Pastor’s Message

Apr 11, 2025 | Pastor's Weekly Message

Message from Fr. Mike

Our Holy Week Journey Begins

Dear Parishioners,

As the quiet reflection of Lent draws to a close, we now stand at the threshold of Holy Week, the most sacred time in our liturgical year. This past Lent has been deeply engaging, marked by both our spiritual introspection and the experience of the devastation of the Eaton Canyon wildfire. While our 75th-anniversary theme, “Faith We Inherited,” has been our guide, the recent fire has undoubtedly amplified the urgency and necessity of truly understanding and living out that faith and the hope it offers.

The events we now enter – the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord – are not merely historical recollections but the very heart of our Christian identity. So profound is their significance that they supersede all other observances in the Church’s calendar. Our journey begins this weekend with the joyous commemoration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), a moment of hopeful acclamation that foreshadows the trials to come.

Our Holy Week continues with the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral on Monday at 7:00 p.m. This powerful liturgy is where all the holy oils that will be used in our community throughout the year are consecrated. Your presence there is a tangible connection to the wider Church and the sacred rituals that sustain our faith.

Following this, we gathered for a Communal Penance Service on Tuesday at St. Rita, offering an opportunity for reconciliation and spiritual cleansing as we prepare our hearts for the Paschal Mystery.

Now, we turn our attention to the sacred Triduum:

HOLY THURSDAY, beginning at 6:30 p.m., is a night of profound meaning for our parish. We will receive the Holy Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass, bringing the sacred anointing into our community. This celebration reveals the very essence of what a parish ought to be: a Eucharistic community. We gather to share in the same Body and Blood of Christ, the source and summit of our faith. We are also called to emulate Christ’s selfless love by washing the feet of our brothers and sisters, reminding us to serve one another as He served us. As the evening continues, we are encouraged to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, heeding Jesus’s own plea in the Garden: “Stay here and keep watch with me.”

GOOD FRIDAY is a day set apart for fasting and prayer, a time to enter into the solemnity of our Lord’s suffering and death. This day of profound sorrow invites us to contemplate the immense sacrifice made for our salvation. Many choose to extend this paschal fast through Holy Saturday until the glorious celebration of the Easter Vigil, allowing us to more deeply connect with Christ’s journey from the cross to the tomb. Please look at the schedule below for the specific times of our Good Friday services.

EASTER VIGIL! “Alleluia! The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone!” This night, as darkness gives way to the glorious light of the risen Christ, we proclaim the central truth of our faith: if we have died with Christ, we shall also rise with him, passing from death to eternal life. On this holiest of nights, everything is made new. We light the new Paschal Candle, a symbol of Christ our Light, and we joyfully welcome new members into our community. Tonight, we will celebrate the Baptism of four individuals, the First Holy Communion of eleven people, and the Confirmation of thirteen, witnessing the transformative power of God’s grace among us.

While our Lenten journey concludes, our Christian life, our ongoing walk with Christ, continues. As we navigate the complexities of life, both in times of ease and in the face of adversity like the Eaton Canyon wildfire experience, let us fix our gaze firmly upon our leader. Let us learn from his triumphant entry, his profound humility in the washing of the feet of his apostles, his agonizing Passion, and his glorious Resurrection. Through every change of fortune, may we remain unshakably steadfast in our faith like Him.

Each of us carries our own cross, unique to our journey. It may not always be dramatic or extraordinary. Indeed, the great saints, those who now intercede for us, were often ordinary individuals who faithfully navigated the routines of daily life. They diligently followed God’s commandments, devoutly received the sacraments, consistently offered their prayers, and earnestly strived to live virtuous lives. They, too, faced stumbles and falls, but with unwavering resolve, they rose again and continued their march towards God. They knew both the taste of victory and the sting of defeat.

May this Holy Week deepen our understanding of God’s immense love for us and strengthen our resolve to follow in the footsteps of our Lord.

In Christ,

Fr. Mike Ume

Palm Sunday Homily 4-13-2025

Just as the Gospel readings on the First and Second Sundays of Lent point to Baptism as the ultimate goal of the Lenten season culminating in the renewal of our baptismal promises, the Passion story of Luke on this Palm Sunday beautifully reveals the essence of Holy Week. Luke 22:14-20 foreshadows Holy Thursday, while the remainder of chapter 22 provides a glimpse into Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. The phrase to meditate upon this Sunday is “When the hour came.”

