St. Peter Claver Catholic Church | Where is God in this?

Simple and Pure Joy

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:49:31 GMT

Children and Adults with Autism Reminded Me...

Yesterday was the AUT2RUN event.

We invited all our Elementary Faith Formation families who are in First Reconciliation or First Holy Communion to participate.

Alondra’s family and I registered for the 1-mile walk.

We met at 7:30 a.m. here at Saint Peter Claver, then we carpooled over to Cal State Channel Islands in Camarillo where AUT2RUN was taking place.

There we met Jonene, one of our Elementary Faith Formation Catechists and her family.

Not far from the parking was a huge grass field surrounded by a sidewalk.

All along the sidewalk were pop-ups with all sorts of different support organizations for families.

Because the event was an awareness and fundraiser for children with autism in Ventura County, many of these organizations had different giveaways of toys or sensory things for kids.

On the grass was Starbucks giving away cold refresher tea and iced coffee. Next to them was a booth with a chef making free pancakes. Yummy!

In the middle of the grass were giant Legos and giant bubble makers for families to play with.

There was also a train ride, which was a small tractor pulling a half dozen wagons that were linked together.

It was a great family fun event with plenty to do while the different walking/running races were going on.

One thing that really struck me was the pure joy of the kids and adults with autism.

As I read the first line of this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, I thought of them.

Jesus said to his disciples: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. John 14:1

I have seen that autism can be challenging for the person who lives with it and for their family, but yesterday, I saw a simple, pure joy that I wish I had.

Those children and adults with autism reminded me exactly what Jesus said in that Scripture verse – don’t let my heart be troubled.

I have faith in God and in Jesus.

That brings simple and pure joy.

I sure hope many of you families join us next year and have fun supporting families with autism!

Blessings of pure Easter joy!

Easter Bouquets

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:31:59 GMT

Can You See Them? Can You Hear Him?

Have you heard the story about the husband who wanted to do something kind for his overwhelmed wife?

She was juggling difficult challenges at her full-time job.

She would come home after a long day at work and then juggle caring for their kids’ needs and the household needs.

Knowing that his wife loves flowers, he decided to buy her a huge bouquet of her favorite ones and put them on their dining room table for her to come home to the next evening.

He left work early, stopped by the florist on his way home from work, and excitedly left the beautiful bouquet he bought for his wife on their dining room table for her to come home to.

After another long day of putting out fires at work, his wife walked in the door.

She dropped her purse and headed straight for the washer knowing there was a load of laundry she needed to move to the dryer. She then went into the kids’ bedrooms to check on them. She listened to the stories of their day and told them she loves them.

She then headed down the hallway looking down as she unbuttoned her blouse heading in to take a shower.

Her husband watched all this happen and was sad that his wife never saw the flowers for her.

She came into their room, said hi to him and said she was exhausted and needed to get to sleep because she had to head to work earlier in the morning.

I heard this story this past Saturday at a Women’s Tea that I had been invited to.

I didn’t want to go.

My heart is sad at the loss of my dad.

Work has been incredibly busy.

I didn’t want to go.

As I listened to Emily Wilson, the speaker at the tea, tell this story and talk to us about taking moments to recognize God’s loving presence, I realized the Women’s Tea that I didn’t want to go to was a beautiful bouquet that God was giving me and I almost missed it.

As I sat and read this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, this story came to my mind again.

…he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. John 10:4

Jesus uses the analogy of a shepherd leading his sheep and how the sheep recognize his voice. I learned that a shepherd cared for their sheep 24/7. A stranger could call and call the sheep, but they only followed the voice they knew, the one of their shepherd.

I am blessed by the reminder to recognize the blessings (bouquets) God gives me and not let grief blind me.

I am blessed by the reminder to keep so close to Jesus that I can recognize His voice in the busyness of my day.

Let’s look and listen the rest of this third week of Easter and be blessed.

Blessings of Easter bouquets from God!

Stop And Recognize Him

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:53:24 GMT

"Were not our hearts burning..."

We are in the second week of the Easter Season.

In Sunday’s Gospel reading at Mass, the first thing the risen Jesus says is, “Peace be with you.”

This past Saturday, Pope Leo XVI asked the Catholics of the world to pray for peace.

Coincidence?

At our Elementary Faith Formation Sessions, I read Sunday’s Gospel reading aloud to our First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Faith Formation families as they followed along in their Bibles.

We had two large groups sessions, so I read it twice.

Both times about midway through I felt a warm sensation fill my body.

My mind was racing with all that was going on yesterday, but as I read the Gospel to the families my mind quieted with peace.

My heart has been heavy with sadness, but as I read the Gospel to our families yesterday my heart was bursting with joy.

Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24: 32

I just read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and the Gospel we get to hear is the story of two of Jesus’ disciples walking 7 miles to the village of Emmaus.

Jesus appears to them and walks with them and when they arrive, He shares a meal with them.

When He takes the bread, breaks it and blesses it, the disciples realize it’s Jesus.

Look at what the disciples say to each other in the verse above…

Coincidence?

Try to stop and recognize Jesus’ presence this week.

See how He brings His peace and joy to you.

Easter blessings!

Awe Comes

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:48:08 GMT

Looking in Wonder

We have begun the great 50-day celebration of Easter, alleluia!

My Lent was turned upside down because of my dad’s death.

My plans for 40 days focusing differently on prayer and giving to those in need didn’t happen.

This grief I’m experiencing is unlike anything I’ve gone through before.

I find myself surviving, just getting through more than anything.

“Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything.”

That has been my prayer throughout the day…and night.

I prayed that on Monday of Holy Week and ended up unexpectedly going to the Chrism Mass with Deacon Melecio, his daughter and her husband – what a blessing.

I prayed that during a meeting on Holy Thursday and ended up volunteering to ring the bells during the Gloria at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper that night – something I grew up seeing and always wanting to do – pure joy.

I prayed that on Holy Saturday and as I was asked to help with being a Eucharistic Minister of the Cup at the Easter Vigil Mass and ended up looking two people I have grown to love in the eyes while saying to them, “The Blood of Christ” – what an honor.

Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done…

Acts 2:43

Life does bring pain and suffering, but God’s love came, Jesus.

He died for us.

He rose from the dead and opened the gates of Heaven for us.

I am in awe of the ways Jesus brings hope and moments of life to me, to each of us.

“Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything.”

This first week of the Easter Season, let’s end each day by looking in wonder for the signs and experiences of Jesus’ presence in our day.

Easter blessings!

Why?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:49:02 GMT

Humble Servant, He Cried, Joy

Here we are, the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week.

On Holy Thursday, Father Paolo will wash twelve parishioners’ feet. Why?

So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. John 13:2b-5

Jesus taught us exactly how He wants us to care for each other. We are called to be humble servants. Can you imagine what it would be like for Jesus to wash your feet? What would it be like for you to wash His feet?

On Good Friday we venerate or honor the wood of the cross. Why?

In the days when Christ was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered… Hebrews 5:7-8

Jesus was fully human, like you and me, as well as fully divine. Imagine the terrible anxiety and anguish you would feel knowing how you were going to suffer and die on a cross. He cried, overwhelmed with what was coming. God heard Him. Jesus persevered through, sacrificing Himself for you and me, so that our sins were forgiven and Heaven was opened for us.

At the Easter Vigil we are filled with joy. Why?

Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead… Matthew 28: 5-7a

As the angel said, Jesus has risen from the dead! We need to look for Him in our own lives. He brings a joy that nothing can hurt. Then, as the angel said, we need to go and tell others about how Jesus has blessed us in our own lives. Let’s share the joy!

Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday each have such beautiful liturgies. I hope you bring your family to them and journey with Jesus. Go to our parish website at www.saintpeterclaver.org to find information on them.

Holy Week blessings!

The Name Which is Above Every Name

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:57:45 GMT

Allow His Most Holy Name to Bring Glory

Music.

I can’t imagine my life without it.

There are songs and types of music that bring memories of my childhood.

80’s music is one of my favorites because it’s the music of high school for me.

Songs from the 90’s and early 2000’s bring great memories of youth ministry retreats, youth nights and youth summer mission trips as I worked as a Youth Minister.

There is something about music that can bring such joy, bring memories to our minds, and stir the soul.

This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday.

Holy Week will begin.

Saint Paul reminds us of how awesome and holy Jesus is because of all He did for us in the last verses of the Second Reading.

Because of this, God greatly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

This reminded me of one of my favorite songs and I wanted to share it with you

Click the link:

.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUBBIddm_rM&list=RDCUBBIddm_rM&start_radio=

Maybe this song will stir your soul like it does mine.

This last week of Lent, let’s start each day by saying the name Jesus right when we wake up and saying the name Jesus as we lay down to go to sleep each night.

Let’s allow His most holy name to bring God’s glory to us.

Continued Lent blessings!

Come Out!

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:52:09 GMT

Untie Them and Let Them Go!

A parent called me distraught because their highly autistic child cannot sit through sessions, so they thought this meant they can’t be Baptized.

A teen couldn’t participate in the weekend Confirmation Retreat their parish required because they suffer from terrible anxiety.

An elderly person’s adult kids thought it safest to take their Driver’s License away after a couple of fender-benders, so they feel confined to their home.

These are people’s stories who have called in the past week.

For me, my grief seems to have confused my mind, weighs down my body and has broken my heart.

He cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” John 11:43-44

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus raises His friend Lazarus from the dead.

Each of us may be going through something that binds us and keeps us from life.

I hear Jesus calling each of us by name and saying in these words of the Gospel,

“Come out!”

“Worry, untie them and let them go.”

“Anxiety, untie them and let them go.”

“Growing older, untie them and let them go.”

“Grief, untie them and let them go.”

This fifth week of Lent, think about what Jesus is trying to free you from so that you may have life abundantly, glorifying God.

Continued Lent Blessings!

Where is Jesus in all this?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:16:40 GMT

I'm a Bit Overwhelmed, But...

Right now I am a bit overwhelmed by life.

Getting an unexpected call that my dad is dying and I need to come to Maui immediately.

Watching my dad suffer and die.

Planning the funeral, thinking it’s done, then more details pop up that I need to care for.

Keeping up on my work here at church.

Finding my car won’t start as I want to leave work on a cold and rainy night.

Working the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, getting a ride to and from because my car was in the shop.

Flying back to Maui for my dad’s funeral and burial.

Coming home to find that after I finish work on Sunday (yesterday) I need to go home and work to completely clear my apartment balcony my Monday morning (today) because they have decided to power wash, then paint the outside of the building.

He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.”

John 9:36-37

I am asking where is Jesus in all this, so that I may believe He is here, caring for me.

He is answering me through this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading.

Because of someone’s computer and travel savvy help, I was in Maui at my dad’s bedside 12 hours after getting that call to come.

Kind people on the phone across the ocean were so patient in answering all my questions about the funeral – even when I called two or three times in one day.

Kyle in our Faith Formation Office worked more hours to help keep everything going while I was gone.

Finding my car repairs were paid for when I went to pick it up.

The feeling of God’s grace surrounding me like feeling a cold room warm up when a heater is turned on as I worked my job at the Religious Education Congress.

Feeling Jesus’ love through all the prayers and caring words in the many sympathy cards you many of you sent me.

Hearing Jesus tell me to surrender myself to Him, that He would take care of everything several times throughout the day of my dad’s services.

I am one who loves gardening, so I still have lots of work to do to clear my balcony, but I know God will give me the strength I need to get it done.

I have seen Him, felt His care, and have heard His voice.

I know who HE is and can recognize His presence…and I do believe.

Lent blessings!

This Lent, What is Life Bringing You?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:32:45 GMT

Something I'm Going Through Has Left Me Begging...

I leave early tomorrow to fly back to Maui for my dad’s funeral services.

My mind has been in a weird fog.

My heart hurts.

I don’t know what happened in the month of February – I blinked and it’s March.

We are in the Liturgical Season of Lent.

Normally I’m into my praying, fasting and almsgiving commitments, but so far I just feel like I’m surviving each day.

I just read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and prayed, asking Jesus what to write about.

All that my mind can focus on in the readings is a small verse in the Gospel.

…they invited him to stay with them… John 4:40a

People who are not Jewish and who the Jews stayed away from in Jesus’ time met Him, believed in Him and wanted Him to stay with them.

I am going through something that has taken away my normal prayers and left me begging Jesus to stay with me.

This Lent, what is life bringing you?

Whatever it is, ask Jesus to stay with you.

Lent blessings!

Stop in the Busyness

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:31:00 GMT

How is Jesus Inviting You?

Life is incredibly busy, isn’t it?

I don’t think God created us to be so busy, that is why it takes such a toll on us.

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus takes a few of His disciples up a mountain and they experience Him like never before.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.

 Matthew 17:1-2

This coming week, let’s try to recognize when in our busy day Jesus is trying to invite us to stop, follow Him and experience Him like never before.

Lent blessings to you!

Choose to Trust God

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:36:24 GMT

Blessings and Life Come from God's Guidance

Many years ago, I participated in a workshop for Youth Ministers, and the presenter challenged us to send out in the mail (yes, it was so long ago we were mailing things out to families) a monthly Youth Ministry newsletter.

He said to include a personal reflection about something in our own lives or in the world and where God is in it.

That was the beginning of what is now my Weekly Email.

I just read this coming Sunday’s Mass Readings and did what I always do, prayed, “Lord, what do I write about and give me the courage to do so and send it. Amen.”

If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you; if you trust in God, you too shall live… Sirach 15:15

That is the first verse of the First Reading for this coming Sunday.

I experienced what is described yesterday.

Yesterday was Sunday. The third of the Ten Commandments is Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day .

I did not want to go to Mass.

I felt like I was not ready to be around a lot of people.

I cry unexpectedly.

I feel overwhelmed when people ask me all sorts of questions about my dad’s death.

I decided I’m not going to Mass.

Someone I know from another church texted me early in the morning to let me know that she was praying for me and my family.

Her own dad passed away in December and a Mass later in the morning at her church was going to be offered for her dad. She said she would be praying for my dad too.

Her church is about a 45-minute drive away from me.

There was time for me to get ready and drive out there for that Mass.

No one would know me, so if I cried, who cares.

No one would ask me all sorts of questions.

I went.

That was the first Sunday Mass I went to since my dad died.

I quietly cried off and on throughout the Mass.

To my surprise, not only was the lady’s dad’s name said, but so was my dad’s name when it was time to say who the Mass was for.

I was so glad I went.

Thankfully I chose to keep the third Commandment, Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day .

Going to Mass ended up bringing me comfort and blessings.

Receiving Holy Communion gave me strength.

The Mass Readings for this coming Sunday remind us of the blessings and life that comes from choosing to live as God guides us to through the Commandments.

Thank You Lord.

I will be at Mass this Sunday here at our church.

It’s OK if I cry.

I hope to see you.

We Still Shine

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:40:36 GMT

You Are The Light of the World

Thank you so much for your prayers.

My Dad passed away last Wednesday night.

It was very difficult to see him suffering. I am glad he is at peace now.

I have been with many people as they were dying and with their families.

This feels very different.

My spirit is deeply sad.

It was so hard to leave Maui and my Mom.

I can’t sleep yet because my mind is full of all that we went through.

Now I am at work trying to focus on work things, trying not to cry.

A friend texted me yesterday asking me how I am and I texted back that I am broken, traumatized, exhausted, and that I can’t talk yet.

He texted me back, “You are whole and complete. You are God’s child.”

What a blessing to be reminded of that when I feel so broken.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells His disciples that – He is telling us that too.

Reading it now and asking Him to help me write this to you, it felt like Jesus was reminding me of the same thing my friend did in that text.

Each of us is a child of God.

As disciples, we shine Jesus’ Light.

Even in this dark place I’m in, that Light still shines in me and hopefully from me.

I see God’s glory in that.

Shine His Light!

We are Called to Participate!

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:29:53 GMT

United in Mind and Purpose

Yesterday was a holiday, a day off work and school for most of us.

Years back I challenged myself to do something that connected me with the holiday and not just see it as a day off.

So last night I watched the movie, “Hidden Figures.”

It’s the story of three black women who worked for NASA back in the 1960’s.

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson worked as mathematicians.

Not called by name but called human computers…

White only restrooms, drinking fountains and coffee dispensers…

Black entrance and exit doors on the side or back of buildings…

Looks of disgust when entering a room…

My skin is brown. My father is Mexican American. I have experienced some racism.

I can’t imagine what a black person lived through then, or what black people live through now.

I’ve read some of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches and have watched documentaries about him. He knew Jesus.

His relationship with Jesus gave him such courage to stand for love.

As I read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings to begin praying about writing to you, this all was on my mind.

The Second Reading starts with this verse:

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10

In this reading, Saint Paul is writing to the early Church.

People were grumbling and disagreeing on what leader they were following, and probably about how they should live out the Gospel.

The Gospel of Jesus is love. Mercy. Life.

Saint Paul is reminding us through his words in that Scripture verse to be united as disciples, as followers of Jesus, and to be united in purpose, living as disciples of Jesus.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Love is the greatest force in the universe. It is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos. He who loves is a participant in the being of God.”

The Gospel of Jesus is love. Mercy. Life.

Let’s participate.

United in Love!

God Shows His Glory How?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:31:12 GMT

What is Your Image of God?

