Thanks Be To God!
My dear brothers and sisters, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! As we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, the Word of God invites us to pause and recognize how richly we have been blessed. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; for us as Catholics, it is a way of life. The very word Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” Every time we gather at Mass, we come before the Lord with grateful hearts, offering Him our praise and receiving the greatest gift of all:…
With Mary, Rooted in Jesus
Dear friends in Christ, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! The Word of God this Sunday invites us to look at our lives as a vineyard entrusted to us by the Lord. In Isaiah’s “The Song of the Vineyard,” God lovingly prepares His vineyard and patiently waits for good fruit. Yet, instead of justice and righteousness, He finds only wild grapes. In today’s Gospel, Jesus returns to this same image and reminds us that we are not owners of the…
Our Yes Must Become Love
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! This Sunday, the Word of God invites us to look honestly into our hearts and ask a simple but important question: Does my “yes” to God become visible in the way I live? In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about two sons. One says “no” to his father but later changes his mind and goes to work. The other says “yes,” but does not go. The difference is…
Grace Beyond Measure
My sisters and brothers, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! Last week, we celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is also the Feast of our school. The Cross, once a sign of suffering and death, has become the greatest sign of God’s love. The Cross is God’s “I love you” written across human history. So, when life becomes difficult, do not simply look at the Cross—look to Jesus. Ask Him to help you trust, serve…
Forgive as we have been forgiven
My beloved brothers and sisters, Praise to you Lord Jesus! As we begin another school year, I give thanks to God for the blessings He continues to pour upon our parishes and school community. We rejoice in the growth of our educational ministry. This year, we have added Grade 10 to the newly extended St. Carlo Acutis Legacy Academy (SCALA) at the Okanagan College campus. We now have 210 students at Holy Cross School and 40 students at SCALA. I…
The Work of Love
Beloved sisters and brothers, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! This week, I had the joy of visiting our school. It was wonderful to see our teachers preparing their classrooms, organizing their schedules, and getting everything ready for the new school year. Seeing their enthusiasm and dedication filled my heart with gratitude. Before the students even arrive, so much loving work is already being done. Their example connects beautifully with our celebration of Labour Day. Work is more than simply…
A Living Sacrifice
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! The readings for this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to discover that following Jesus Christ is not always easy, comfortable, or popular. Prophet Jeremiah experiences rejection and suffering because he faithfully proclaims God’s Word. Yet he cannot remain silent, for God’s word burns within him like a fire. His struggle reminds us that authentic discipleship sometimes demands courage, perseverance, and trust when the road becomes difficult.…
Called to Serve
My dear Friends, Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ! This Sunday’s readings invite us to reflect on God’s call to faithful stewardship, humble trust, and courageous faith. In the Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then entrusts Peter with the keys of the Kingdom and calls him to be a rock upon which He will build His Church. This connects beautifully…
Faith in the Midst of Fire
My sisters and brothers, Praise to you Lord Jesus! This week, our faith has been challenged by the wildfire calamity, especially in our neighbouring community of Summerland. Yet, in the midst of uncertainty and fear, we have witnessed something beautiful: people coming together with compassion, generosity, and courage. I am deeply grateful for everyone, especially our Catholic Parishes in Penticton, who have responded with love by providing shelter, food, supplies, and a place of welcome for those in need. Let…
Finding God in the Storm
My dear brothers and sisters, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! The readings for this Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to discover God’s presence amid life’s storms. During these summer months, our parish welcomes many visitors. Along with joyful vacations come unexpected hardships. Just this week, a couple came to our parish after losing their belongings while searching for family members here in Penticton. They were stranded, anxious, and unsure where to turn. Like so many others who…