio Frassatti was born into a wealthy family in Turin, Italy. His parents, however, had a difficult marriage and were only culturally Catholic. He was known as a joyful, adventurous young man and is referred to as the “Man of the Beatitudes.” He loved taking trips to the mountains for hiking and mountain climbing. He was a gregarious and friendly young man who had a great attraction to the Holy Eucharist and helping the poor.