I was taught that part of being a disciple, or follower of Jesus, is to keep learning and growing in my understanding of God and His Church.

So, about a year and a half ago I decided to sign up for the National Certification in Catechesis Program.

I had monthly Zoom classes, books to read and papers to write.

It was challenging to stay on top of it all, but what blessings it brought.

I was reminded of great things about our God.

The year of classes ended this past Saturday with one last long Zoom gathering.

At one point we were asked what our current image of God is.

If someone asked you to describe who you pray to, how would you do that?

Great questions!

My answer is my favorite image of God is the sun.

It is always there, shining its light.

At night I can see the sun’s light reflected in the moon.

On cloudy days, what light we do have I know is from the sun, even if I can’t see it. These are the qualities of a loving friend.

And my answer to who do I pray to is Jesus.

For as long as I can remember I have loved Jesus.

He is my best friend, by guide, and my biggest support.

His love transforms me, brings me joy and peace.

Then the instructor said to see how we reflect our image of God.

Wait, what?!

How do I reflect my image of God?!

Well… people tell me I am a loyal friend. I am always there to help.

I listen well and offer good advice. I’m told I am calm and peaceful.

Friends tell me that they always feel better after spending time with me.

Interesting.

The LORD said to me: You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Isaiah 49:3

That is the first verse of this coming Sunday’s First Mass Reading.

I think this Scripture verse came to life for me through my last class on Saturday.

The Lord said to me, through what I learned about seeing myself in my image of God, Laura, you are my servant through whom I show my glory.

Wow.

I’ve never learned before that we can see ourselves in our image of God.

That is how we bring glory to God.

Ask yourself, what is your image of God? Who do you pray to? In what ways do you reflect your image of God?

God shows His Glory through you!

He Was Well Pleased

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:24:56 GMT

Something to Think About These Last Days of Christmas...

Well, here we are, the last week of the Christmas Season.

For the four weeks of Advent, we heard stories of the One who is to come, the One who would heal the crippled, make the deaf hear, and make the blind see.

The One who would come and bring justice and peace.

At Christmas we celebrated the joy of the Christ Child being born.

Our church exuberates joy with hundreds of beautiful red poinsettias and the beautiful Nativity.

Gatherings of friends and family happened.

Gifts were exchanged.

Cards with Christmas joy were sent out.

We’ve been singing joyful Christmas carols at Mass.

This Sunday brings us to the last day in the Christmas Season – the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord.

Baptism. What a joyful celebration.

Tomorrow I will be presenting the Pre-Baptism Workshop for parents and Godparents of children who will be Baptized soon.

I love giving that workshop because there is such joy there. Most of the children are babies and some are present at the workshop.

It’s awesome watching the parents and Godparents faces as they answer questions about what they are hoping or desiring for their child through Baptism.

I can literally see the love and hope.

And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

That verse from this Sunday’s Gospel reading is what happens after Jesus is Baptized.

Wow.

I like to imagine that happening after all of us were Baptized.

We are God’s beloved daughter or son and at our Baptism I believe He was well pleased and full of love for us.

How are we living out our Baptism?

What does that even mean to us?

Good things to think about these last days of Christmas.

Continued Christmas blessings to you!

From the Very Beginning...

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:59:21 GMT

Joy!

What a joyful season we are in – Christ is born!

The past week I’ve been gathering with family and friends, so I’ve been on the freeway a lot, first in rainstorms, then in crazy wind.

The weather seems to have caused us all to drive a bit slower and kinder.

I think Christmas makes us a bit kinder, maybe not move slower with all that is going on but does make us a bit kinder.

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord.

A star led the magi to a humble place in Bethlehem, to the King of Kings.

Did you know…

Bethlehem literally means “house of bread” or “place of bread.”

Manger literally means “a feeding trough.”

Do you realize…

From the very beginning, Jesus is the Bread of Life.

We receive Jesus in the Eucharist and consume Him every time we come to Mass.

Wow.

The star led the magi to honor the King of Kings, the Christ Child, our Bread of Life.

Joy!

They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11

The magi were from far lands.

First humble shepherds came to honor Jesus, now men from far away lands.

God’s Son Jesus is for all.

Today He continues to be for all of us, meeting us where we are.

What a cool thing to remember as we come to honor Him and receive the Bread of Life at Mass.

Joy!

This Sunday as we gather to honor Jesus and receive Him, let us give Him the gift of love.

Continued Christmas blessings!

Celebrating Christmas

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:01:44 GMT

Being More Like the Holy Family

We are going to celebrate Christmas in a few days – God loving us so much that He became one of us, the Christ Child born on Christmas day.

Jesus was born into the family of Mary and Joseph.

Remember, Jesus was both human and divine, not just divine.

He needed the love of Mary and Joseph just like we all need the love of a mom and dad.

The Holy Family went through challenges just like our families do.

As Christmas comes and we gather with family or with friends who are family to us, let’s imagine the Holy Family and their gatherings.

Amidst the joy was there a bit of tension?

Did a person dominate the conversation?

Was there a person doing most of the preparation feeling like some help would be appreciated?

Were some family members unable to come?

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The words of Saint Paul in the Second Reading at Mass are a beautiful guide for us in how to be with our family.

As we gather to celebrate Christmas, let Saint Paul’s words guide us in being more like the Holy Family.

Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17

Christmas blessings!

Stories of Christmas

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 23:49:04 GMT

Listening for God

I am smiling as I think about our Christmas Pageant yesterday.

Our children were so cute as they acted out the story of Christ’s birth at Christmas.

Then each group led us all in singing a Christmas carol together.

A mic was passed and hearing a child’s voice singing into it – priceless!

Something I like to do is watch the parents and guardians watching their kids.

I can literally see love on your faces as you smile at your children.

The Christmas story is one of love.

God loved each person on Earth so much that He humbly became one of us, through a young woman named Mary.

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas story is what we will hear in this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading.

Mary is betrothed to Joseph.

Before their marriage is celebrated, Mary conceives a Child through the Holy Spirit.

Joseph decides to quietly divorce her.

He is a good man and does not want Mary to go through shame and punishment.

Joseph goes to sleep.

God spoke to Joseph through an angel in a dream.

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. Matthew 1:24

I have a statue of Sleeping Saint Joseph on a shelf in my office.

I love the reminder to listen to God.

He does speak to us in dreams, through the words of someone, through a song, through prayers, through Mass, through the sound of leaves on a windy day, through children presenting a Christmas Pageant.

Not only does Saint Joseph remind me to listen to God, but to have the faith and courage to do what God asks.

We heard the Christmas story of Christ’s birth through our children and the Christmas Pageant yesterday.

We also heard parts of the Christmas story in the Christmas carols we sang together yesterday.

As we continue our Advent journey this week, let’s listen for other ways God is talking to us and pause to hear what He is saying.

Blessings of Listening to God!

The Coming of the Lord is at Hand!

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:51:26 GMT

Patience + Heart of Faith = Joy!

Patient.

The definition is, able to accept or tolerate delays, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious .

I’m overwhelmed right now, which causes me to be impatient.

Then I read this coming Sunday’s readings…

You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:8

OK Lord, I hear You.

A message of Advent is be patient.

How?

Make my heart firm or make my relationship with Jesus my top priority.

When I spend time at the beginning of each day praying, talking and listening to Jesus, I find I am better able to accept or tolerate delays, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious – the definition of patient.

This morning, I impatiently got busy with “Christmas stuff”.

I didn’t pray or eat breakfast.

Not good Laura.

Not only are we celebrating Christ’s birth at Christmas, but we are reminded during Advent of His second coming.

As we head into this second week of Advent, I am going to start again with my commitment to slow down and spend time in prayer each morning.

I know me and patience comes when I do this.

I’m not just getting prepared for this Christmas.

I’m preparing my heart for Jesus’ second coming.

I want to be full of joy for the coming celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas and at the thought of His second coming, not full of impatience, stress and anxiety!

Blessings of joy!

Bringing Blessings of Christ

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:38:17 GMT

WWJD...What Will You Do?

Do any of you remember the WWJD rubber bracelets that were popular back in the 90’s?

WWJD stands for What Would Jesus Do.

A book was written about a church community that committed to doing nothing before asking themselves that question first.

Adults, teens and children all did this for a year.

The book describes what happened in several people’s lives through doing this.

It is a good book.

Back when I was serving as a Youth Minister at a parish, about 60 teens and 5 adults committed to wearing a WWJD bracelet for a month and do nothing without asking ourselves that question first.

It was pretty amazing to hear stories of their experiences and what I experienced myself.

For some reason those memories came to mind after I read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and prayed about what to write to you.

Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, not just for celebrating Jesus’ birth at Christmas, but preparing for Jesus’ second coming.

Our Mass readings are Scriptures that guide us in that preparation.

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 15:7

That is a verse from Sunday’s Second Reading.

Saint Paul’s words clearly describe what Jesus would do and ask us to do the same.

How will we welcome and care for others as Jesus did at home?

At school?

At work?

At church?

Finding and wearing a What Would Jesus Do? bracelet for the season of Advent might be a good idea…I think I may still have one.

Bring blessings of Christ!

It's Time!

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:06:28 GMT

What are Your Liturgical New Year Resolutions?

Here we are…Thanksgiving week.

I am cooking a 20-pound bird for a family gathering, so last week I went out to buy what I need.

It’s always crazy to me to see all the stores covered in Christmas decorations and full of displays of Christmas things for sale, some already 50% off.

People were pushing carts around the stores full of Christmas things.

It felt like it was December 20 ^th , not November 20 ^th .

This coming Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent.

For us Catholics, the first Sunday of Advent is the Liturgical new year.

Our Liturgical Calendar, which is a yearly cycle of seasons and feasts that tell the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, begins the first Sunday of Advent.

I’m not ready to decorate for Christmas, to listen to Christmas music or watch Christmas movies.

As we head to the first Sunday of Advent, I’m a bit reflective on how my relationship with Jesus is at the end of another Liturgical year.

How do I hope to grow in my relationship with Jesus and as a disciple in this coming new Liturgical year?

Some people like to make New Year’s resolutions in January.

I like to make new Liturgical year resolutions during Advent.

Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light… Romans 13:11-12

In this coming Sunday’s Second Reading for Mass, Saint Paul gets to the point of Advent.

We know it’s time.

Stop.

Prepare for Christmas by looking at our relationship with Jesus.

Look at how we are living as His disciple.

How are we shining the Light of Christ each day?

Yes, it’s a time of preparation, but not just the kind of preparation all the stores are trying to sell us.

Many Thanksgiving blessings to each of you and your family from Alondra, Kyle and me!

We are thankful that we get to journey together with all of you in growing in faith!

Shine the Light of Christ!

Describe a King

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:31:28 GMT

How Would You Describe Jesus Christ, the King?

What images and words come to your mind when you read or hear the word, King?

The first things that come to my mind are conquerors, powerful, commanding, and wealthy.

I imagine what I’ve seen on the news throughout my life on the British monarchy.

Also what I’ve seen in different movies about kings come to mind – one of my favorites being The Gladiator. That king was a conqueror, powerful, commanding, and wealthy, but also had a deep sadness knowing his son’s heart was bad.

What did all the power and wealth matter?

This weekend at Mass we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

What images and words come to your mind when you read or hear the words Jesus Christ the King?

I think, He’s the Son of God. But the rest of the words that come are different.

Gentle.

Caring.

Healing.

Teacher of God’s love and mercy.

Humble servant.

Miraculous.

Poor and unhoused.

Forgiving.

Merciful.

Loving, especially of all who our societies typically define as “in the margins”.

Peaceful.

Our redeemer.

Jesus brought what a true king is – one who wants nothing but the very best for their people.

For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven. Colossians 1:19-20

In this weekend’s Second Mass Reading, Saint Paul writes beautifully about our King, Jesus Christ.

The verse above reminds us that in Jesus the fullness of God’s love and redemption flows to all the people of the world, reconciling us back to God and each other.

It also reminds us that through Jesus sacrificing Himself on the cross, our eternal home in Heaven with God was made possible.

We have an amazing King!

Long live Jesus Christ our King!

¡Viva Christo Rey!

Do You Remember That People Are A Person?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:50:05 GMT

You Can Be A Blessing

Being judgmental about others.

Gossiping about others.

Saying you hate people.

Hoping people fall to some sort of suffering or demise and smiling when they do, thinking they deserve it.

These are traps of sin we can fall into.

I was talking with someone today that was saying such negative things about other people. I wondered if they remember that the people they are talking about are a person with feelings, hopes, dreams and faith in God.

A few days ago, I was getting gas in my car and the person next to me doing the same on the other side of the pump started going on and on with such anger about our President. I was quiet. At one point they looked at me, waiting for me to join in.

I just said, “I pray for our President every day.”

We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. 2 Thessalonians 3:11

This week I have been focusing on getting back to praying in the morning.

I have been asking Jesus to fill my mind and heart with His peace and to help me carry that peace through out each moment of the day ahead.

Doing this has made me aware of each time I lose my temper in my mind or get overwhelmed with stress.

It’s a lot of times during the day – I am surprised! Why am I this way now?!

I believe that because of the instant way we get inundated with things through news, social media and the internet we are constantly hearing and seeing the negative.

It takes a toll on us.

It seems to have given us the green light to do the negative we hear and see as well.

Being judgmental about people.

Gossiping about people.

Saying you hate people.

Hoping people fall to some sort of suffering or demise and smiling when they do, thinking they deserve it.

We have become desensitized.

People are no longer a person.

In the Scripture verse above from this coming Sunday’s second reading, Saint Paul calls us out on this. In the name of Jesus, he urges us to tend to ourselves, quietly.

Imitate Jesus.

I’ve got a way to go, but I’m trying.

Jesus, please bring Your peace.

Bring blessings by imitating Jesus!

Shine the Light

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 23:29:08 GMT

Shining the Light of Christ Through Our Lives

All Saints Day is this Saturday and All Souls Day is this Sunday.

And what is Friday?

Halloween!

The word Halloween is a combination of two words, “hallow” which means “saint” or “holy person” and “een,” which means evening.

So, Halloween is the eve of the holy day of All Saints Day.

As we have fun carving pumpkins and wearing costumes, let’s see if we can make connections to the holy day ahead.

Saints are our Catholic heroes. They have amazing life stories that can inspire us to want to be like them.

Pumpkins are filled with gooey stuff we scoop out, kind of like how Jesus “scoops out” the “gooey stuff” in us called sin.

We carve our pumpkins to then what? Put a candle in to shine light. Our saints shined the light of Christ in their lives. We try to do the same.

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. Wisdom 3:1

Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated on both days, and even weeks into November as we remember our loved ones who have died.

Some Dia De Los Muertos traditions are to create an altar called an ofrenda which includes pictures of loved ones who have died, foods and drinks they liked, candles and marigolds.

This year here at Saint Peter Claver we are going to be invited to bring a small picture of loved ones who have died to place on tables in the church that will stay up for most of November as we keep them in our prayers.

At yesterday’s Trunk or Treat, the back of Alondra’s car was decorated as a beautiful ofrenda, and she was beautifully dressed to welcome the spirits of her loved ones who have died.

A couple of the little kids who came trunk-or-treating were dressed like her too.

As we head to the weekend’s festivities this week, let’s keep our saints and our loved ones who have died in our thoughts.

Let them remind us to live each day, shining the light of Christ through our lives!

Blessings of shining the Light of Christ!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

El Día de Todos los Santos es este sábado y el Día de los Fieles Difuntos es este domingo.

¿Y qué es el viernes?

¡Halloween!

La palabra Halloween es una combinación de dos palabras, "hallow" que significa "santo" o "persona santa" y "een", qué significa noche.

Entonces, Halloween es la víspera del día sagrado del Día de Todos los Santos.

Mientras nos divertimos tallando calabazas y usando disfraces, veamos si podemos hacer conexiones con el día sagrado que se avecina.

Los santos son nuestros héroes católicos. Tienen historias de vida increíbles que pueden inspirarnos a querer ser como ellos.

Las calabazas están llenas de cosas pegajosas que sacamos, algo así como la forma en que Jesús "saca" las "cosas pegajosas" en nosotros llamadas pecado.

Tallamos nuestras calabazas ¿para luego qué? Poner una vela para que brille la luz. Nuestros santos hicieron brillar la luz de Cristo en sus vidas. Tratamos de hacer lo mismo.

Las almas de los justos están en las manos de Dios, y ningún tormento las tocará. Sabiduría 3:1

El Día de los Muertos se celebra en ambos días, e incluso semanas en noviembre, mientras recordamos a nuestros seres queridos que han muerto.

Algunas tradiciones del Día de los Muertos son crear un altar llamado ofrenda que incluye imágenes de seres queridos que han muerto, comidas y bebidas que les gustaron, velas y cempasúchil.

Este año, aquí en Saint Peter Claver, se nos invita a traer una pequeña foto de los seres queridos que han muerto para colocarla en las mesas de la iglesia que permanecerán durante la mayor parte de noviembre mientras los mantenemos en nuestras oraciones.

En el Trunk or Treat de ayer, la parte trasera del auto de Alondra estaba decorada como una hermosa ofrenda y estaba bellamente vestida para dar la bienvenida a los espíritus de sus seres queridos que han muerto.