This powerful phrase recurs throughout the Gospels, carrying profound significance, especially within the context of Jesus’ ministry and ultimate sacrifice. It marks the pivotal moment in which God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ unfolds.

The concept of the preordained “hour” reflects Jesus’ unwavering obedience to the Father’s will. Throughout His ministry, He recognized that His life was governed by a divine timetable. Before the appointed time, His adversaries could not seize Him. As John 7:30 states, “Then they sought to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.” Jesus operated within a divine framework, where His actions were unshaken by human agendas or premature intervention. His “hour” was established by God’s sovereign plan.

Jesus looked forward to this “hour.” He said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15), signaling that the time had arrived for the fulfillment of His mission through suffering, death, and ultimately, resurrection.

This “hour” is closely linked to the fulfillment of prophecy. The Old Testament foretold the coming of the Messiah, outlining the suffering and glory accompanying his arrival. Jesus, knowing His role as the fulfillment of these prophecies, moved purposefully toward Jerusalem, His destined path. The “hour” marked the moment when the sacrificial Lamb of God would be offered for the sins of humanity, representing profound fulfillment—a divine script written centuries before.

The most significant aspect of “When the Hour Came” is its revelation of God’s love. The pinnacle of Jesus’s “hour” is His crucifixion and resurrection. This ultimate act of sacrifice displays the depth of God’s love for humanity. As Jesus declared in John 12:27, “And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this very reason I came to this hour.” This statement reveals the painful necessity of the hour and its deep connection to God’s redemptive plan. Through this “hour” of suffering, humanity was offered the possibility of reconciliation with God.

“When the hour came” transcends mere words; it embodies a timeless truth that resonates with us today. It serves as a reminder that God’s plan is unfolding, even when we cannot see the entire picture. It calls us to trust in Him and embrace His purpose for our lives. Just as Jesus moved intentionally toward His “hour,” we are invited to live with purpose, guided by faith and obedience. This phrase inspires us, reminding us that God’s plan is perfect and that His purpose will prevail even in the midst of suffering. This “hour” continues to shape our lives as His disciples, empowering us to live with unshakeable faith and hope, knowing that God’s timing is perfect and His love is everlasting.

~Fr. Mike

REFLECTION ON THE STORY OF THE PRODIGAL SON – April 1, 2025

This past week was a remarkable period of grace for our parish community. We experienced three days of a truly enriching Parish Retreat (Mission) and a delightful one-day retreat for our teenagers on Saturday. There’s a profound lesson in this week’s gospel that speaks directly to us. In the gospel reading from last Sunday, we encounter the story of the younger son who “after a few days, collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation” (Luke 15:13).

The younger son received his father’s immense, unearned gift, yet he recklessly wasted it. Do we find ourselves acting like this young man? Are we squandering God’s boundless grace? It’s essential to ask ourselves how we might be doing so.

God’s grace is a precious gift, freely bestowed upon us—not because we deserve it but because of His immense love. Unfortunately, many overlook this grace, failing to appreciate its worth and mismanaging the opportunities it provides. One of the most common ways we waste God’s grace is through complacency or taking it for granted. Instead of allowing His mercy to transform us, we become indifferent, using His forgiveness as a reason to live carelessly. We may think that grace will always cover our weaknesses, ignoring the call to strive for holiness. As Paul cautions in Romans 6:1, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” Grace isn’t a free pass for disobedience; it’s an invitation to profound change.

Another significant way we squander this grace is through ingratitude. We often fail to recognize His blessings, taking His generosity for granted. We turn to Him in times of need but neglect to express gratitude during our moments of abundance. This lack of thankfulness creates distance between us and God, closing our eyes to His ongoing work in our lives. Instead of cherishing His grace, we act as though we deserve it.

Moreover, we waste God’s grace when we refuse to share it with others. Jesus teaches us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15), yet many cling to bitterness and resentment. By withholding grace from others, we reject the very gift God has extended to us. A genuine appreciation for grace is revealed in how we treat those who have wronged us.

Another way we waste God’s grace is by not trusting in it fully. Some people live burdened by guilt and shame as if grace is too good to be true. Others, out of fear or stubbornness, reject God’s help altogether, preferring to rely solely on their own strength. In both cases, the power of grace is left unused, like a well of living water ignored by a thirsty traveler.

