Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate the birthday of the Church. The promised Holy Spirit that we’ve heard about these last couple of weeks comes down upon the Apostles, and their lives would never be the same! The world would never be the same! The Catholic Church, as founded by Christ, now celebrates the fact that the Holy Spirit remains with us to this very day. It is the Holy Spirit that enables all of us to hear Our Lord’s call to follow Him every second of every day. It is the same Holy Spirit that enables us to build the Kingdom of God here and now. It is the same Holy Spirit that enables us to do God’s work, while we await His return!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, I know that is a popular Christmas song made famous by Andy Williams in the 1960s but there is a lot to celebrate in May! During the month of May, as we honor Mary, the Mother of God, we also honor our own mothers as a sign of our love and respect for all they mean to us.

We also honor our graduates and congratulate them for reaching this milestone in their life. We wish you well and God’s blessings as you begin this next chapter in your life. May you know that you always have a home in our family of St. John XXIII and St. Bernadette.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are blessed with many wonderful families at St. Bernadette and in our grade school St. John XXIII. I am inspired and amazed at the incredible sacrifices I see parents make as they bring their children to Mass and to school each week. As I see moms and dads bring their little ones to religious education classes every week, I am inspired and grateful for our parents’ dedication and desire to share God's love with their children. The wonderful catechists and teachers at St. Bernadette and St. John XXIII are here to help you… But your role as your children's primary teacher is your gift to your children. You have the awesome privilege and blessing to form the future of the world In God's Image!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We have many weddings here at St. Bernadette. It is a real blessing, but it can be challenging when it comes to modest dress, especially for the bride and the bridesmaids. And weddings are not the only time people struggle to find the perfect attire. For as long as I can remember, the issue of what apparel is appropriate to wear to Holy Mass has been an issue for most conscientious Catholics. A brother priest once shared with me that a distraught parishioner came to him for advice on what she was wearing to Mass. Her issue was that on the prior Sunday, someone in the parish called her out because of her choice of clothing. She came to the priest hoping that he would see her perspective and approve of what she was wearing. However, one glance at her wardrobe choice gave him a clear understanding of why she may have had the unpleasant interaction with the parishioner.