Un par de niños pequeños que vinieron al Trunk or Treat también estaban vestidos como ella.

Mientras nos dirigimos a las festividades del fin de semana esta semana, mantengamos en nuestros pensamientos a nuestros santos y a nuestros seres queridos que han muerto.

¡Que ellos nos recuerden que vivamos cada día, haciendo brillar la luz de Cristo a través de nuestras vidas!

¡Bendiciones de hacer brillar la Luz de Cristo!

Persevere, Persistence and Always

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 01:46:58 GMT

Be Blessed Through Persistent Prayer

Yesterday I saw a child hitting his mom’s arm, saying, “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom” over and over again.

The Mom had said once, “Just a minute, I’m talking to Mrs. Smith right now.”

The child didn’t stop, just persisted, hitting their Mom’s arm saying, “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom.”

The Mom apologized to Mrs. Smith, saying she needed to see what her child wanted.

Today I sat and read this coming Sunday’s Mass Readings.

Once again, God shows me how His teachings are all around us in everyday life.

In the First Reading from Exodus, Moses must persevere in keeping his arms raised, holding the staff of God for a long period of time.

As he did, the Israelites won the battle they were in. If he rested his arms, they began to lose.

In the Second Reading from 2 Timothy, Saint Paul reminds us of the importance of Scripture.

We must read it regularly, trusting that it is inspired by God and that it teaches and guides us through life.

Be persistent in proclaiming the Word.

And in the Gospel…

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. Luke 18:1

I’m sure parents must get a bit bothered by their children hitting them, saying Mom or Dad over and over until they get their attention, but what an example of how God wants us to pray.

Persevere in trusting God.

Praise God.

Read the Bible –start with the upcoming Sunday or daily Mass Readings.

Be persistent in talking with God.

Let’s make sure that when Jesus comes again, He finds faith in us.

Be blessed through persistent prayer!

Thank You Jesus!

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 23:53:13 GMT

Blessings of Gratitude

Dads and Moms out there, what are the two things you constantly remind your kids to say?

Please and thank you.

Yesterday morning was our first round of Sunday family Faith Formation Sessions.

I am a Catechist for a Group of families.

I had asked all the children in my group to come up so I could give them their Eucharist, Year 2 folder.

On their own, they formed a line, and a few of them looked me in the eyes and said, “Thank you” as they took their folder.

At the end of our Session, a few of the kids and parents thanked me before leaving.

I appreciated the appreciation.

Thinking about it now makes me smile.

…and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. Luke 17:16

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, we will hear the story of Jesus healing ten people with leprosy and only one comes back to thank Him.

Wow.

The thank yous I got yesterday were still bringing smiles to me today, then I sit and read this Gospel… Interesting God-incidence!

Like you Dads and Moms remind your kids, let’s make a point to thank people this week.

And like Jesus reminds us in the Gospel, let’s recognize all the blessings He gives us and thank Him this week.

Blessings of gratitude!

So Should It Be With You

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:12:09 GMT

Is Your Faith Moving You to Serve?

For the past three weeks a volunteer was hard a work preparing lots of things for our First Reconciliation Retreat, our make-up First Reconciliation Retreat, and our A Holy Family Retreat.

At all three of those family retreats, several volunteer Catechists prepared and came to serve the families that came.

Yesterday a staff member came on her day off to help serve our families.

I watched all these volunteers do this joyfully.

I also saw the hope these volunteers have for our families, hope that through all they were doing our families could encounter Christ.

Every morning after I wake up, I make the Sign of the Cross, praying Thank You God the Father, thank You Son, and thank You Holy Spirit.

Then as I think about the day before, I tell God specific things I am thankful for.

This morning, I thanked God for all these volunteers I get to serve with who showed me how not only do they have hearts of faith, but how their faith moves them to serve God by serving our families in Faith Formation.

Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'

Luke 17:9-10

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel, I hear Jesus reminding us that our faith is so much more than doing what God commands us to do.

I hear Jesus pointing me again to what I witnessed our volunteers doing this past month.

Yes, follow God’s commandments in living our faith, but there is so much more.

Is our faith moving us to joyfully care for and serve others?

Extend mercy?

Love?

Blessings of faith that moves you to serve!

Compete Well for the Faith

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:59:38 GMT

How Am I Doing?

I was at a Mass at the Cathedral in L.A. over the weekend.

As I walked towards the exit of the Cathedral, I passed by an alcove with large images of Saint Carlo Acutis, Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio and Saint Maria Goretti hanging on the wall.

These are three teen saints.

Their images struck me.

I stopped and walked into the alcove to see that a holy Relic of each of them was in a glass case under their image.

I know each of their stories.

Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio and Saint Maria Goretti suffered violence and death at the hands of others. Both showed nothing but love for Jesus as they died, even forgiving their killers.

Saint Carlo Acutis suffered and died of cancer, never complaining, but rather continued to encourage all to love Jesus in the Eucharist.

But you, person of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called… 1 Timothy 6:11-12a

In this coming Sunday’s Second Reading, Saint Paul’s words describe those three saints well.

In the First Reading and the Gospel, we are going to hear stories of what happened to people who didn’t live in a way to honor God and care for each other.

As I looked at those three saints and thought about their stories, I was humbled by how I am doing in living a life that honors God and shows care for others.

Then now, as I read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and prayed, asking Jesus what to write to you, I was humbled again by how I am doing in living a life that honors God and shows care for others.

I am a person of God. I want to do better in pursuing righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. I want to live my faith well. I want to be with Jesus in our Eternal Home, Heaven, when I die.

As I left that alcove in the Cathedral, I whispered a humble request to those three saints to pray for me.

As I write this to you, I offer a humble prayer to Jesus asking His blessing of grace upon all of us to “compete well for the faith.”

Blessings to you!

Celebrating a Blessing

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:01:19 GMT

They Pray for You, Work to Prepare, Come Excited...

Always be ready to give an explanation...for a reason for your hope. 1 Peter 3:15

CATECHETICAL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2025

Fifty.

That’s the number of people who are volunteering as Catechists and helpers in Elementary and Adult Faith Formation right now.

They pray for you.

They work to prepare their sessions with your family.

They come, excited to support you in growing in your relationship with Jesus and His Church as they lead your sessions.

None of them have children in Faith Formation. They want to serve as disciples of Jesus, and this is how they are doing it…supporting families in growing in faith.

What a blessing they are!

Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

This greeting from Saint Paul in this coming Sunday’s Second Reading is my prayer for those 50 people who are caring for so many in Faith Formation.

This Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Mass, all our Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Catechists and volunteers will be commissioned and blessed.

Come, lift our Catechists and volunteers in prayer and celebrate them and all they do for you and your family!

Blessings to you!

The Sacred Reminder of John 3:16

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:43:16 GMT

Blessings of the Cross

There was this highly educated, respected, older man who was what was called a Pharisee during Jesus’ time named Nicodemus. He was also part of the Jewish ruling council called the Sanhedrin.

Do those words sound a bit familiar – Pharisee and Sanhedrin?

We hear them a lot during Holy Week.

Most of these men had a big role in Jesus begin condemned to die.

Nicodemus secretly went to Jesus to learn from Him.

He asked Jesus sincere questions, wanting to understand more about what Jesus was teaching about God’s love.

After Jesus died on the cross, Nicodemus helped with caring for His body for burial, which took courage and showed his belief in Jesus.

Back when I was a Youth Minister, I got to know a boy named Jason who is now a married man enjoying his first child, a son he named Nicodemus after this brave man of faith.

Jason and his little baby boy came to mind as I read this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading.

Jesus said to Nicodemus…
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:13a,16-17

We will hear the famous John 3:16 at Mass this weekend – part of Jesus’ answer to one of Nicodemus’ questions.

Jesus will reveal God’s ultimate, unconditional, eternal love for us through being raised up on a cross, giving His life for you, me, and every human being on Earth.

For us Catholics, the horrific tool of a tortuous death, the cross has become a sacred sacramental.

It is a sacred reminder of the sacrifice God made of His Son Jesus for us.

As we prepare to honor the cross this weekend, let’s make a point to look at a cross each day this week.

Let’s see what pondering for a minute each day the sacrifice Jesus made for us by looking at a cross does…maybe, like Nicodemus, we will seek to know Jesus more.

Blessings of the Cross!

Blessings of Fanning the Flame

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 03:53:28 GMT

Jesus Wants Each of Us To Be Ablaze

Two weeks ago, as I packed for vacation, I wanted to bring books.

I love reading and used to do it all the time. Then life got busier and busier. I stopped reading almost completely. I read books I have to read for my work or for classes I take. So, what books shall I bring?

I had been reading The Rocking Chair Prophet by Mattew Kelly.

I brought that one.

I have books that belonged to one of my grandmothers that I asked to have when she died. It’s been years now and I’ve never read them.

Which one though?

I asked Jesus to let me grab the one He wanted me to read, then just let my hand fall on one and took it.

Such Love is Seldom is the title. Its copyright date is 1950.

It is a biography of Mother Mary Walsh, O.P.

The rediscovery of sitting and reading was amazing.

The Rocking Chair Prophet was very good. After I finished reading it, I put it on the shelf of books in the VRBO place I was staying in with a prayer that someone would discover it while on their vacation and read it. (Right next to all the romance novels!)

I’m 100 pages into Such Love is Seldom and find myself so inspired by this holy lady. Sister Mary’s personal relationship with Jesus enabled her to persevere through so much.

She kept her focus on Him, accepting suffering by feeling honored to connect it to Jesus carrying the cross and being crucified.

She prayed, “Thy will be done” surrendering herself to Jesus’ care all the time.

Sister Mary worked to care for the sick poor of New York in amazing ways.

I look forward to finishing the book.

Both books have fanned the flames of the Fire of the Holy Spirit in me!

I just read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and look at the first sentence of the Gospel:

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! Luke 12:49

Jesus wants each of us to be ablaze with the Fire of the Holy Spirit.

Think about fire, literally.

It’s hot, not lukewarm.

It’s bright.

It causes you to move.

Like The Rocking Chair Prophet book story described, I want to be fully present in each moment and really live life, not just survive the busyness of it.

And like Sister Mary in Such Love is Seldom , I want to persevere in all God calls me to do by keeping close to Him and lovingly praying, “Thy will be done.”

I hope you experience a book, a song, or an encounter with a person this week that fans the Fire of the Holy Spirit within you.

Blessings of fanning the flame!

SAVE THE DATE!

Did you know that God has given each of us specific charisms?

Do you know what yours are?

Called & Gifted is coming September 6 ^th & 7 ^th !

Don’t miss out on this experience to discover the charisms God gives each of us and what your specific ones are.

Are You Ready?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:16:02 GMT

Jesus Says We Must Be Prepared

“This is very serious. You can have a massive stroke and die at any moment.”

Those were the words I heard just about a month ago at a doctor’s office.

My blood pressure was dangerously high.

It took about 48 hours to bring it down.

48 hours of shock and fear.

You can have a massive stroke and die at any moment...

My mind was flooded with thoughts during those 48 hours of my possible death. (For the record, this doesn’t help the blood pressure go down.)

I’m not ready to die.

I need to tell people how much I love and appreciate them.

I need to talk with a priest and go to Reconciliation.

I need to update my funeral plans.

What about all my things?

I need to make lists of what to do with all my things.

All the last conversations I had with people…that’s it? I didn’t know!

You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. Luke 12:40

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about being vigilant in our readiness to meet Him.

Are we prepared?

Jesus says it will happen when we don’t expect it.

I was not prepared at all to hear I could have a stroke and die.

I am better now, but this reminder to be prepared to meet Jesus has me thinking again…

Blessings to you!

Pray. Seek. Knock. Ask.

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 22:46:23 GMT

He Wants Us to Persistently Come to Him

“I have no idea how I am able to juggle everything right now.”

That is what a mom said to me a few days ago as I listened to her about all that is going on in her life. A family member’s health crisis, a new boss at her job making lots of changes for her, three kids 9 and under home for the summer, and her husband unexpectedly getting laid off from his job.

“I have no idea how I am able to juggle everything right now.”

She said that as a matter of fact, not in desperation.

Then she asked if it was OK that she’d be a few minutes late picking up her kids from VBS Summer Camp because she wanted to stop in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the church first.

Then I knew how she was able to juggle everything.

Jesus…she was going to stop and visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel, a person asks Jesus how to pray.

Jesus teaches them to pray using the words of the Our Father, then He tells them to just ask God your questions and go to Him for your needs.

Seek God in prayer from your heart.

Be persistent in “knocking” on God’s door.

Parents and guardians, you know what it’s like when a child wants something from you, right?!

Asking for what they want over and over. Tapping you or tugging on your clothes. Coming up with all sorts of reasons why you need to give whatever it is to them.

God is our Father.

He loves us deeply.

He wants us to persistently come to Him.

Jesus is waiting for us in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the church everyday and all day.

Be blessed through seeking God!

Only One Thing We Need

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:57:45 GMT

Our True North

Glow in the dark glue, four hand towels, AA batteries, glow sticks, and four large pieces of butcher paper – that’s all I need.

This was my thought as I drove out of the church parking lot on Saturday evening.

Yup, it’s VBS Summer Camp week!

I’m getting to know the people who work at the Dollar Tree and Michael's by name.

This morning was day 1 of TRUE NORTH, Trusting in Jesus in a Wild World VBS Summer Camp. The TRUE NORTH Team worked hard to transform the Youth Center to look like Alaska. Over 20 youth and adults are leading Stations and Crews of 42 kids through each day.

It’s awesome!

After this very energetic and busy first day, it felt very good to come to my desk and sit down to read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and write to you.

Our VBS Summer Camp theme leads us to remember who our TRUE NORTH is…Jesus.

We are being reminded daily to trust Jesus through songs, Bible stories and activities.

The kids come from 9 a.m. to noon today through Friday, spending time with Jesus and each other.

This coming Sunday’s Gospel story is when Jesus is welcomed into Mary and Martha’s home. Martha gets a bit upset because she is doing all sorts of work while Mary sits listening to Jesus.

There is need of only one thing. Luke 10:42a

Jesus tells Martha there is only one thing we need…Him.

Hearing the kids answer the question, why do you trust Jesus was profound.

Seeing the kids sing and dance to a song, Let’s Trust in Jesus without holding back is inspiring.

Witnessing the youth and adults presenting Stations and leading Crews fills me with hope.

We are living what Jesus reminds us in that Gospel story each day we spend with Him at VBS Summer Camp – He is the one thing we need.

Jesus is our TRUE NORTH, and we are trusting Him in this wild world!

Please keep us all in your prayers and know that we are praying for you, our parish family.

Be blessed through time with Jesus!

Heeding the Voice of God

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:31:11 GMT

Simple Wisdom for Us

Change. It is one of the constants in life, there will always be change. It’s tough for me.

We just went through graduation and culmination season.

We have said farewell and blessings to Father Mike and Father Riz and are welcoming Father Henry and Father Paolo.

A friend is making plans to sell a family home of over 50 years.

Change. It is one of the constants in life, there will always be change. It’s tough for me.

A few weeks back on a daily calendar I have at home said, “God will always meet you where you are and will take you where you need to be.”

I think through these words Jesus is helping me look at change a bit differently.

This morning, I sat and read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and prayed about writing to you.

Jesus is giving more wisdom to us on moving through change!

Moses said to the people: "If only you would heed the voice of the LORD, your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the law, when you return to the LORD, your God, with all your heart and all your soul.
"For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky, that you should say, 'Who will go up in the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?'
Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?'
No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out." Deuteronomy 30:10-14

This is Reading 1 for Mass this weekend.

What simple wisdom for us.

Listen to and trust in the voice of God in our life.

Live the way He has taught us to live, loving Him and each other.

Return to God with all our heart, mind, and soul in all things – at home, work, school, in every relationship, and in our thoughts and conversations about what is happening in our nation and around the world.

We know this.

We simply need to live this in our own lives.

Change can be God meeting us where we are and taking us where we need to be when we live this.

Blessings of Heeding the Voice of God!

You Are Sent ...

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:13:00 GMT

Share God Moments

July 2, 2025

I am late in sitting and writing to you. The work that I have been busy doing has kept you on my mind and in my heart.

Some of you have come into the Faith Formation Office to register your children for VBS Summer Camp or to register your family for the coming 2025-2026 season of Faith Formation.

Catechists have stopped by to talk about the coming season.

It is always great to see and talk with you all!

We had our third VBS Team Huddle last night and I left on such a high. It is so awesome to work with such great youth and adults and get excited about a great week of fun ahead.

The news of all that is happening in our state and in our nation can leave us feeling down and even hopeless. It is so important not to focus on all the negative.

I choose to focus on God Moments.

Beautiful sunny days ending with a cool breeze in the evening.

A bird nest on my balcony with four eggs that have hatched.

Hitting “Submit” on a 10-page paper for a class.

Working with energy filled, eager to help people on VBS Summer Camp.

The smiles on the faces of our two new priests.

Singing at the top of my lungs to a good song on the radio on my drive to work.

(Please let the song bring you some joy too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hefLdjeclSs&list=RDhefLdjeclSs&start_radio=1 )

Those are some of my God Moments this past week.

What are yours?

This coming Sunday Jesus sends out 72 disciples in pairs to go out before Him and spend time with people.