Finally, we squander grace when we neglect to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Each of us has been entrusted with unique talents, opportunities, and a divine calling. However, fear, doubt, and laziness can stifle our willingness to use these gifts for His glory. Instead of bearing fruit, we remain stagnant, squandering the blessings.

The beauty of God’s grace is that it is never exhausted. The father never stopped welcoming the prodigal son. Even when we squander God’s grace, it is renewed and offered again. God desires our open heart, a willingness to return, and the courage to let His grace shape our lives. When we embrace grace fully, it becomes a source of strength, healing, and transformation.

In recognizing how easily we squander God’s grace, we are invited to turn back, with humility and gratitude, to the One who generously gives it.

Fr. Mike Ume

 

MESSAGE FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT 3-23-2025

REFLECTION ON THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The gospels on the first and second Sundays of Lent remind us that Lent is about Baptism. The Church reinforces this message by celebrating the Rite of Election for adults seeking the sacrament of Baptism. It also expanded it to include those who are baptized but need the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist by celebrating the Rite of Calling to Continuous Conversion. This means that Lent is for everyone, whether baptized or not. On the Easter Vigil, the unbaptized will make their baptismal promises, and the baptized will renew their own.

Over the next three Sundays, the Church invites us to prepare for Easter in a more profound way by celebrating Scrutinies. In essence, the Scrutinies are a vital step in the process of Baptism, helping both the unbaptized and baptized to prepare their hearts and minds to receive the fullness of God’s grace

The Scrutinies are rites of purification and enlightenment. They are intended to help those preparing for Baptism and those already baptized to examine their lives, identify areas of weakness, and strengthen their commitment to Christ and his community. For both the baptized and unbaptized, Scrutinies serve as a means to be freed from anything that might hinder their complete union with Christ. They are not meant to be harsh or judgmental, but rather a loving and supportive process of spiritual growth. The Scrutinies are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. The Scrutinies directly prepare the elect for the graces they will receive in Baptism. They help ensure that both the baptized and the unbaptized enter Easter mystery with a sincere and well-prepared heart.

The first reading from the book of Exodus for this Sunday highlighted something worth considering. In this pivotal moment from the book of Exodus (3:4-5), Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush, an event that marks the beginning of his divine calling and mission. Baptism is a divine calling also. The passage begins with a description of Moses’ curiosity as he approaches the bush to observe it more closely. It is not merely the phenomenon of a bush burning without being consumed that draws Moses in, but a deeper, spiritual curiosity that foreshadows the transformative nature of this encounter. Our call in Baptism is not superficial or a mere fulfillment of regulation; it is a more profound calling by God for a relationship.

The moment becomes profound when God calls Moses by name, “Moses! Moses!” Ex 3:4. This repetition of his name is significant, as it conveys both intimacy and a sense of urgency. In Baptism, we are called by name. In the Bible, when God calls someone by name twice, it signals a personal and deliberate summons, often indicating the beginning of a momentous change in that individual’s life. In this case, Moses, who had fled Egypt years earlier, is now being called to return and lead the Israelites out of bondage. God calls us not because we are perfect and have it all together. He calls us in our brokenness.

The simple reply of Moses, “Here I am,” reflects both obedience and readiness, demonstrating his willingness to heed the call, even though he does not yet fully understand the weight of the task ahead. Baptism is a mysterious call by a mysterious God. We do not understand all it entails, but we have faith in God, who will not mislead us. His answer, “Here I am,” reminds us of our answer before Baptism. Do you reject Satan and his work and empty promises? I do. It is a personal commitment to follow Jesus and seek his kingdom.

However, the immediate command that follows—“Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. Exodus 3:5 “—reminds Moses of the sacredness of the moment. God’s instruction to remove his sandals is symbolic of reverence and humility. It is like the Rite of Scrutiny. This Rite urges us to remove whatever hinders us from participating in the Easter celebration. It is a moment to review our baptismal promises. We need to remove the spiritual and emotional sandals.

In the ancient world, removing one’s sandals was a gesture of respect when entering sacred spaces or before a person of great authority. Here, it signifies that Moses is standing on consecrated ground, an area made holy by God’s presence. This command sets the tone for the rest of Moses’ journey with God, highlighting the importance of reverence in the presence of the divine.

