Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost and the birth of the Catholic Church. Nearly 2,000 years ago, we celebrated the day when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, crucified, resurrected, and ascended into Heaven. We celebrate the fact that those first frightened followers of Jesus had been transformed into courageous preachers who feared neither prison, nor torture, nor martyrdom.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Solemnity of the Ascension Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord into Heaven, we are given another reminder of Jesus' triumph over sin and death. This celebration is meant to give us hope and strength carry His message to the ends of the earth. Our Lord gave instructions to His disciples before His return to Heaven. Jesus entrusted them with a mission to spread the Gospel.

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, religious education classes, and to school each week. I am inspired and grateful for our parents’ dedication and desire to share God’s love with their children. The 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,

Within the joy of Easter season, we hear one of the many ways Jesus refers to Himself. He reminds us today that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is also the Good Shepherd, the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings. Jesus also referred to Himself as the True Vine and compares us to branches. Of course, we know that branches remain alive when they are attached to the vine. Jesus goes on to remind us that His Father is the Vine Grower. The comparison is meant to spur us on to a more abundant life.