Bring them healing.

Bring them peace.

Eat a meal with them.

Those are God Moments Jesus wants to send us out to share as well.

…and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.' Luke 10:9

At the end of Jesus’ instructions to the disciples before they go out, He says that verse. Tell them ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’

That simply means tell people they are not alone.

Tell people God is with you and He loves you.

What family member or friend needs you to bring them a God Moment?

Yes, we are in difficult times, but we can focus on Jesus and His love for us – that love that gives us a joy nothing can take away…that’s who I praise!

Blessings of God Moments!

Do Something.

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:35:48 GMT

Saints Peter And Paul Pray For Us

June 23, 2025

Do something.

A priest for 45 years. That is something to celebrate, and on Saturday we did.

About 400 people came to celebrate Father Riz – his birthday was June 19 ^th , his 45 ^th ordination anniversary was June 21 ^st , and his retirement begins July 1 ^st .

Father Riz shared stories about wanting to become a priest as a child, inspired by the example his Mom and Dad gave him of loving God and serving people in need.

Throughout the day people shared memories with me about how Father Riz supported them or their family through care and prayer.

Do something.

A woman has been scared to leave her home for the last 4 weeks.

Yesterday a friend picked her up and brought her to Mass.

Tears filled her eyes as she was greeted at the door of the church with smiles and “Good morning!”

Do something.

This coming weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles.

What amazing courage these two men had.

They were people, like you and me. They encountered Jesus and grew in a relationship with Him, which guided them and gave them amazing courage to do all they did to build the early Church and serve the people of God.

At one point, the Apostle James was killed, and Saint Peter was arrested.

Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. Acts 12:5

Prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on Saint Peter’s behalf…

The Church is the people of God – you and me.

Fervently means with great intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, and vehemently.

Look at what is happening in parts of Southern California.

Look at what is happening in the Middle East.

Will we pray fervently?

Do something.

Both Saints Peter and Paul stood up for all people, knowing we all are children of God.

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed… 2 Timothy 4:17a

Saint Paul was imprisoned many times and suffered many trials as he worked to grow the early Church and care for God’s people.

He trusted in Jesus, giving him strength to persevere.

Each day this week I am asking them both to pray for each of us, that Jesus gives us His guidance and courage to do something.

Here is some inspiration and ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8

Blessings of courage!

We Are The Body Of Christ

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:34:26 GMT

"Jesus, Please Make Me More Like You."

The Body and Blood of Christ… this is what we will be celebrating this coming Sunday.

In Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he described us, the people of God as a body.

We are all connected, many different parts that do different things to make the body whole.

Every time we go to Mass we gather as that body, the people of God.

We listen to what God has to say to us through the readings and Gospel.

We respond through songs and prayers.

And we receive the Body and Blood of Christ – God loving us so much that He literally becomes a part of us as we receive the Eucharist.

We then can become more like Him.

I saw many parts of the Body, the people of God, hurting as I watched the news last week.

I felt shock.

I felt helpless.

I felt fear.

I felt deep concern.

On Saturday I went to Tapo Canyon and Alamo to peacefully and prayerfully stand for the parts of the Body, the people of God, that are hurting.

I waved a flag of the United States of America and kept praying.

There are so many issues in our nation and in the world, and I don’t have answers, but I do know that we are part of the Body of Christ, each and every one of us human beings.

And I do know that we especially need to keep ourselves close to Jesus, asking Him in prayer, “What do you want me to do or say?”

I also know we need to go to Mass and as we receive His Body and Blood, we need to pray, “Jesus, please make me more like You.”

"This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Blessings of mercy, peace and joy!

The Holy Trinity = Hope

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:15:09 GMT

The Unfailing Hope of God's Love for Us

Saturday night I was at the high school graduation party of my cousin’s son.

There were these fun little postcards with several sentences to complete for the graduate.

One sentence starter read, “Never forget___________________________”.

I wrote “God unconditionally loves you.”

God the Father…

Sunday morning on my drive in to work I was overwhelmed with joy as I listened to the song, I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. (Please click the link and listen!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNDEyxEMNp0&list=RDZNDEyxEMNp0&start_radio=1

I had the realization that I don’t have to just imagine about what it may be like when I die and am before Jesus, I can stand before Jesus any time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. So can you.

God the Son…

Sunday over 70 people received the Sacrament of Confirmation, 16 of which were adults. It was also Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit came, and the Church was born.

Through the Holy Spirit our Church continues to grow worldwide.

God the Holy Spirit…

…hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:5

This coming Sunday Saint Paul tells us in the Second Reading that hope does not disappoint.

Why?

Because the love of God has been given to us, literally, through Jesus.

The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with that love.

Our hope is that love.

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Let’s make the Sign of the Cross over ourselves as we head out the door each day this week and start each day with the unfailing hope of God’s love for us.

Blessings of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Come Holy Spirit, Show Me

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:55:46 GMT

Mighty Acts of God in Your Days

I am sitting here asking the Holy Spirit what I should write to you.

As I look back at last week, so many different things happened, both joyful and challenging things.

Listening to a parent about the abuse that happened to their child.

Witnessing the joy of two more families celebrating their children’s First Holy Communion.

Being flooded with memories at a farewell dinner for Father Riz and Father Mike.

Praying with families who have lost loved ones.

Running a Coke over to a fellow staff member to help with a terrible headache.

Working with a bunch of volunteers to clean one of the parish garages.

Picking up a friend from the airport.

…yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.

Acts 2:11b

This coming Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came to the disciples, filling them with the ability to proclaim all the mighty acts of God and His love.

I can hear through the Holy Spirit the mighty acts of God from last week.

Having childhood abuse in my own past, I needed to pray my way through listening to that parent. I felt the Holy Spirit surrounding both of us.

I swear you can hear Jesus laughing with joy as children receive Him for the first time!

Journeying in faith with Father Riz just over 6 years and with Father Mike 3 years, God has brought many blessings to me through both of them.

Praying with families at the funeral or memorial Mass of a loved one is a corporal work of mercy that is an honor to live. The peace and hope Jesus brings through His resurrection is very present.

Talking and laughing with a group of volunteers while working hard here at church makes me feel like I am part of caring for this house of God, Saint Peter Claver Church.

And picking someone up from the airport and listening to them talk about their trip – I heard Jesus telling me that He is that eager to listen to each of us talk about all that’s going on in our lives.

Let the Holy Spirit show you the mighty acts of God in your days.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you.

Easter Blessings of Hope

Tue, 27 May 2025 23:42:22 GMT

Blessed to Be Disciples... Pilgrims of Hope

Have you ever had one of those weeks where it feels like on Monday you blinked, then it was Friday?

I truly believe God did not intend for us human beings to be so busy all the time.

Did you know that as disciples (followers of Jesus) we need to be witnesses or examples for those around us – family, friends and to people out in the community?

We need to be gentle, kind, helpful, loving, joyful, merciful and forgiving.

We need to live our faith, not only while at church, but in our lives.

We need to smile.

We need to put down our smartphones.

We need to slow down and be present to people in front of us.

We need to pray, listening to God and talking with God daily.

We need to come to Mass and be strengthened by Jesus through the Eucharist and each other as a community of faith.

This coming Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven.

Right before the disciples saw Jesus ascend into Heaven, He did something.

Jesus blessed them.

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. Luke 24:50-51

Let’s try to remember as we work to juggle all the responsibilities that keep us so busy that Jesus blesses us too.

He knows exactly how busy we are and that we need His help to be caring and faithful disciples…as Pope Francis reminded us, to be pilgrims of hope.

Easter blessings of hope to you!

In Love We Will Come To Them

Mon, 19 May 2025 23:46:46 GMT

Recognize God Dwelling With You

Over 80 children celebrated their First Holy Communion this past weekend – wow! What a blessing for so many families!

I also went to a Mass celebrating the 60 ^th Wedding Anniversary of some friends Saturday morning – wow to 60 years married!

What a witness of love in life’s ups and downs, when it feels great and when it doesn’t feel so great.

As I witnessed these Sacraments this past weekend I could feel Jesus’ presence.

At all these celebrations people quieted down and focused for a bit on God’s Word as readings were proclaimed.

During the Sign of Peace, you could see love in people’s eyes as they exchanged hugs and handshakes.

And as families received Jesus in the Eucharist, then walked back to their seats, the look on their faces was holy.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our dwelling with them.” John 14:23

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading Jesus describes what I saw this past weekend in many of your children and families, and in my friends celebrating their 60 years of marriage.

You all are disciples, followers of Jesus and have grown and continue to grow as families in His love.

Helping your children celebrate their First Holy Communion.

Praying together as a family.

Bringing your family to Mass.

These are some of the ways you as disciples live in Jesus’ love and keep God’s Word.

Recognize that He comes to dwell with you in love!

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his inauguration Mass yesterday at Saint Peter’s Square – a historical celebration and blessing for the Church worldwide!

What a great weekend of God Moments to celebrate.

Even more Easter blessings of love to you!

Easter Blessings of Love

Mon, 12 May 2025 17:05:09 GMT

How They Know You Are A Disciple

This coming weekend we celebrate most of our children’s First Holy Communion at our Masses. We have been supporting their parents and guardians in preparing their children by helping the families know more about Jesus and His deep love for them.

I have been so honored to witness many God-moments along the way and some of you have shared your family’s God-moments with me.

What is a God-moment?

Hearing a child’s sincere prayer for their family, seeing the trust in God’s care for them in their face as they pray.

Witnessing parents and guardians experience the healing of the Sacrament of Reconciliation after their children do for the first time and seeing the joy on their faces.

Emails that tell me how much a family’s Catechist is appreciated and loved because of how they lead their sessions and care for their families.

Parents and guardians asking to become Lectors or Eucharistic Ministers at Mass, or to become a Catechist and help next season.

What God-moments fill my heart with is love, and not just any love. God’s love.

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

Jesus reminds us in this coming Sunday’s Gospel of how we can recognize a disciple of His – love for one another.

I see that all around Saint Peter Claver in our families.

I look forward to celebrating it as 88 of our children celebrate their First Holy Communion, receiving the ultimate love of God in the Eucharist for the first time!

Easter blessings of love!

Even in a Crowd, He New His Mom's Voice

Tue, 06 May 2025 22:06:18 GMT

Do We Know and Hear Jesus' Voice?

Sunday we had our First Holy Communion Retreat.

Somehow the team of Catechists and I lost a bit of control of the rotation of four large groups of families, and it got a bit crazy.

I looked over and saw a little boy had gotten separated from his parents.

I could see fear start to come into his eyes as he realized he was not near them.

I walked over to him asking if he had got separated from his parents and reassured him they were still here and we’d find them in a second.

It was a bit loud in the West Hall where we were standing with all the families there.

The boy looked up at me and said he just heard his mom call his name and started to move away from me.

I didn’t hear anything.

I kept my eyes on him to make sure he reunited with his parents, still not hearing anyone calling his name or seeing them.

Sure enough, he maneuvered his way through the crowd of families and into his parent’s arms.

Dads and moms, you know your child’s voice.

There could be many children around but when you hear your child call, “Mom!” or “Dad!” you know their voice.

Your kids know your voice, like the boy yesterday.

There can be lots of people around, but if you call your daughter or son’s name, they hear you.

That little boy and his parents brought this coming Sunday’s Gospel to life for me.

Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

Jesus knows every single one of our voices.

When we call out to Him, He hears and knows exactly who is calling Him.

Is the opposite true?

Do we know Jesus so well that we recognize His voice when He calls out to us?

Do we hear as He guides us in life and follow Him?

Sometimes all the “noise” of life gets loud for me and I think I can’t hear Jesus or I let other things get in the way of following Him.

I like the reminder that little boy gave me Sunday!

Many blessings to all mothers and Godmothers out there as we head to Mother’s Day!

May Mother Mary lift you all to her Son in her prayers.

Continued Easter blessings!

The Stories of the Early Church Inspire Me

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 01:22:24 GMT

We Make Many Choices Throughout The Day...

I just love the Easter Season and am glad it’s 10 days longer than the Season of Lent.

The stories of the early Church inspire me.

A couple of nights ago I flipped on the TV as I was folding and putting clothes away. This movie was on, and the scene was a man in an office meeting with the owner of the company he worked for.

The owner asked the man if he would consider a promotion to becoming a manager. The owner said if he did take the promotion, there would be one thing he needed the man to do. The owner needed the man to “fudge” the numbers a bit of production to make his company look good.

The man clarified, “Sir, are you asking me to lie about the numbers we are producing?”

The owner said yes and that it wasn’t really a terrible lie, just bumping the productions numbers up a bit for the good of the company.

The man asked if he could think about it and let the owner know the next day.

That night at home the man talked with his wife about what the owner offered and what he asked him to do.

He told his wife what the owner was asking him to do was to lie.

His wife said, almost crying, that they needed the raise he would get with the promotion so much.

They both looked sad.

The man had committed himself to God and living as a disciple of Jesus.

The next morning the man went to the owner’s office, sat down, and…

It may not be a situation like this one, but every day we have choices to make.

Will we choose to do or say things that we know Jesus wants us to do or say as one of His disciples?

Will we treat our family members with kindness?

Will we be helpful when opportunities to do so arise?

Are we a committed disciple of Jesus, living as He wants us to?

After Jesus rose from the dead and the Apostles worked to build the Church, this was a very real, important question.

In this coming Sunday’s First Reading at Mass, Peter and the Apostles, with great courage, state they must live as God wants them to live, not as people want.

But Peter and the apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than people.” Acts 5:29

That scene of the man meeting with the owner of the company he worked for, well, he was asked what he decided.

The man told the owner that he appreciated very much the offer of a promotion to manager, but that he could not accept because he could not lie about the production numbers.

He said he was committed to God and living as a disciple of Jesus.

What do you think the owner said?

He stood up and shook the man’s hand, smiling saying that this was a test of his integrity. Not only will he become a manager, but the raise would be even more.

Again, this isn’t necessarily something we will face, but I think that when we do make choices throughout our day to live as a disciple of Jesus, the blessings flow.

Easter blessings!

Easter Hope and Peace

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 01:56:48 GMT

A More Profound Easter Blessing...Hope and Peace

We are celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection and the life He brings us.

I hope we don’t miss the profound effect Jesus’ Resurrection can bring us at Easter.

This is not just a holiday where we decorate with bunnies and give baskets of candy.

Jesus is a person who was born because of God’s deep love for us.

He is a person who teaches us how to live in God’s love.

Jesus, holding fast to God’s love, gave His life up for us.

His death was a long, violent, and painful death, but His love for you and me was stronger.

Then Jesus rose from the dead, opening Heaven to us for eternal life.

That’s what we are celebrating.

Hope.

Peace.

That is what I found myself longing for.

I gave up all sweats and alcohol, needing Jesus’ help to get healthier.

I recommitted to praying Morning Prayer, needing Jesus’ help to keep my prayer disciplines as His disciple.

Those things are good, but what Jesus brought me during those 40 days was the realization that what I really long for is the hope and peace only He can bring.

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel Jesus’ apostles are together, still in shock and fear after Jesus was crucified and died. Jesus rose from the dead and He stands before them, even though the doors were locked, and says…

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20

Jesus continues to be present to us, bringing hope and peace.

I am blessed that through the 40 days of Lent, bad habits were broken, and good habits were rebuilt. But a more profound blessing is the Easter hope and peace that only Jesus can bring!

Easter blessings of hope and peace to you!

P.S. Don’t forget to bring your CRS RICE BOWL back! Thank you for sacrificing things for God during Lent, putting the money you’d spend into your CRS RICE BOWL to help those in need. Please bring them back to church on Sunday, April 27th.

Perfectly Human, Perfectly Divine

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:31:52 GMT

The Youth Asked, "Did Jesus Cry?"

We did it, we reached Holy Week.

Yesterday morning was the annual Palm Sunday Sonrise Hike with the youth.

We met at 5 a.m. and as pilgrims of hope, hiked up Mount McCoy to the huge white cross.

Youth, a child and a dad took turns carrying the large wooden cross from the Youth Center up and down the trail.

We stood up there, Heaven and Earth connected as the sun rose.

We prayed the Stations of the Cross together, then hiked back down.

Later in the day one of the kids that was on the Sonrise Hike told me that they really thought about all Jesus went through in a way they never had before. They asked me if Jesus cried, or no because He was God.

The second reading from the coming Good Friday service answers that question:

In the days when Christ was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Hebrews 5:7

Yes, Jesus felt pain and cried.

The pain of grief when His friend Lazarus died.

As we heard in yesterday’s Gospel and will hear again on Good Friday, the pain of terrible fear and anxiety the night before His arrest.

And horrible physical pain as He was whipped, as a crown of thorns was pushed into His head, as He carried the cross, and as He was crucified.

Yes, Jesus felt pain. He cried out with tears to God our Father.

During the Holy Triduum this week, which is Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, such profound blessings come through hearing the stories of Jesus.

So perfectly human, feeling anxiety, abandonment, betrayal, and physical pain. We can turn to Him in our pain and know that He really gets us and find comfort in that. We can be inspired by His trust in God’s grace in His moments of pain and do the same – cry out to God ourselves and trust in His gift of grace.