Furthermore, the ground’s holiness signifies the divine encounter’s profound nature. God’s holiness is not confined to a distant or abstract space but is present in the mundane aspects of life. The sacredness can be encountered anywhere when God’s presence is made known. It calls Moses—and, by extension, all believers—to recognize that God’s presence transforms ordinary places and moments into extraordinary ones. This is time.

It is noteworthy that Moses was called while tending his father-in-law, Jethro’s flock. God calls us in our daily tasks, anywhere and anytime. Baptism is a call to relationship and mission for the baptized and the unbaptized. It is also a moment of faith in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

See you in the Church on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week at the Parish Lenten Mission.

Fr. Mike Ume
MESSAGE FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT 3-16-2025
REPORT ON CREAN HALL REMODELING

It seems our Crean Hall project has taken a back seat amid all that is happening in the parish. That is not true. We (the Construction Committee) meet with the Architect and Construction Company at least once a month, and I meet with individual entities more than once a month to fine-tune everything. On December 20, the Plan Check was submitted to the city. They commented, and the architects answered their questions and resubmitted the project in February. We are waiting for the city’s final approval.

Images on Architectural Design of Msgr. Crean Hall

The message in this Sunday’s gospel appears to continue last Sunday’s theme. On the first Sunday of Lent, Luke writes, “Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan.” What transpired at the Jordan River? Mark answers this question, stating, “It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan river by John” (Mk 1:9). The Holy Spirit that Luke references is the same Spirit that descended upon Jesus during His baptism. By highlighting the image of Jesus’ baptism on the first Sunday of Lent, the Church conveys that Lent is fundamentally about baptism. This message was powerfully affirmed through the Rite of Election or Enrollment on the first Sunday of Lent, during which the Church accepts adults who wish to be baptized and become part of the Catholic community.

The theme of baptism continues to resonate on this second Sunday of Lent. After His baptism, Mark tells us, “A voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’” (Mk 1:11). In this Sunday’s gospel, Luke recounts that during the Transfiguration, the same voice declared, “Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my chosen Son; listen to him’” (Lk 9:35). This serves as a reminder to those who witnessed His baptism. The Church celebrates the Rite of Continuous Conversion this Sunday for those who are baptized but have not completed their initiation process—specifically, those who have yet to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. All who are baptized fall into this category. We are all called to continuous conversion; we are not a finished product.

These two rites will manifest themselves during the Easter Vigil. As the new candidates make their baptismal vows, those who are already baptized are invited to renew our vows. However, we cannot meaningfully renew our baptismal vows without serious reflection. Lent is an opportunity for us to contemplate these vows.

Prayer is significant. In this Sunday’s gospel, Luke writes, “While Jesus was praying, his face changed in appearance, and his clothing became dazzling white” (Lk 9:29). This raises a profound question: Does our prayer transform us, or does it transform God?

There is a lesson of hope in this story. St. Bede, commenting on this gospel, states, “Our Lord, in a loving concession, allowed Peter, James, and John to enjoy, for a brief time, the contemplation of happiness that lasts forever, enabling them to endure adversity with greater courage.” (St. Bede, Commentary on St. Mark 8:3031). The memory of those moments beside Our Lord on the mountain helped Peter, John, and James to navigate many difficult times in their lives. In our journey to Heaven, we will also face harsh and challenging moments, such as opposing current opinions, dealing with illness, experiencing the loss of loved ones, and facing displacement from our homes. Just as God strengthened these three apostles, He desires to give us hope for Heaven. Jesus assures all who believe in Him that there is always light at the end of the tunnel; darkness does not have the final word in our lives.

The presence of the cloud signifies God’s presence in our lives, accompanying us on our journey. The cloud does not mean our journey has come to an end. Peter misunderstood its significance and exclaimed, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Lk 9:33). He completely failed to understand the cloud because “when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone” (Mt 17:8). Jesus is not just for the mountain. He is deeply rooted in our everyday lives. We are called to see Him in the midst of our work, in our streets, among the people around us, and during our prayers. Although the mountain is essential, the Jesus we follow is present in our homes, workplaces, and every aspect of our daily lives.

God bless you and have a great weekend. I will see you on Saturday at Spring Gathering.

Fr. Mike