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:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Catholic Church is subject to an increasing hostility and discrimination that has never been seen in our lifetime. Attacks against Christian institutions and the maligning of Christian beliefs by the government, the courts, the media, and popular culture are reaching unprecedented and unacceptable levels. People who wish to practice their faith are being told by the elites that our faith is only to be seen as “personal” and “private” if it is to be seen at all.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You will hear media types say that life issues such as abortion, assisted suicide, human embryo research, invitro fertilization and mandated contraception are “deeply personal” matters that should be left up to the individual’s decision-making process. That is not true and to believe otherwise is an attack on the very foundation of our faith and our understanding of who we are as God’s children, created in His image and likeness.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms the Gospel of Life recognizing that the right to life of every innocent human being is a fundamental component of a civil society and its legislation. (CCC, 2273). All Catholics are called by God to be prolife both personally and publicly. Faithful Catholics recognize the right to life for all human beings from the moment of conception to natural death. Knowing that human life is to be protected and cherished, informed and faithful Catholics have a responsibility to elect and support politicians who promote laws that protect life. Voting for prolife candidates a vital part of being a Catholic and an authentic disciple of Our Lord Jesus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II were two of the most important and influential figures concerning faith and politics of the 20th century. Both men were extremely gifted in their determination and their words. Together, they liberated Europe and made the world a better place by being a voice for the voiceless. They recognized that the just ordering of society and of the state is a central responsibility of politics. Both men knew that the fight for justice is not exclusively the role of the state. The Church in her God given responsibility to proclaim the truth of the Gospel “cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice.” (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 183)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

How many times have you heard that you should not mix religion and politics? Poppycock. Listen to what Cardinal Newman writes about our responsibility to bring the truth of Our Lord to politics.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Are you free to vote for whatever candidate you prefer? Yes and no. You are free to vote for whomever you like but that choice has personal and public consequences. The Church teaches that you and I have moral responsibilities that must be considered before casting your ballot. Since your vote does have moral implications and social repercussions you are not free to vote for just any candidate. You are to follow your conscience but your conscience must be well formed according to the teachings of the Church and in line with your call as a disciple of Our Lord Jesus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“We all do no end of feeling and we mistake it for thinking. And out of it we get an aggregation which we consider a boon. Its name is public opinion. It settles everything. Some think it is the voice of God.” - Mark Twain

Dear Family in Christ,

As one of the largest Catholic grade schools in the Diocese of Phoenix, we have our share of blessings and challenges. We beg God to strengthen our Catholic identity and to fortify the faith of all the families attending our school. Our mission at Saint John XXIII Roman Catholic School includes a partnership of parents, students, staff and our parish family to nurture the growth of the whole child in a Catholic faith-based education through a challenging academic environment. It is in this Christ-centered atmosphere, that the unique qualities of each student are nurtured. Children are encouraged to be life-long learners and are taught to be active Christian leaders throughout their lives.

Dear Family,

Our Lord’s mercy doesn’t always feel or look like mercy. What do I mean? Take a look at Martha in the Gospels. Our Lord’s interaction with her at times seems very similar to the way He speaks to many of the Scribes and Pharisees. Our Lord’s response to people and situations that are not whole, where there is suffering and heartache, His response is always love.

Dear Family,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus!

Jesus once commented that those who believe in Him without seeing would be blessed (Jn 20:29). Yet in His mercy, He still provides a way for us to gaze upon Him two thousand years after He walked the earth (2 Cor 3:18). Therefore, "fix your eyes on" the eucharistic Jesus (Heb 3:1). Consider visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In this place of believing, let Him fill you with "eucharistic amazement" (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II, 6).

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Eucharistic King!

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 are some facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Peace and Joy in Our Eucharistic King!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration?
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion whereby members of a parish unite in making continuous adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament throughout the twenty-four hours of the day, seven days a week.