So perfectly divine, being unconditional mercy and love for each of us through His suffering and dying on the cross. Filling our souls with the hope of eternal life through His resurrection.

I hope you come to church on those three holy days this week and let the perfectly human and divine Son of God bless you.

Holy Week blessings!

LA Archdiocese's 7.5 Mile Pilgrimage of Hope

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:58:32 GMT

A Multitude of His Disciples Praised Aloud with Joy!

We are in the last days of Lent.

Next week is Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday.

This past Saturday I participated in a Pilgrimage of Hope the Archdiocese did. We walked over 7 miles, beginning at All Souls Church in Alhambra and ending at the Cathedral of the Angels in downtown L.A.

There were hundreds of us.

Some carried banners of the name of their parish or of images of saints. Some carried holy relics.

We prayed the Rosary out loud and we sang songs.

At a couple of points in the walk we were up on a hill and I could see the beginning of the people walking way in front of me and I could see the people at the end of the walk way behind me.

Knowing that Palm Sunday is coming, my mind began to imagine that this is what it must have been like when Jesus came into Jerusalem.

A huge crowd of people following Him joyfully through the street like we joyfully walked through the streets of Alhambra, East L.A., China Town and into downtown L.A.

People stood on their porch watching us go by and I’d say, “Good morning!” with a smile. Some waved with rosaries in their hands. Some honked as they drove by us.

I felt honored to walk the streets joyfully praying and praising God with hundreds of fellow Catholics.

As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. Luke 19:36-37

I think it’s an amazing experience when Gospel stories come to life like this one did this past Saturday.

Jesus and His disciples shared about God and His love and mercy out in the streets, talking with people.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem out on the streets with crowds joyfully praising Him.

How am I joyfully sharing about God, His love and mercy, and all the mighty things He has done?

With my family?

With my friends?

These last days of Lent let’s really focus on our love for Jesus and pray, fast, alms give, and by telling at least one family member and one friend about Him and His love for them.

Be a blessing!

I Continue My Pursuit

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 21:59:32 GMT

Blessings of Pursuing The Goal

One of my favorite Scripture verses is in this coming Sunday’s Second Reading at Mass.

…I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

I used to summit mountains.

I’d train and train, getting myself ready to make the climb to a summit and back down in a day hike.

I needed to drink lots of water and an electrolyte drink to keep my body hydrated.

I needed to eat the right type of food at the right time to keep my body fueled. I needed to pack my daypack wisely with food, water, layers, emergency supplies, sun protection and sometimes with snow and ice supplies.

I read books about mountain summiting and learned about being out there at high altitudes.

After all that work was done and the day came to hike up, my spirit soared! Many describe the mountains as God’s country, and I totally agree.

Sometimes on a mountain trail I could not see the summit as I hiked up, but I knew it was there, calling me.

That’s when Philippians 3:14 took on deep meaning for me.

God is calling me to keep the eyes of my heart, mind, and soul on the goal of His love – Jesus.

As I begin this fourth week of Lent, God is reminding me – don’t look back judgmentally on myself and how I’ve been doing the Lenten disciplines of praying, fasting, and almsgiving.

Keep going, pursuing those disciplines as I strive to grow closer to Jesus and to be ready for the new life He will bring me at Easter.

If the weather allows, I think some hiking is in order this week!

Blessings of pursuing the Goal!

Found...

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:00:22 GMT

... Out in Rancho Cucamonga!

A few weeks ago I received an invitation from our Sisters of the Sacred Heart to the Profession Mass for two Sisters. It was going to be held at Sacred Heart church out in Rancho Cucamonga.

My first reaction was, “Oh heck no am I driving out to Rancho Cucamonga!”

I love our Sisters of the Sacred Heart and one who was a Catechist here at Saint Peter Claver, Sister Claire was one of the nuns who was going to profess vows.

But Rancho Cucamonga – no.

Then a couple of young ladies from here asked me if I was going. They wanted to go.

Sure, I’ll drive us out to Rancho Cucamonga.

For two weeks I was grumbling about it – driving out so far and on a Saturday I had off. I don’t like driving, especially on freeways, and on a freeway out to San Bernardino County – yikes.

Well, the day came.

The two young ladies and I were in my car by 10:30 a.m. to get out there for the 1 p.m. Profession of Vows Mass.

There was bad traffic off and on, even on a Saturday morning, but the conversation in the car was good.

We eventually saw the snow-covered Mount Baldy and then Mount San Gorgonio. Years ago I summited those mountains several times and the good memories flooded my mind.

Once we reached the church we saw that there was a shopping center across the street, so we stopped and got cards and pretty plants for the two Sisters that were professing vows.

As we walked into the beautiful church we saw our Catechists, Sister Anna and

Sister Teresa, and other Sisters I know and exchanged excited hellos and hugs.

Then the Mass…wow!

I have been to a Profession of Vows Mass before, but this day was so moving for me. All the Sisters of the Sacred Heart who were present processed in together, sat together, and sang so beautifully together. After the homily, Sister Claire professed vows for two years, then Sister Vivian professed vows for forever.

As they said the words of their profession, I felt something in my heart.

I was sorry for all the selfish grumbling I was doing about the long drive and it being on a day off.

I thought, “Thank You God for the way this all turned out.”

My heart was filled with the love of Jesus and my eyes were filled with tears.

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading we will hear Jesus tell the story of the Prodigal Son. I can relate to this last verse:

“‘But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'" Luke 15:32

Life came to my heart this past weekend, and in driving out to Rancho Cucamonga I had been found.

Many blessings Sister Claire and Sister Vivian, and to the two young ladies who asked if I was going to that Profession Mass!

Blessings of being found to you!

He Is I AM

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:51:28 GMT

I AM Is Trying To Connect With Us Always

Saint Patrick’s Day blessings to you!

Sunday I excitedly shared shamrock stickers with kids at our Elementary Faith Formation Sessions.

I told the families how Saint Patrick wanted to tell people of Ireland about God and His love for them, and how he used the shamrock.

There is one God in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Look at the shamrock. There are three heart shaped leaves. God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who love you are represented.

How cool is it that God reveals who He is and His love for us in so many ways, including the shamrock!

And with incredible courage Saint Patrick told the stories of God and our faith to the people of Ireland, converting them all.

In this coming Sunday’s first reading we hear a familiar story of another man who bravely did God’s will, Moses.

God talks to Moses from a burning bush – actually, a bush on fire but that doesn’t burn.

After God tells him what He wants him to do, Moses asks God what His name is. Look at God’s answer:

God replied, “I am who am.” Then he added, “This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14

We have incredibly inspirational people in the history of our faith, like Moses and other women and men in the Bible, and like Saint Patrick and all the other saints. The stories of these people help us to know God and of His mercy and love for us.

During this second week of Lent, look and listen for God, who said He is I AM, who is always trying to connect with us.

A three-leaf clover?

The words of a song?

Apologizing to someone or accepting an apology?

I AM is trying to connect with us always.

This is a link to a song called “I Am” that I want to share with you…it’s one of my favorites! Right click on it to open in a new tab.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77SuukJEJ2Q

Blessings of connecting with God!

Taking Them Up A Mountain to Pray

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:17:38 GMT

Be Blessed By Jesus' Presence

The fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades were two months ago.

Just imagine what life must be like for those who lost everything or are displaced…

A good friend of mine is the school principal of a school that welcomed about 30 students who were from schools that the fire closed. He was telling me about a parent who told him that they have had to move 7 times so far since losing their home. Imagine…

Another parent shared her story of the trauma of that night, evacuating twice, and now suffering from terrible guilt because yes, her family is displaced, but their home didn’t burn down when all the others on their street did. Imagine…

Yesterday after work here, I drove out to help work on a retreat my friend did today for their 7 ^th and 8 ^th graders, several being the kids who just transferred in and are displaced from their homes.

We ended up working until 9 p.m.

This school is in Sierra Madre, at the base of Mount Wilson.

The night air was brisk as I walked up a hill to my car.

I looked up at the sky and could see hundreds of stars.

Straight in front of me was the huge black outline of Mount Wilson.

A verse from this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading came to my mind.

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. Luke 9:28b

Part of the retreat for those 7 ^th and 8 ^th graders today was to “take them up a mountain to pray with Jesus”. Not literally of course, but to enable them to have the time and space to simply be with Jesus, to know of His presence with them.

As I write this to you, I know the retreat is now over.

I pray that it went well for those kids.

I pray for all of you too.

From the crazy stress life can bring to fires – we all have something.

I pray that we hear Jesus’ invitation to “go up a mountain with Him to pray,” to simply be with Him and feel His loving presence.

Let's Let the Holy Spirit Lead

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 01:29:23 GMT

Instead of Making an Impossible Lent To Do List

February is over. March has begun. Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, and the Season of Lent will begin. Time is moving on!

On Wednesday we will receive ashes on our foreheads with the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Ashes remind us that our life has an end, that we need to ready ourselves to meet God. The Gospel reading this coming Sunday tells us the story of how Jesus spent the 40 days before He began His ministry.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-2a

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit from His Baptism at the river Jordan.

All who are Baptized, including you and me, are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Then it says He was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert for 40 days.

On Ash Wednesday the Holy Spirit will lead each of us into the 40 days of Lent.

And that Gospel verse ends with “to be tempted by the devil.”

We too are tempted by the devil and need to be aware of that so we can fight the temptations with the Holy Spirit’s help.

During the 40 days of Lent we focus on Praying, Fasting, and Almsgiving.

Did you know that it only takes 21 days to form a habit? Lent is 40 days, so think of the possibility!

This morning I found myself unexpectedly sitting and waiting, so I thought about all that I want to commit to doing for Lent.

I’m going to pray Morning and Evening Prayer every day.

I’m going to do an hour workout every day.

I’m going to fast from all sweets.

I’m going to fast from all alcohol.

I’m going to do creative things like crafts and drawing.

I’m going to summit one local mountain each week of Lent.

I’m going to read for an hour each day.

And I’m going to get back to learning and practicing the ukulele every day.

Good grief!

That is a list to set myself up for failure – the devil would love that!

For the next couple of days, I’m going to ask Jesus what He’d like me to do for Lent, then I’m going to listen.

Let’s let the Holy Spirit lead us into the 40 days of Lent.

Instead of making impossible Lent To Do Lists, or giving up things that won’t help us grow in our relationship with Jesus, let’s let the Holy Spirit lead us on this pilgrimage of Lent, which will end by bringing us new life in our relationship with Jesus at Easter.

Blessings of the Holy Spirit!

What is Stored in Your Heart?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 01:05:56 GMT

From the Fullness of the Heart the Mouth Speaks

This past weekend I participated in a gathering of over 7,000 Catholics at the Anaheim Convention Center.

It began on Thursday with Youth Day. Thousands of high school aged teens gathered, including a bus load from our parish, for workshops and a Mass in the full Arena with Archbishop Gomez.

Then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were the adult days. They began with morning praise, we then went to three workshops, and days ended with Mass.

Incredible music and beautiful decorations made the praise times and Masses even more moving.

My favorite part of the whole thing was the awesome feeling of being with thousands of Catholics from countries around the world and from around the United States.

The theme of the weekend was Called to Compassion .

I heard stories from people who have lost their home to fire.

I heard stories of a friend who took in a homeless mom and her 6 children.

I ran into priests I’ve worked with over the years and reconnected.

Running into people I haven’t seen in a while and connecting was so great.

I also had inspirational workshops, then great conversations about them with fellow Saint Peter Claver people that also went.

A good person out of the store of goodness in their heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

This coming Sunday’s Gospel reading ends with Jesus saying that verse as He is teaching His disciples.

We are His disciple, so He is teaching us too…

I spent 4 days at the Anaheim Convention Center listening to a lot of people and could hear in their words the goodness that must be in their hearts.

I am striving to carry that theme with me – Called to Compassion .

I hope that enables the goodness of God to grow in my heart and to be heard in the words I speak.

Blessings of goodness in your heart!

Whom Shall I Send?

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:23:28 GMT

What Do You Say When He Asks You?

What a beautiful few days we’ve had – no wind and temps in the low 70’s.

I hope you got to get out and enjoy it with your family or with friends.

Saturday morning I sat outside a bakery with a friend enjoying some yummy treats and a coffee.

Yesterday after all the Faith Formation Sessions I walked across the parking lot to clean up the Youth Center and walked slower on my way back enjoying the beautiful day.

Now I hear I get to look forward to a couple of rainy days this week – I love those too!

A long-time friend texted me asking how do you not be drowned by all the darkness in life and how do you maintain your faithfulness through all these years?

I texted back, let’s get together and I’ll tell you!

One of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit is Wonder and Awe.

Think about each of those two words, wonder…awe. Now connect them with encounters with God.

As I sat outside in the sun Saturday morning I could feel the wonder and awe of God in the beautiful morning sun and blue sky, and I could feel it through time with a good friend and the deep conversation we had.

As I walked across the parking lot yesterday, I could fee the wonder and awe of God again in the warm sun on my aching back, in the deep blue sky, and in the quiet after a very busy morning.

I will tell my longtime friend about how the Gift of Wonder and Awe helps me maintain my faithfulness.

This coming Sunday’s First Mass Reading ends with this verse:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"
"Here I am," I said; "send me!" Isaiah 6:8

I can hear the Lord asking through my friend’s text, “Whom shall I send? Who will go?”

We don’t have to go on a mission trip to hear and answer the Lord’s call to bring His love to others.

If we listen, we can hear that call all around us.

I say here I am Lord, help me to bring Your Love to those around me!

What do you say when He asks you whom He should send?

Blessings to you!

He Literally Gets Us

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 01:17:32 GMT

He Knows Exactly What It All Feels Like

Last Monday most of us were off from school or work because of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. He was a man who endured unimaginable racism.

In the past month I have gone to 5 funerals, feeling the deep sadness of families who are suffering the loss of a loved one.

There is something about our God to remember, especially during trying times that is so cool.

He loved us so much that He became one of us, human in every way.

Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Hebrews 2:18

Jesus endured unimaginable racism by the Romans.

Jesus felt the deep sadness of losing Joseph, who raised Him as a son, John the Baptist who was His cousin, and Lazarus, a friend who was like a brother.

Jesus not only knows about things we all go through in life, but He knows exactly how they feel.

Talking to Jesus in prayer can bring such hope, healing, and strength because He literally gets us.

This coming Sunday we celebrate The Presentation of the Lord.

As was the Jewish custom, after a certain period of time, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple to consecrate Him to the Lord.

That human little one, also God’s Son, who knows us so well…

Be blessed in that He really knows you!

Pure Joy

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:58:45 GMT

Pure Joy is Profoundly Powerful

This past Saturday morning, I sat in a barber’s chair across from a little boy.

His daddy brought him in, reassuring his son as he lifted him up into the chair.

The little boy must have been 4 or 5 years old.

As soon as his barber swung a cape around him the little boy scrunched his shoulders up tight and began giggling. The barber struggled to cut the boy’s hair because he kept squealing that it tickles, scrunching up his shoulders and tilting his head as he laughed. He looked so little in the big barber shop chair.

I enjoyed watching the little guy. He exuded pure joy.

It was 8 o’clock on a Saturday morning, so everyone else there were quiet and sleepy looking. Within 5 minutes of the boy being there all the sleepy faces were smiling, and a good energy filled the place.

Pure joy.

That is a profoundly powerful thing.

“…for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10b

That last verse from this coming Sunday’s First Reading made me think of that little boy, of his pure joy.

When I left the barber shop, I was smiling and felt happy.

I still had tough things weighing on my heart and there was still stress about things I needed to get done, but I was happy.

Just like the verse says, it felt like that bit of pure joy gave me strength.

Pure joy like that connects me with God.

It makes me smile.

It makes me grateful for God’s blessings.

It makes me rejoice in His love for me.

And yes, it gives me strength.

Today is holy too. Look for pure joy. Let it connect your thoughts to God.

Rejoice in God’s loving presence and let it give you strength.

You can find it in the words of the Bible, in the great Gift of Jesus at Mass, and in the pure joy that comes from a child.

Blessings of rejoicing in the Lord!

He Has The Words

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 03:16:56 GMT

I Feel Helpless...What Can I Do?

Since I wrote to you last Monday so much has happened… I have no words.

A phone call Tuesday night from a friend who was told to evacuate prompted me to turn on the news.

Fire.

Homes burning.

Evacuations.

On Wednesday a text from my aunt let me know my uncle is “actively dying” and to come. I drove to be with my uncle and family in Sylmar with a huge plume of smoke in front of me. There was another huge plume of smoke towards the Santa Monica Mountains to my right. All the signals were dark because the power was out.

It was so eerie.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were days filled with emotion as I watched the fires on the news, so concerned about friends who were evacuated.

I was also spending time with my uncle and family.

I felt guilty because I have power and a home.

I felt helpless, wanting to do something for people who have lost everything, and for my uncle and his family.

Today I read this coming Sunday’s readings and prayed, asking God to give me words to write to you.

Through the words of the Second Reading, I could feel God’s reassurance and hear His answer to the feeling of helplessness.

God is with us. He has filled us with His Holy Spirit. He has given each of us gifts to use to benefit others.

Let’s read this reading, pray for all who are suffering, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in making a difference by using the gifts He has given us:

Brothers and sisters:
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit;
to another, faith by the same Spirit;
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
to another, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Be a blessing!

