Pastor's Messages from July 2023

Treasures of the Kingdom: Scott Hahn Reflectson the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: What is your new life in Christ worth to you? Do you love His words more than gold and silver, as we sing in today’s Psalm? Would you, like the characters in the Gospel today, sell all that you have in order to possess the kingdom He promises to us? If God were to grant any wish, would you follow Solomon’s example in today’s First Reading—asking…

Of Wheat and Weeds: Scott Hahn Reflects on the16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: God is always teaching His people, as we hear in today’s First Reading. And what does He want us to know? That He has care for all of us; that though He is a God of justice, even those who defy and disbelieve Him may hope for His mercy if they turn to Him in repentance. This divine teaching continues in the three parables that Jesus…

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, I am so happy to be back in Penticton. With humility and joy I accepted andembrace the responsibility to be your pastor. I know that you are sad about thesudden change of your pastor moving to another parish; I am with you. With God’sguidance and His Grace we will continue to build up this faith-filled community. I am truly blessed with your warm welcome and prayers. Thank you for your greatcontribution and…

I write to thank you for the farewell and welcome celebrationsyou held for Fr. Neil and me. I’m so grateful for your love,kindness, words of encouragement, blessings and prayers.Forever, I will carry in my heart memories of the love I’vereceived. I am gradually settling in in Kelowna. The house is still strangebut I know I will get used to it. Few nights ago, I woke up at4am. I was looking around but could not recognize where Iwas 🙂 It took…

Thank You…Goodbye….. Until We Meet Again Fr. Neil and Aya arrived on Thursday. While Fr. Neil is very familiar with the Rectory, Church and community, Aya is still not sure – whether they are staying or going back to Nelson. Friday morning, someone came to the door and Aya found an opportunity- to escape. She ran to the parking lot. Poor Carla had to do a morning exercise chasing Aya. Anyways, she’s back to the Rectory, safe and sound. I’m…

Fr. Neil comes to us from the Philippines. He has been in Canada for over 15 years. I met him 12 years ago here in Penticton. I spent my first night in the rectory as Fr. Rex and Fr. Neil welcomed me. He was the associate pastor the time I met him in Penticton.  Fr. Neil is a joyful man of pleasant disposition. He loves Jesus, loves the Church and loves God’s people. One thing that is easily noticeable about…

You are Living Stones (I Peter 2:5)  By the grace of God, I have spent four beautiful years with you. Truly, I have seen the beating of the Holy Spirit in many moments we shared and in many of our initiatives. I came to feel myself as one of you.  It is time to leave our beloved Penticton and move on to a different vineyard of the Lord. As you may have heard, the Bishop wants me to serve in…

Dear Brothers and Sisters, This past week, Bishop Gregory Bittman revised his previous pastoral appointments. Along with several other priests receiving new assignments, our beloved Fr. Obi has graciously agreed to pastor St. Pius Parish in Kelowna and St. Edwards Parish in Winfield. He will be mentoring Fr. Peter who is new to our diocese, as well serving as Chaplain at UBC Okanagan campus. His new pastoral appointment takes effect July 15th. Our Parishes have been incredibly blessed to have…