04/28/2026
My dear friends in Christ,
We are now on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, and I hope the joy of the risen Jesus is still alive in your hearts. Easter is not just a day we passed—it is a season meant to shape how we live, how we treat one another, and how we see the world around us.
Thank you again for your generous support of our community. Your willingness to give—joyfully and humbly—is a true reflection of stewardship. In a world that often encourages us to hold tightly to what we have, you continue to open your hands and your heart. That spirit of generosity is a powerful witness of faith. When we give back to God in gratitude, we discover that we are blessed in ways far beyond what we offer.
I’m also grateful to share that our parish has exceeded our Bishop’s Appeal goal by over 13%—and in just five months. This is a remarkable achievement, especially in times when many are facing uncertainty and financial pressure. Because of your commitment, anything above our goal will be returned to our parish, allowing us to continue strengthening our ministries and outreach. This is truly good news for all of us.
This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday. I humbly ask for your prayers—for me and for all who are called to shepherd God’s people. Leading a community of faith today comes with real challenges. We live in a time marked by division, rapid change, and many competing voices. Pray that I may always listen for and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, with faithfulness and courage.
The Gospel reminds us of something deeply relevant for our world today: when Jesus was insulted, he did not respond with insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten. Instead, he entrusted himself to God. In a culture where anger can spread quickly and words can wound deeply—especially online and in public discourse—this example calls us to a different way of living.
As Easter people, we are called to walk away from the darkness we see around us: hatred, division, isolation, and indifference. These realities are present not only in the world but sometimes in our own hearts. Instead, we are invited to walk in the light—choosing love over hostility, understanding over judgment, humility over pride, and hope over despair. Our faith is meant to be visible in how we live each day.
My grandfather once shared this wisdom: “Live a good and honorable life so that when you look back, you will be able to enjoy it a second time.” That advice feels especially meaningful today. Life moves quickly, and it can be easy to get caught up in worry, comparison, or negativity.
So, live each day with intention. Let go of gossip and resentment. In your families, seek peace—focus on the present rather than reopening past wounds. Choose kindness in your words and patience in your actions. And remember our shared responsibility to care for creation, being good stewards of the earth entrusted to us.
I would also like to warmly congratulate our First Communion children who will be receiving Christ for the first time this weekend and next. This is a beautiful and important moment in their lives and in the life of our parish. Thank you to the Faith Formation Team: Christine Saurez, our catechists, volunteers, and parents who have lovingly guided them on this journey of faith.
Finally, enjoy the gift of life. Be joyful. And if you find yourself with more than you need, look for ways to help others while you are still here to do so. That is where true treasure is found, and it is where the deepest satisfaction of the heart begins.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Geoffrey