Expectation and Hope

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 04:12:15 GMT

Let's Hope in the Lord and Expect His Presence

“We are expecting!”

A friend shared these happy words followed by lots of smiles and hugs.

A baby is coming.

“What expectations do you have of me?”

These words were asked of me by a coworker.

Specific work and work ethic needs to happen.

“I’m not expecting someone.”

We all think this when there is a knock at our door.

Expectation brings something specific after a wait, like a baby, things people expect us to do, or a visitor at our door.

I find I use the words expectation and hope in the wrong way.

Hope has the words feeling and desire in its definition.

It is not as black and white as expectation.

I was expecting my family Christmas gatherings to be perfect, loving, experiences. That can lead to disappointment.

I hope our family gatherings will be loving experiences in the future. There’s less disappointment.

With the two words of expectation and hope on my mind, I read this coming Sunday’s Gospel.

I noticed how it says the people were filled with expectation about Christ, the anointed one of God, coming.

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. Luke 3:15

They didn’t hope, they expected!

I can hear Jesus saying to me, and to you, “Don’t hope that I bless your New Year, expect it.”

This coming weekend, we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, which ends the Christmas Season.

Were you Baptized?

Yes? Hear Jesus’ call to expect His presence in your life as you live as His disciple.

No? Hear Jesus’ invitation to be Baptized as a Child of God.

Let’s hope in the Lord always, and expect His presence, love, and blessing.

Blessings of God-expectations!

"Where is the star?"

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 22:30:49 GMT

The Lord Does Shine Upon You!

Happy Monday Saint Peter Claver Family!

A little boy came up to a priest friend of mine after Mass on Christmas Eve and asked him, “Where is the star?”

The church has a large Nativity with Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, a couple of animals all in a large wooden crèche.

It is surrounded by tall Christmas trees full of white lights.

But as the little boy pointed out, there is no star.

The star is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas Story.

I love how God reveals Himself to us through things in nature.

God gave all peoples of the Earth the Gift of His Son.

Through the star, God led the wise men from far lands to come and honor the Christ Child, the Son of God.

Not too long ago three planets aligned in the night sky and it was talked about on the news of how it shined as bright as the Christmas Star must have shined.

It was seen all around the world.

God is constantly revealing His love to us still.

Rise up in splendor Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines… Isaiah 60:1-2

This coming Sunday’s First Reading at Mass starts with these two verses.

Take some time this week and pray with these Scripture verses, replacing the name Jerusalem with your own name.

Let God reveal Himself to you personally through these words, for your Light has come.

The Lord does shine upon you.

Continued Christmas blessings!

Being Like Mary

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:08:55 GMT

Keep All The Holy Moments Of Family In Your Heart

Eyes growing big as Christmas lights on the Christmas Tree and garland are turned on.

Squeals and giggles as they play.

Hearing “Wow!” as their faces are up against the car window as I drove past houses with lots of Christmas lights.

Cuddling under a blanket with popcorn while watching a movie.

Falling asleep on my couch.

I got to spend Saturday evening with my nephew and niece.

What a joy to spend time with them at my home, especially this time of year!

I keep smiling as I think about it.

Christmas is almost here.

I hope you can slow down and see the simple joy on the faces of the children around you.

I hope you can feel peace as you see their sleeping faces at night.

And I hope you feel the pure love in their hugs.

This coming Sunday, always the Sunday after Christmas, we celebrate the Holy Family.

Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child.

He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51

Like Mary, we can keep all the holy moments of family time together in our hearts.

Christmas blessings!

God Moments With Others

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:11:10 GMT

He Is Very Present In Our Joyful Moments With Each Other

I don’t know about you all, but at this time of year I end up getting together more with family and friends than I usually do.

Advent and Christmas time brings a different feel to these gatherings too.

This coming Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Look what Mary does in the Gospel reading:

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:39-40

She traveled to see Elizabeth and Zachariah at their home, which was far from her home.

Mary and Elizabeth were family.

They joyfully greeted each other and talked all about what God was doing in their lives.

The coming days before Christmas can be extremely busy.

I hope that we can find time to go and visit family and/or friends, joyfully greeting each other and talking about all that God is doing in our lives.

Remember Advent is about preparing for the coming celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas, preparing for Jesus’ second coming, AND recognizing Jesus’ presence with us now.

He is very present in our joyful moments with each other and as we talk about all the God moments in our lives now!

Blessings of God Moments!

I Shall Say It Again: Rejoice!

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:14:02 GMT

Recognize Christ's Presence in the Present Moment - You'll Find Joy!

Go! Go! Kick it in the goal!

My little 8-year-old niece plays soccer, and her team made it to second place, so they got to play in a tournament this past weekend. That was a first for her and she was so excited.

I went to several games and heard the parents joyfully cheering the girls on. (Well, most of the parents were joyful.)

Happy wedding anniversary!

My older brother and his wife celebrated their wedding anniversary this past weekend and as people arrived to celebrate, they’d joyfully greet them.

With the decision to stop keeping up on the news and shift my focus on the present moment I have been blessed to recognize all the simple joy around me.

Family, friends, even strangers at the store – there are joyful moments everywhere to experience.

I am grateful for the awakened awareness in me of the presence of simple, pure joy.

As we head towards the Third Sunday of Advent, my prayer for all of us is the words of Saint Paul in the Second Reading:

Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Advent reminds us to be aware of Christ’s presence with us now, each day.

Rejoice!

Be kind to each other.

Give Christ your worries and tell Him your needs.

Thank Him for your blessings.

Being in the present moment with Christ brings a joy and peace that endures. Rejoice!

Blessings of Joy!

Happy New Year!

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:09:45 GMT

Have You Made A New Year Spiritual Resolution?

Happy New Year!

No, I’m not confused, thinking it’s January 2 ^nd . Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, which begins the Liturgical New Year. We begin again the stories of our faith, the stories of God and His love for us.

So, what’s your spiritual new year’s resolution at the beginning of this new Liturgical Year?

At my First Reconciliation, Year 1 Session yesterday, I asked the families to tell me how they will love God.

Some children said they would pray, spend time talking with God.

Others said they wanted to go to Mass more. (Remember they need you parents/guardians to do that because the kids can’t drive.)

An adult said they would love God by helping others.

It’s a good question to ask ourselves as Advent begins and we celebrate a new Liturgical Year – how will you love God?

What’s your new Liturgical Year’s resolution?

In this coming Sunday’s Second Reading Saint Paul shows us that our love relationship with God is not one sided.

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

God has loved us since before we were born.

He began the good work of love in our lives from day one and continues that work of love within us until the end of our lives.

Read part of Saint Paul’s prayer for us that the Second Reading ends with:

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ… Philippians 1:9-10

It’s the season of Advent.

Let’s start it by making a commitment of growing in our love with God, not just until Christmas, but throughout this new Liturgical Year.

New Liturgical Year blessings to you!

Viva Cristo Rey!

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:07:24 GMT

Listen to Your King's Voice

This coming Sunday is one of my favorite church celebrations – Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

Have you seen the image of Christ the King as a Lion with a crown?

How about a blazing sun with a crown? And the crowns are gold with big jewels in them.

The interesting thing is that a true king is a humble servant of their people.

Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe shows us this.

He humbly walked from place to place, inviting people to follow Him.

Jesus taught about God’s love for us through stories that we can relate to, like the merciful, forgiving father in the Prodigal Son story.

Jesus always simply spoke truthfully, like when a woman was about to be stoned to death for her sin – He said the one who has never sinned before can throw the first stone, then when all dropped their stones and left Jesus said to her, go and sin no more.

He healed the people most in society don’t want to go near, most of the time touching them.

Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe sacrificed His life on the Cross for each one of us.

Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." John 18:37

It sometimes seems like it’s difficult to hear truth these days…simple truth.

See what Jesus reminds us in the last verse of this coming Sunday’s Gospel.

Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.

You can hear Him through loving words of those who care for you.

You can hear Him in a meaningful message through the words of a song.

You can hear Him if you make some space of quiet prayer in your busy day. You can hear Him in the readings and prayers at Mass.

Listen to your King’s voice of love for you…

Viva Cristo Rey!

Distressing Times

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:39:07 GMT

The Lord Gave Us A Great Guardian

Days, weeks, months, and years of negativity and unkindness in our nation has taken a toll on me, on many of us.

On top of being the day after the election, November 6 ^th came with an insane windstorm, knocking out power and bringing huge trees and fences down.

A wildfire took the homes of many of our neighbors in Camarillo and Moorpark.

For me it seemed like the crazy wind and fire outside matched the emotions I had inside.

As I write this to you, the sun has come up on Veteran’s Day.

It is calm and quiet outside.

This moment is calm and quiet inside me too.

I put my flag up and put on my t-shirt with a flag on it.

I got emotional thinking of all our nation’s veterans.

I sat and did Morning Prayer, getting emotional again as I lifted all our veterans to God in prayer.

May their minds be filled with Jesus’ peace. May their bodies feel His healing. May their hearts swell today with our love for them.

I prayed for the people of our nation and of the world too.

I asked God to help kindness, compassion, and most of all hope to rise up in all of us.

Then I read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings.

In those days, I Daniel, heard this word of the Lord: "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress... Daniel 12:1a

God knows many peoples of the world are in distressing times.

Again, He gives us Michael the Archangel to guard and protect us from evil.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection from the wickedness and snares of the devil.

Protect us from selfishness over the common good.

Protect us from unkind words and thoughts over knowing we are each created in God’s image.

Protect us from catastrophizing over hope.

And most of all, protect us from all that separates us from God’s love.

Saint Michael defend us!

The Sting of Death is Replaced by Hope

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:46:38 GMT

Remember...

Death.

I was honored to be with family surrounding a loved one as he died.

I was so disheartened to hear of a young friend’s death from cancer.

This past year death brought me sadness.

All Souls Day or Dia de los Muertos on November 2nd reminds me of the hope our faith brings.

Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him. Hebrews 9:27-28

Look what this coming Sunday’s Second Reading tells us.

We human beings die.

Our souls go before God for judgement.

Jesus gave His life to take away our sins and unite us with God eternally.

I have hope that I will be reunited with my loved ones in Heaven.

That takes some of the sting of death away and replaced it with hope.

Tonight at 6 p.m. is our annual Mass of Remembrance.

I will go and lift in prayer all my loved ones who have died.

I will thank Jesus for the hope His resurrection brings that shines light in the darkness of death. If death has brought you sadness too, I’d be honored if you join me at Mass to pray for them.

All are invited to remember during the whole month of November loved ones who have died through the All Souls Day envelopes available in the church. Once you write their names, put your offering in them, and give them to the Parish Office, the envelopes will be placed on the Altar for all Masses to honor and offer prayers.

Jesus conquered death.

Let that truth shine the light of hope.

Be blessed through hope!

Just Imagine If...

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 03:10:13 GMT

Love God, Others and Yourself

Trunk or Treat – what fun at our church yesterday afternoon!

Several families decorated their cars so creatively and happily passed out candies.

Many families came with children dressed up in great costumes including real life first responder heroes, superheroes, Disney characters, Harry Potter characters, scary characters, and some characters I didn’t recognize.

Father Mike and Father Riz came, and the Knights of Columbus BBQed hotdogs and hamburgers for all. Jessica and the youth hosted fun games in the Youth Center, made sure the cars in Trunk or Treat never ran out of candies, and ended the fun with a costume contest.

We were a community of people, together having good, family fun!

Earlier in the day I had witnessed people yelling at a person who had different political views.

It made my heart sad.

I wondered how we got to the point that some think it’s OK to be mean and yell at another because of differing views.

Experiencing the simple joy of Trunk or Treat was a blessing.

I just read this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading and God reminded me of something cool to remember right now…

"Which is the first of all the commandments?"
Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:28b-31

If we all can remember to love God, each other, and ourselves…just imagine if we all did this!

Be blessed through your love!

What do you want Me to do for you?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:06 GMT

He Really Wants to Hear Our Needs

A’s in all your children’s classes?

A raise at work?

Healing of a health issue?

Patience?

Success in exercising?

A home to call your own?

Reconciliation with someone?

A visit from a missed loved one?

That your children love themselves and be true to themselves?

A love filled marriage?

The joy of the Dodger’s winning the World Series?

As we pray, do we remember that Jesus is waiting for us to ask Him for what we need? Do we really believe this, that He loves us so deeply that He wants to hear whatever our needs and desires are?

Sometimes I think that there are so many huge, important problems and suffering in the world that I shouldn’t bother Jesus with my needs. That is not true.

Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Mark 10:51

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading a blind man was crying out to Jesus.

Jesus stops and asks him what he wants Him to do. Jesus asks us the same question.

The blind man answered Jesus.

Do I?

Do you?

Believe and be blessed!

He Really Knows!

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:29:38 GMT

Be blessed through Reconciliation!

Sin. Confession. Reconciliation.

These are words that humble me.

Last week my stress level was overwhelming.

I couldn’t sleep.

I skipped meals.

It’s too difficult to sit and pray.

And I skipped exercising.

As I interacted with people close to me, I could hear myself being inpatient with them and sometimes snapping at them.

A couple of times I lost my temper, crying and using words I shouldn’t – not out in public, at home.

Sunday and Monday I prayed, “Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything.”

Today I feel the weight of sin.

Thoughts of going to confession keep coming to my mind, which for me means Jesus is nudging me.

Going to confession gives me butterflies in my stomach, but then gives me peace.

I just read this coming Sunday’s readings and, once again, Jesus nudged me.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Jesus was fully human.

He really knows how I feel and think – He really understands me. Jesus didn’t sin, but He was human and lived as we do.

He felt stress, frustration, impatient, angry, and overwhelmed.

Who better can I confess to in Reconciliation?

Life can be very fast and busy, which can cause us to make choices that aren’t so good.

Like me, is Jesus nudging you to remember that He understands and is waiting to bring us His peace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Be blessed through Reconciliation!

Surrendering

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 01:41:30 GMT

Surrender and Holiness

First Class Relics – a piece of the body of a saint.

It’s tough to wrap my brain around this.

This past Saturday here at Saint Peter Claver I sat at a Relic Enshrinement Mass.

First Class Relics of Saint Peter Claver, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and Saint Faustina Kowalska were blessed and enshrined in the Children’s Liturgy Room of our church.

Bishop Slawomir talked in his homily at the Mass about being holy.

Each of those saints were holy people.

We are called to be holy people. The bishop described holy people.

I was sitting between a long-time friend who is also one of our Catechists and one of the people who worked to bring the First Class Relics to our parish and is also one of our Catechists.

As the bishop talked about holy people, I felt so blessed to be sitting between two people I see holiness in.

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." Mark 10:21

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading a young man asks Jesus what he needs to do to have eternal life. That verse above is Jesus’ answer.

First, Jesus looked at him and loved him.

Then Jesus told him that he needs to let everything go and give to the poor.

I believe that isn’t just about money and material things. It’s about surrendering to God’s will and acting on it.

The two people I sat between at that Mass do that all the time.

As I stood in front of the Relics, I asked those saints to pray for me and all of you as we strive to surrender ourselves to God and live holy lives.

Be Blessed Through Surrendering to God!

You Are Not Alone

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:17:38 GMT

You are not alone, God sees you.

I got knocked down with a cold.

Yesterday and today I have been home sick.

I live alone.

Today I am feeling very lonely. That is a feeling I feel often.

My energy is slowing coming back, so I fired up my computer and read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings so that I could write this to you.

Look at this very first line of the first Reading:

The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18a

Wow. Thank you for always caring for us God.

The person that gets up very early, works all day, then gets home late – you are not alone, God sees you.

The parents that are making meals, doing laundry, driving kids to all the places they need to be – you are not alone, God sees you.

Grandparents that are caring for their grandchildren while their parents work – you are not alone, God sees you.

Priests that celebrate morning Mass, go to hospitals to anoint and pray with people, have appointments and meetings – you are not alone, God sees you.

Children going to school, who worry about their parents, who have lots of energy – you are not alone, God sees you.

Our God loves and sees each and every one of us. He knows it is not good for us to be alone.

Let’s make sure we are slowing down enough to really see those around us, remembering that we can be God’s care for others through our words and actions.

Blessings of God seeing you!

Making Decisions and Voting

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:15:50 GMT

Pray Our Way Through This Political Season

Political ads fill our mailboxes.

Political commercials interrupt our shows.

Candidates for President and Vice President are out on the campaign trail.

Political rhetoric is filling social media.

Someone was telling me yesterday about their sincere concern in making decisions that God would want them to make in voting.

Look what wisdom is coming to us in this coming Sunday’s second Mass reading:

Beloved: Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.

James 3:16-17

If our minds and hearts are open to Him, God really does guide us in our decision making.

Let’s remember to pray our way through this political season.

Blessings of God's guidance!

How Would Your Family, Friends, or Coworkers Describe You?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 23:56:31 GMT

Knowing Who Jesus is Helps Me Know Who I Am

If I asked a friend of yours to describe you, what do you think they would say?

If you are a parent and I asked your child to describe you, what do you think they would say?

If you work and I asked one of your coworkers to describe you, what do you think they would say?

A friend of mine recently told me who I am in their eyes.

I was humbled by the good things they saw in me.

Yesterday a coworker described who I am in their eyes.

What she said gave me strength to persevere through the anxiety I was feeling.

I just read this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading and Jesus asks us that question.

And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Mark 8:29

My answer is Jesus is the Son of God.

He loves me and you unconditionally and wants nothing but the best for us.

Jesus is with us each moment of our day and night.

He wants to grow in a relationship with us, so I talk with Him all the time.

He is kind, compassionate, forgiving, and supportive. Jesus is patient with me.

I am a disciple of Jesus, striving to follow Him in my life.

I like to help people feel His love.

Jesus brings me true peace and joy.

Knowing who Jesus is helps me know who I am.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Blessings of knowing Him!

Rich in Faith

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 20:44:39 GMT

I Don't Understand the Why But Am Glad for the Faith in the Who

Right now, administrative work equals lots of paperwork, seeing names on registration forms and Baptism certificates.

This season we went digital with our registration process, which means I meet even less of you as you register. I miss seeing the faces that go with the names on the forms.

Friday morning I went to the funeral of a friend who died of cancer at the young age of 52. At the end of the Mass her father gave a eulogy, standing behind a large picture of her beautifully smiling.

I found myself asking from my heart that question with no answer – why?

I came to work after the funeral and later that afternoon a mom came to register her son, who was with her. I got to see the faces to the names on the form…we began to chat.

Her husband died of cancer 3 months ago, leaving her and their two sons.

He was diagnosed at stage 4 and had months to live. She told me how her husband talked with her and their two sons during those months.

Be strong. Know that he was close with God and was happy. Have faith. Don’t ask why but move forward.

She said they were blessed to be able to have that time with him and to say goodbye.

Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? James 2:5

The verse from this coming Sunday’s Second Reading makes me think of that family and my friend’s family. The two with cancer were poor in health but were so rich in faith. They both knew they were heirs of the kingdom God promises those who love Him – new life with Him in Heaven.

I don’t understand the why but am so glad for faith in the Who – Jesus who brings new life.

Blessings of being rich in faith!

Smash and Grab...How is this OK?

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 20:37:11 GMT

Jesus Answers My How's and Why's

Smash and grab.

How does that phrase make you feel? What does it make you think?

A few months back I was in a jewelry store in a mall to get batteries replaced in a couple of watches. The gentleman said it would only take him about 10 minutes, so I waited.

Two masked guys came in and smashed the glass of a display to steal the jewelry.

The gentleman who was working on my watches came around the counter yelling at them and a terrible fight happened. One of the robbers had a knife.

It was very frightening.

The gentleman ended up with a concussion, torn rotator cuff requiring shoulder surgery, and cuts and bruises.

The two committing the crime were arrested – neither one looked over the age of 20.

This past weekend I had to go to the same mall to pick something up.

I felt fear.

I thought about the two young men who did that.

How did they get to the point that they thought it was OK to commit a crime like that? To beat another human being like that?

I though about the people who videoed it on their smartphones, some smiling as they did so.

How did crime and seeing people hurt become entertaining?

"From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile." Mark 7:21-23

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading Jesus tells me the answer to my how’s and why’s.

Some people lose goodness, decency, integrity, honestly, kindness, and truth in their thoughts and in their hearts. Maybe even any concept of God as well.

Then evil words and actions happen.

Lord, I lift those two young men who committed that crime to You in prayer.

I lift the people who laughed while videoing it to You in prayer.

And Lord, I humbly lift myself to You in prayer and ask you to forgive me for the negative thoughts I sometimes have.

Please fill all our minds and hearts with Your peace, goodness, and love.

Blessings to you!

I Seem To Learn Things The Hard Way

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:36:56 GMT

...not as foolish persons but as wise...

I seem to learn things the hard way. I must say that sentence at least once a week.

We have a new part time Administrative Assistant in the Faith Formation Office, so I am training her on things and said it.

I seem to learn things the hard way.

One I learn over and over the hard way is how to manage my stress and anxiety.

I find myself thinking, oh, I don’t have time today to do Morning Prayer.

I don’t have time to work out.

I don’t have time to take a dinner break.

Then I’m overwhelmed with stress! Lord, help me.

Brothers and sisters: Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity… Ephesians 5:15-16

I appreciate this gentle reminder through these words of Saint Paul of how to live- not foolishly letting go of all that is good for me, but wisely doing the things I know will ease stress and help me to thrive.

As you families are making the transition of kids going back to school, let God give you your gentle reminder through these words.

Blessings of living wisely!

Really Believing Jesus is the Bread of Life

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:47:35 GMT

They Believe and Find Comfort in Eternal Life to Come

Last week I learned that my uncle is dying of stomach cancer.

Last week I made a video of myself giving a message of love and prayers to a friend who’s my age who is also dying of cancer.

Both of these people in my life are people who believe Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Sunday my uncle’s family had a gathering of family and friends to celebrate him, which began with Mass and Anointing of the Sick for him and my aunt.

My friend has reassured her family that she is close with Jesus and Mary and knows God is caring for her.

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.

John 6:47-48

Reading this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading with my uncle and my friend on my mind brings me peace.

They both believe that Jesus is the Bread of Life.

They both want to keep themselves close to Him and receive Him in the Eucharist as long as they are physically able.

They find comfort in the eternal life with Him to come.

Let’s talk with Jesus and keep ourselves close to Him too. When we receive Communion at Mass this coming weekend, let’s show we believe we are receiving Jesus, the Bread of Life by looking the person giving us the host in the eyes and saying a strong, “Amen.”

Blessings of Jesus to you!

Jesus I Surrender to You

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 03:59:51 GMT

Take Care of Everything

Eating healthy.

Getting to sleep early and getting up early.

Reading a book.

Doing great outdoor activities (or whatever you enjoy doing).

Not rushing through Morning Prayer (or whatever daily prayer you prefer).

Greeting everyone by looking them in the eyes and smiling.

Time off.

Those are some of the blessings that come to me with time off.

I have all sorts of good intentions of keeping those blessings once I am back to the busyness of work.

Will I succeed?

Usually, little by little, it seems most of those blessings get replaced with stressful, fast paced days.

But I again am going to try to do things differently or intentionally – that’s my intent right now.

So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, people were looking for Jesus and asked Him questions. They wanted to believe and live close to God.

Jesus told them that God gives Bread from Heaven that gives us life.

Look at the verse above of what they said – give us this bread always, then Jesus tells them He is the life-giving Bread .

As I jump back into the busyness of my life, with all my desire to keep the blessings of time off, I can hear Jesus in the words of this Gospel telling us that He is all the blessing we need.

Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

Take care of everything.

Blessings of Jesus to you!

Simply Profound Truths About God

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 23:43:40 GMT

Diving Into Friendship With God

SCUBA ~ Diving into Friendship with God , that’s the theme of VBS Summer Camp for this week here at Saint Peter Claver.

I have been reading through 5 days’ worth of skits, songs, games, and all sorts of fun things with that theme this past week.

It seems to me that growing in a friendship with God through skits, songs, games and things is something that would be great for adults too!

Each day has a simple message:

God is a friend who’s real.

God is a friend who loves.

God is a friend we can trust.

God is a friend forever.

God is a friend for everyone.

What simple, yet if we really take them to heart, profound truths about God.

He chose each person on this planet to be His friend – even more, His daughter or son.

Maybe you too can reflect on one of those 5 messages each day this week, and when you hear in the Second Reading at Mass this coming Sunday the Scripture verse below, you’ll really feel the joy of those words of praise.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. Ephesians 1:3-4

Blessings of friendship with God!

Perfect in Weakness

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:00:00 GMT

It's Quite the Opposite

This past week, several people that I care for let me know that they are suffering in some way.

I am an empathetic person, meaning I tend to really feel the feelings of others around me. My heart was heavy for my friends and family who are suffering.

To help bring Jesus’ care to one of them, I suggested praying the Surrender Novena together. Little did I know that it would end up bringing Jesus’ care to me as I worried for them.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get more vulnerable in my prayer when I or someone I care about is suffering something.

I tell Jesus all about it, asking for His help daily – actually, as many times during the day that I find myself worrying.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

In this coming Sunday’s Second Reading, Saint Paul is talking about how he suffers, and Jesus tells him what the verse above says.

Jesus knows we tend to draw closer to Him when we are suffering or when we are worried about what someone else we care about is suffering.

The more we come to Him for help, the more of His grace and blessings He will give us.

Whether it’s physical suffering, mental suffering, stress, anxiety, addiction, or bad habits, Jesus wants us to come to Him.

He has broad shoulders to cry on, arms to hold us, love to comfort us, and grace to strengthen us.

Nothing we come to Jesus with will shock Him or cause Him to turn away from us. Read again what Jesus told Saint Paul…it’s quite the opposite.

Blessings of grace to you!

Summer Blessings

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:03:19 GMT

Experiencing New Life These Summer Days

Last Thursday was the first day of summer – yay!

This is my favorite time of year.

I did a 23-mile bike ride, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

For dinner I made a summer meal of hotdogs, baked beans, and corn on the cob then enjoyed it while watching Aquaman . (It was a fun movie.)

My first day of summer was a good one!

Early morning hikes before work.

Long bike rides on the coast on days off.

Pool workouts or playing in the ocean and not freezing when I get out.

Evenings with friends sharing a good meal and laughter under the stars.

I love the long days of summer.

God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome… Wisdom 1:13-14a

I tend to enjoy time outdoors more, from sitting out on my little balcony to hikes in the mountains and days at the coast.

For me, summertime brings daily moments of celebrating life.

That Scripture verse from this coming Sunday’s First Mass Reading seems to ring true.

Blessings come from slowing down and just being.

There is something wholesome about spending time out in God’s beautiful creation.

I hope you and your family have many moments of experiencing those blessings and are filled with new life these summer days.

Summer blessings to you!

Be A New Creation

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:26:36 GMT

Through Connection to The Power ...

What a crazy week it’s been! For you too?

Here at Saint Peter Claver a breaker melted down leaving the West Hall and the Faith Formation Office without power.

I never realized how much I rely on electricity to do my work. That means no computer with all its files, Word, or email. No copier. No phones. No lights to clean and organize.

What does one do?

This morning I am working from home so I can do this post.

With the help of a rented generator we were able to fire up the place for Father Riz’s 70 ^th birthday party Saturday, and get some of our files emailed or saved so we can access them.

It is an interesting thing to experience no power at work.

I have to really think about everything in a different way.

How do I access things from the computer to work on, or can I? What work can I do on site and when?

How do I get some natural light in there?

How can I connect with my coworkers or with you all?

The concept of time at work is so different with no power there too.

What may God be trying to show me or tell me through this?

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

That is a verse from this coming Sunday’s Second Reading – interesting!

I am “in Christ”. I am a disciple or follower of Jesus. I have given Him my life. That verse reminds me that through Christ, I am a new creation.

Do I remember that?

Do I live that?

Jesus is tapping me on the shoulder, or tugging at my clothes like my niece does when she wants to tell me something through this experience of no power at work.

I am a new creation.

I have to think about everything in a different way.

How do I connect to The Power, to Christ each day to access His guidance? What can I do to reflect His love and mercy and when? How do I fill Faith Formation with His Light? How can I connect with my coworkers and you all? And how do I spend my time – stressfully focused on administrative work, or by being a caring presence to the people in front of me?

Please forgive me for the times I let stress keep me from being a caring presence for you when you call or come by the Faith Formation Office.

Thank you Lord for tapping me on the shoulder with the reminder that we are a new creation through You, and to shine that in our life – You are our Power Source!

Be a New Creation through Christ!

Blessings of God's Care

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:45:01 GMT

I, the Lord... How Do You Need God's Care?

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to write to you.

School is out! Summer vacation in Simi Valley has begun!

Are you relieved? Excited?

Summer is my favorite time of the year.

I like the longer days.

I like doing all sorts of outdoor things without worrying about trying to stay warm or dry.

I like less cars on the road in the morning and afternoon because school is out.

Summer brings more time spent with family and friends. I love all the conversations and laughter shared.

For me summer also is time I grow closer to God.

I find myself reflecting with Him on my life and how I am serving Him.

How can I grow in my personal relationship with Him?

What else can I be doing at Saint Peter Claver to help support people in their relationship with Him?

What blessings fill my life that I want to thank God for and not take for granted?

What struggles do I need to humbly come to Him with and surrender to His care?

I, the LORD, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom.

Ezekiel 17:24

In this coming Sunday’s First Reading God tells us of His care for us. He will humble me, lift me up, wither up things in me like my pride when needed, and will help me to grow in my relationship with Him, which will help me in my work in serving Him.

As you begin these summer months, take some time to reflect on your relationship with God. Let Him care for you as you relax a bit.

Blessings of God's care!

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

Thu, 23 May 2024 02:55:02 GMT

I Am Blown Away By The Power I Saw

These are words that I heard this past week that I keep thinking about:

I just don’t have faith right now. (Said by a person in crisis.)

Women, children, and men who become homeless loose their human dignity. They are looked down upon and feel that deeply. (Said by a Many Mansions representative.)

Two children under five were taken from their extremely abusive homes with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, clinging to the officers with desperation. (Said by an officer telling me that they were so glad we are supporting My Stuff Bags through our Missions of Mercy.)

I don’t think we really understand the incredible power we have – each of us.

Through a look, an expression, through words, or actions we can profoundly affect someone in a life-giving way or in a destructive way.

This past Friday afternoon many people drove through our parking lot, stopping to drop off donations for several non-profit organizations Saint Peter Claver Missions of Mercy is supporting. Right now the Faith Formation Office back room is filled with the items!

Saturday volunteers for our Missions of Mercy workday worked so hard from early in the morning to about 3 in the afternoon.

They made 50 no-sew blankets for My Stuff Bag, who provides a duffle bag with toiletries, a stuffed animal, and a blanket to children who are removed from their homes with nothing.

They made 100 notes for the elderly residents of Simi Valley Care Center.

They put together 50 packets of blank cards and a pen for elderly who can’t get out so they can send cards to loved ones.

They made 50 notes for women and men in the military to go to For The Troops.

They made 50 notes for incarcerated people to go to a Detention Ministry.

The put together 7 supply bins for 7 summer camps for children who have been homeless to go to Many Mansions.

They pulled the weeds and cleaned up our Preschool & Kindergarten Garden for the children.

They did prep work on a path from our Youth Center to a firepit for our youth.

They cleaned our outdoor Stations of the Cross on the West Lawn for you.

I am blown away by the power I saw at our Missions of Mercy of volunteers joyfully working to make a difference!

This coming Sunday we celebrate The Holy Trinity.

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come. Revelation 1:8

This verse is what will be sung during the Alleluia before the Gospel reading. This is what my heart is singing and I’m smiling as I think about all the volunteers donating items and volunteering which will profoundly affect so many!

Blessing of the Holy Trinity to you!

Pentecost is an Amazing Thing to Celebrate

Tue, 14 May 2024 23:35:18 GMT

Holy Spirit + You = Beautiful World

What is something you do well?

Organize.

Repair things.

Do math in your head.

Connect with people.

Garden.

Clean.

Visualize things.

Comfort people.

Computer programs.

Take good photos.

Care for people.

Drive.

Each of us does something well, and the thing you do well isn’t necessarily the thing I do well. That means that all of us together doing what we do well has the potential for making a beautiful world.

This coming Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, which is when Jesus blessed us with the Holy Spirit.

Remember the story of the strong wind blowing into the room where the Apostles were, the tongues of fire that were over each of their heads, and then how filled with courage they went out and told people about Jesus?

Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church because thousands heard the Apostles that day and believed.

To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

1 Corinthians 12:7

Through the Holy Spirit each of us is given charisms, or gifts – something that we do well.

God created us, a Church where each person is an important part of creating the beautiful whole.

That is an amazing thing to celebrate.

The color of Pentecost is Holy Spirit red, so wear red to Mass this weekend.

If you come to the noon Mass, you are invited to wear the traditional clothing of your ethnicity to celebrate the many cultures of our Church.

Come Holy Spirit!

Blessings of the Holy Spirit to you!

Anxiety and the Ascension

Tue, 07 May 2024 00:57:28 GMT

Let Jesus' Ascension Bring Trust and Peace

Anxiety.
That is something COVID 19 brought into my life.

I described this weird feeling that I was experiencing during the COVID19 lock-down to a friend who said, “Laura, you are experiencing anxiety.”

It remains in me now. My mind is often full of questions about what is going to happen.

With upcoming things in Faith Formation.

With family situations.

With my retirement and old age.

I am often anxious about what is going to happen.

It’s challenging to just be in the moment.

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus.

It’s after His resurrection. He has spent time with His disciples, reassuring them. One of them asks Jesus if He is going to restore the kingdom of Israel from Roman rule.

Look at what Jesus’ answer is:

He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… Acts 1:7-8a

Jesus tells them, and I think is telling me and you, don’t worry about what is going to happen, that is up to God the Father, and that we are blessed with the Holy Spirit who gives us strength and guidance each day.

Every time my thoughts go to questions of what is going to happen, I’m going to stop, take a breath, thank God for His care of me, and ask the Holy Spirit to help me just be in the moment.

I hope you do this too, and that we find our anxiety and worry turns to trust and peace.

Ascension blessings of trust and peace!

Enormous Love

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 21:20:33 GMT

Understanding the Enormity of God's Love for You

A golf coach was telling his team that life will sometimes have traps or will seem difficult to navigate, so to always focus on the flag.

I don’t know much about golf other than I’m not patient enough to watch it on TV, but I really like that analogy the golf coach gave. His name was J.B. Peña.

Last week I saw the movie called The Long Game , which is about Coach Peña and five Mexican American teens who he led to not only defy the odds to form a high school golf team, but to win the High School State Championship in Del Rio Texas in the 1950’s.

Coach Peña cared for youth, wanting the best for them.
As he spent time coaching them, they grew a strong relationship.
At one point, one of the boys lost his temper and did something wrong.
Coach Peña sacrificed himself, taking the consequences so the boy's future would not be hurt.
Love. That’s what love for another looks like.
That boy didn’t do anything to earn Coach Peña’s love. He gave it freely to his golf team, sacrificing himself many times.

In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

It gives me understanding of the enormity of God’s love for each of us when I see love like this.

You and I don’t have to do anything to earn God’s love.

As this verse from this coming Sunday’s Second Reading says, He simply loves us, so much so that He sent His Son to us, who then gave His life for us.

Love. Sacrifice out of love.

This enormous love for you and me is what we are celebrating this Easter Season, which continues for two more weeks.

Continued Easter blessings of Love!

Growth Through Connection

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 23:55:22 GMT

Giving An Offering To God Enables Growth

Something was brought to my attention that blew my mind.

About 3% of the registered people of Saint Peter Claver are supporting the whole parish financially through their weekly offering.

That means that only about 100 people out of over 3000 are giving an offering at Mass.

My heart feels sad.

To me it is such a beautiful honor to give an offering each week.

Each morning after I wake up, I make the Sign of the Cross, praying, “Thank You God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” I think of the day before and take a minute to thank God for blessings that came, for being with me through any challenges, and for guiding me.

By the time Sunday comes, my mind is full of thoughts of God’s presence in my week, and I am so grateful. At the point in Mass when we give our offering to God and His Church as the baskets are passed, I am honored to give.

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in them will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Jesus reminds us in that verse from this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading that we are connected to Him like branches are connected to a vine.

If we grow in that connection, or relationship with God, our lives produce much fruit – love, patience, endurance, faith, joy, and so much more.

Being able to be part of giving an offering to God at Mass together only enables us to grow even more in blessings.

This week I am praying that we become a community of 100% of us supporting our parish through our offerings at Mass, growing in our connections with each other and with our God.

Be blessed through the connection!

Mine Know Me

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 23:05:07 GMT

Recognize the Voice of Love

I was in awe once again of you parents.

Yesterday was our First Reconciliation Retreat. The West Hall was full of almost 100 families, so it was a bit loud. Near where I was standing a child called for their mom and I thought there is no way their mom would hear them. The child was in the front row and their mom had gone back to the sign in table. The child called out, “Mom” twice. I saw their mom turn right away, recognizing her child’s voice calling her and she could tell that her child’s call was a bit urgent. (I think the child didn’t realize their mom had gone back to sign in and was a bit scared.)

How do you parents know your child’s cry or recognize they are calling you even in a huge crowd? I think it’s because you love them.

I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me… John 10:14

Parents can really understand what Jesus is saying in this coming Sunday’s Gospel.

He uses the analogy of a shepherd when talking about how we recognize His voice and when talking about how He knows us and we know Him.

A shepherd would stay with their sheep 24/7. They ate with them, slept with them, and walked with them through the day. As they held baby lambs, the lambs would even grow to recognize the sound of the shepherd’s heartbeat. The sheep knew their shepherd’s voice, they would not go with anyone else. The shepherd knew the sounds and smells of their own sheep, they never mistakenly took other sheep.

It’s an analogy of love, like the love I saw between a mom and her child yesterday.

We are not shepherds, nor are we surrounded by shepherds and their sheep here in Simi Valley.

But many of you are parents, and we are surrounded by parents and children. Just as parents know and love their children, God knows and loves us. If we spend time with God, we too will recognize His voice in our lives.

Blessings of Easter Love!

How Jesus Was Made Known

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 22:31:40 GMT

People Felt and Recognized the Love of Jesus

This morning I went to a funeral.

After praying the Rosary and before the funeral Mass began, a eulogy was given about the person. Many memories were shared about how she made everyone feel like they were the most important person to her. When a boy who had been a bully for some time was in a fist fight, she got in the middle of it and held the boy until he settled down. That hug of care and love helped begin the boy’s transformation.

In the photos of her I could see love and kindness in her eyes and smile.

During the homily the priest talked about how we are all temples of the Holy Spirit and we are all made in the image of God.

Through the life we were remembering and celebrating people felt and recognized the love of Jesus – I did sitting at her funeral.

The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread. Luke 24:35

I thought of that verse from this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading at the funeral this morning.

Thousands of years later disciples of Jesus were sharing about what had taken place in the person’s life who died. She loved Jesus and lived in a way that not only did people know that, but they felt Jesus’ love through her.

In the Gospel reading the disciples recognize Jesus after His resurrection when He breaks bread, gives thanks, and gives it to them.

Now it’s up to us to enable people to recognize the risen Jesus.

Walking away from the funeral this morning, I wondered if people can see love and kindness in my eyes and smile. When it’s time for someone to give a eulogy about me at my funeral, will it be said that my love for Jesus shined from me, enabling others to feel His love for them?

Be an Easter Season blessing!

Tell Your Stores of Seeing Jesus

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:24:14 GMT

When have you seen and felt Jesus?

I have seen and felt Jesus these past few days!

At the Holy Thursday Mass I saw a mom, her little 6- or 7-year-old son, and their Catechist sitting next to each other as Father Riz washed their feet.

Jesus showed us how to be humble through the washing of the feet – humble to have our feet washed and humble to do the washing.

On Good Friday I felt so blessed to wait in line to honor the Cross at the service.

I noticed people who looked sad, some crying, as they reached out to touch the Cross.

I could feel Jesus’ presence, showing us how to trust and persevere through His agony on the Cross.

On Holy Saturday I was asked to help by serving as a Eucharistic Minister. It was such an honor to look into people’s eyes as I held Jesus up in the Eucharist and said, “The Body of Christ” with a smile.

Easter Sunday morning my brother texted me that my little niece asked him if Tia Laura was coming to Mass with them. I was on my way to Thousand Oaks! It was great sitting with my niece who is 8 and my nephew who is 10, telling them about what was happening.

Of course I then had to go to their house to see all that the Easter Bunny brought them, including chocolate crosses because Jesus rose. (That’s what they said!)

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."

John 20:24-25a

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, we will hear the story of the resurrected Jesus appearing to the apostles and how Thomas wasn’t there. The other disciples who did see Jesus told Thomas about it.

Where and have you seen Jesus? How have you felt His presence?

As we continue to celebrate Easter, tell your family and your friends how you have seen and felt Jesus. We are now the disciples who need to tell those who haven’t seen or felt Him about our experiences.

Easter blessings of Jesus’ peace!

Holy Week Blessings

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:54:36 GMT

Join Me In Walking With Jesus

Yesterday Holy Week began. We are invited to walk with Jesus during these days.

Monday of Holy Week is the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles at 6:45 p.m. I was so excited to go to the Chrism Mass after several years of not going. Bishops, hundreds of priests, deacons, and people were there from parishes from all around our Archdiocese. At one point in the Mass the priests renewed their vows.

It’s called the Chrism Mass because the sacred oils used for our Sacraments are blessed and are available for the hundreds of parishes of the Archdiocese to take each year.

Wednesday is a Tenebrae Service at 7:30 p.m. in our church.

It is an ancient service, which increases darkness by gradually extinguishing candles to symbolize the coming darkness of Jesus’ death, with a loud noise at the end. "Tenebrae" is the Latin word meaning "darkness." It is a unique way to walk with Jesus through your senses, hearing prayers, seeing light go to darkness, and hearing sounds.

Holy Thursday is the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30 p.m. in our church. At the beginning of this Mass the sacred oils are presented that were brought to our parish from the Chrism Mass on Monday. During Mass our priests and deacon wash the feet of 12 parishioners like Jesus washed the feet of His apostles. We will celebrate how Jesus gave Himself to us in the Eucharist, and Mass will end with a procession to the West Hall with the Eucharist to what is called The Altar of Repose. It is decorated with plants and flowers, and we can pray there until midnight – staying with Jesus during His Agony in the Garden.

Good Friday the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion is at noon, or 5 p.m., or 7:30 p.m. in the church. We will hear the story of Jesus’ Passion and Death, venerate (honor) the cross, and receive Holy Communion.

At 1:45 p.m. is The Seven Last Words in the church. This is another unique way to walk with Jesus hearing the stories of different people who were at His Passion and Death.

Holy Saturday is the Easter Vigil Mass at 7:30 p.m. in our church. On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting His return in glory. It begins with a roaring fire out on the plaza, which breaks the darkness. Father will bless the fire and from it the Paschal Candle will be lit, along with handheld candles we will all be carrying into the dark church. We will hear the stories of our faith that all lead to God’s love for you and me – the sacrifice of His Son and Jesus’ resurrection. It’s an incredible Mass!

Easter Sunday Masses are 8 and 10 a.m., noon, and 12:30 p.m. in Spanish in the West Hall. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the West Lawn at 1:30 p.m.

You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised… Mark 16:6

Yesterday began Holy Week.

Join me in walking with Jesus by coming to these services.

Blessings of Freedom

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:45:00 GMT

Sunday I worked from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. then came home, got in warm fleece pants and a sweat shirt, and under a blanket on my couch. I was cold and tired.
I thought I’d fall right asleep even though it was so early.

Nope.

My mind would not quiet down.

I am a person who battles stress daily – always have been this way.
Today, as I stress that I didn’t get this written earlier and out to you yesterday, I sat and read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings.

Look at the sentence the Second Reading from Saint Paul starts with:

Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties.
1 Corinthians 7:32

Saint Paul is wanting us to be free of anxieties and stress, free to grow in God’s love.

Free.

Being free from stress and anxiety sounds so good to me!
I will keep this as a prayer for me and each of you every day this week.

Blessings of freedom to you!

Faith, Courage, and Dreams

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 11:29:00 GMT

Yesterday we celebrated an amazing man of faith and courage, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Some had a day off work and all kids had a day off school.
But did we take a minute to reflect?

My thoughts kept floating to those infamous words that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I have a dream…”
I have experienced racism as a Mexican American.
Like you, I have seen on the news the devastating harm racism has done and is doing to people.

Because those words, “I have a dream…” kept coming to my mind, I Googled the transcript of that speech and read it.
Wow.
Look at this part of it:

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

Does that sound familiar?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a strong relationship with Jesus.
This part of His speech is inspired by the prophet Isaiah who is describing Jesus.

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives an invitation:

Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of people."
Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. Mark 1:17-18

He is giving us the same invitation today to come, get to know Him, learn of the mercy, love, and peace of God, and help others get to know Him too.
Let go of things that waste your time and grow in your relationship with Him.
He is inviting us.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. grew in deep faith and courage to stand up for what is right because of his relationship with Jesus.
I wonder…what will happen within me and you if we hear Jesus’ invitation to us and grow in our relationship with Him.

Blessings of faith and courage!

Reflecting...

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:52:00 GMT

I hope you can take some time to reflect on your Christmas Season.
It can be such a busy time of preparation before Christmas, gatherings with family and friends, or trips.

Today, take some time to reflect on it all.
Talk about it with your family or go have a coffee with friends and talk about it.
What were the blessings?

Last Sunday was Epiphany Sunday.
We celebrated the star guiding the wise men to Jesus and the way they honored Him.
They gave Him gold to symbolize He is a King.
They gave Him frankincense to symbolize His divinity.
And they gave Him myrrh to symbolize the sacrifice He would make.

What led you to Christ this Christmas Season?
For me, it was the music.
Prayerfully singing at the Advent Evening of Prayer, listening to Christmas music in the car driving to and from work, singing the songs at Christmas Masses, and even having instrumental Christmas music here at my desk as I work.
This Christmas Season the music led me to thoughts of Christ and to feeling His love.
What led you to Christ these days of Christmas?

On Monday we celebrated Jesus’ Baptism.
From the heavens came the voice of God
which was heard saying Jesus is His Son
in whom He is well pleased.

So, it begins.
Jesus is born and baptized.

In this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading He starts His ministry.

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" John 1:38a

Our Christmas Season comes to an end.
We have been led to the Christ Child.
A new year has begun.
Jesus is asking you, “What are you looking for?”

Something to reflect on as the Christmas Season ends and 2024 begins.

Blessings as you reflect!

Your Holy Family

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:10:00 GMT

From January 1, 2024

It’s also a time to celebrate your holy family – yes, your family is holy, with all the ups and downs.
There is no such thing as a perfect family, but all families are called to be holy.
How?
Do the will of God in your lives and serve others – that is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says.
We can complicate that, but it simply means growing
in your relationship with God as a family.
Care for each other and those in need around you as a family.

Tell the stories of God to your children.
Start with a Children’s Bible.
Come to Mass and talk in the car about what you saw and heard on the way home.
Pray together at home, just talk with God together, and help your kids learn prayers.
Help each other out at home without being asked.
Help those in need around you by doing things like enabling your kids to collect all the gently used toys and clothes they don’t use anymore, then together take them to donate to those in need.

…they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
Luke 2:22

Jesus’ parents brought Him to the Temple to present Him to the Lord.
Do the same.
Bring your family to the Lord and grow in holiness together.

Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect family, but your family is holy, with all the ups and downs.

I am grateful for this family of Saint Peter Claver – grateful for each of you, and to be able to grow in my relationship with God with all of you.

Christmas Love and Peace to You!

Let Yourself Hear the Angels

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:54:00 GMT

From December 25, 2023

Over 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was born and today we joyfully celebrate His birth!

“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:15b-18

I love the Christmas stories. In this Gospel story angels had told the shepherds about Jesus’ birth, then disappeared.
Can you imagine?!
Right away the shepherds go to find Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, which was a good walk back to town from the hills they were in with their sheep.
After they adored the Baby, they told others what happened and all who heard were amazed.
Can you just imagine?!
Put yourself there or imagine if today angels appeared to you to let you know Jesus has come back.
What would you do?

Listen.
Let yourself hear the angels telling you that Jesus is indeed here, waiting for you to come like the shepherds did thousands of years ago.
In the days of this Christmas week of 2023 listen, come to Jesus in a quiet moment, or come to a daily morning Mass, or stop by the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the church.
He is here with love and peace.

Many Christmas blessings to you and your family from all of us in Faith Formation!

Christmas Love and Peace to You!

Nothing Is Impossible

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 12:34:00 GMT

Get the lights up outside. Get the Christmas Tree up and decorated. Decorate the rest of the place. Write, address, and mail the Christmas Cards. Go out and buy all the Christmas gifts for family and friends, then wrap them.
Go to all the Christmas gatherings and parties and enjoy them with family and friends.
Get ready for the ones you are hosting or the ones you need to bring food.

Last Wednesday I got a call from my cousin letting me know my aunt had what she thought was a stroke and was taken to the hospital.
In a split second all the busyness of things I was working on didn’t matter.
Then Friday a friend texted me asking for help.
Again, in a split second all the busyness of things didn’t matter.

“…for nothing will be impossible for God." Luke 1:37

This coming Sunday is both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve.
In the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Angel Gabriel comes to the Virgin Mary to tell her about what is going to happen…through the Holy Spirit she will conceive and give birth to the Son of God.
After telling Mary everything, Gabriel ends with the verse above – nothing is impossible for God.

Even when life brings crazy busyness, unexpected illness, difficult situations, or loss, with God, nothing is impossible.
We find we have the grace we need, and we persevere through.

My aunt is home, it wasn’t a stroke.
My friend persevered through a painful day.
Stopping to care for them… God’s grace blessed us.
Let this Advent Gospel story remind you of this, especially these last busy days before Christmas.

Many blessings to all as we move through this last full week of Advent!

Be Blessed by Joyful Waiting

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:17:00 GMT

When was the last time you excitedly waited for something?
When you felt like a kid again waiting for Christmas?
I grew up in a house with a fireplace. I loved it.
I always wanted to help my Dad crumple up newspaper and shove it in before he put the wood in.
I loved the crackling sounds and the warmth it gave.
I loved the cozy feeling at night when it was burning.

This coming Sunday we light the pink candle on our Advent Wreath – it’s Gaudete or Joyful Sunday of Advent.
Why are we joyful as we wait?
Because Christmas is coming!
We will celebrate Jesus’ birth.
We celebrate Jesus’ presence with us now, especially receiving Him in the Eucharist every time we go to Mass.
And we celebrate eternal life with Him that is to come.

Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This week as we head towards the Joyful Sunday of Advent, let’s remember that waiting in excitement we experienced as a kid waiting for Christmas. How can we experience that now?
Let these words of Saint Paul in this coming Sunday’s Second Reading show us how.

Families in Elementary Faith Formation, be sure to light two purple candles and on Sunday the pink candle of your Advent Wreath. Pray the prayers for the Third Week of Advent together.

Feel the joyful excitement in waiting for Christmas!

Blessings of Joyful Waiting!