March 15, 2026

March 10, 2026

Dear Friends,

 

Our parishes have a wonderful group of individuals who are well on their way to be fully accepted into the Catholic Church at our Easter Vigil. These individuals recently went to Sacred Heart Cathedral to celebrate the Rite of Election. During this celebration of prayer Bishop Matano acknowledged each Catechumen and Candidate.

 

Last weekend these sisters and brothers of ours celebrated their First Scrutiny.

 

For parishes, like ours, who have candidates for the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) and OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) there are three Scrutinies as part of their prayerful preparations. All three Scrutinies are connected to the weekend Gospel.

 

The purpose of these Scrutinies is to purify the hearts and minds of the Elect, helping them to turn away from sin and toward a deeper, more intimate union with Christ. These are moments of intense prayer for protection and spiritual strength.

 

The Third, Fourth, and Fifth weekends of Lent, our liturgies are tied to specific Gospels that highlight Jesus’ power to heal and transform.  Last weekend we met the Samaritan woman at the well. She encountered Jesus as Living Water. This weekend, we have the healing of the man born blind. This Gospel proclaims Jesus as Light of the World. Next weekend, we witness Jesus raising Lazarus from death. Here Jesus is recognized as Resurrection and Life!

 

All three of these Scrutinies are not only meant for the Elect, but also for us as well. We are invited to participate in these rites to reflect on own life-long need for conversion and to renew our commitment to living a Christian life. This is a prayerful and blessed time to have a “Change of Heart” in preparing for Easter!

 

May we continue to pray for our OCIA and OCIC sisters and brothers in their final preparations: Jake & Kate DiOrio, Devon Forrest, Ellen & George Gardiner, Lila & Vance Gilroy, Rosemary Kinney, Abigael & Haleigh LaRocca, Josh Miller, Sarah Moore, David Rivera, Quinn Thrash and Michael Soltow. And, let us remember one another too in prayer as our family of faith grows!

 

Blessings to everyone,

Father Rob 

 

You might also like

Father Rob's Weekly Message

July 26, 2026

July 17, 2026
Dear Friends, Really? This is the last weekend of July? The days are going by quickly and I keep reminding myself, when I am blessed to wake up to another morning, to be grateful for the present moment. Our Sacred Scriptures have been sharing several parables lately. This weekend Matthew tells us the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in the field. Where is your field? On the Fourth of July weekend we were asked where is our allegiance, to the kingdom of this earthly world, or the kingdom of God? Ultimately, though I won’t speak for everyone, where is our allegiance? Are we committed to the life of Jesus Christ, his call to being responsible to the least of our sister and brothers, proclaiming His kingdom, and loving God, and our neighbors, as ourselves? And so, in conclusion from reflecting on this weekend’s Gospel, I share: By using a variety of images, Jesus gives us a glimpse of what the kingdom of heaven will be. Its discovery is a sudden joy; it takes a person by surprise; it happens in secret. But simply discovering the kingdom is not enough: the treasure buried in the field and the pearl of great price must be possessed at any cost. And it costs everything one has to obtain the pearl. Do we understand? Are we ready for the discovery of the kingdom? More importantly, once we have found it, are we willing to make everything we own on it? Everything??? I am praying on this. What about you? Blessings and Joys, Father Rob

July 19, 2026

July 15, 2026
Dear Friends, This past week one of my favorite individuals had a birthday! My mother’s sister, Marilyn, my aunt, my Godmother, and a woman I admire so much was blessed acknowledging a new year! I am going to say it because I am proud of her and she looks fabulous! On July 16th Marilyn turned 93 years old! If I can say so myself, you would never know it. You may not have had the pleasure of meeting my aunt so far, but to give you an idea of her youthfulness and pizzaz, she and Sister Barbara Moore are college classmates and friends. Whatever happened the year these two distinguished women were born, there was some special grace blessing them both! My biological family is not strong in numbers but strong in love for one another. I am so grateful for Marilyn. Marilyn’s faith is strong and she has had crosses to bear but has always know the Lord’s words as we have recently heard, “Come to me all you who labor and burdened…” Marilyn’s life has had many blessings and joys and I wanted to acknowledge how grateful I am for her!!! To everyone enjoying a July birthday or perhaps like myself, you know someone who is having one, celebrate them and let them know how much they mean to you! Marilyn, Happy Birthday and God Bless you! Love, Rob 

July 12, 2026

July 8, 2026
Dear Friends, I pray each of you survived the extreme heat and humidity of last week. Looking around our nation and world, many suffered from the heat and flooding. May we keep all those who lost their lives in our prayers, as well as their families and friends. Those who lost homes are in our thoughts and prayers as they seek recovery. The holiday week brought two funerals before me. Betsy Brent and Bill Bertram were celebrated well last Thursday and Friday respectively. Both Betsy and Bill had strong faith and loved their church. I have no doubt they are eternally rejoicing in the kingdom of our Lord! July Fourth began with pouring rain (I was up at 5 AM) but the day brought a joy because I had the opportunity to celebrate Mackenzie Lill and Jack Rumble’s wedding! Both are delightful individuals. Jack was fully initiated at this past year’s Easter Vigil. What a gift for both of them to know embrace another sacrament, Marriage! God bless them both. This weekend’s Gospel is Matthew 13:1-9. Jesus shares the parable of the Sower and the seed. These hot days where we need to be attentive to our gardens and plantings may keep us particularly attentive to the parable and apply to ourselves applicably. I can across a reflection that I would like to share with you addressing this parable. “There are so many obstacles that can prevent the word from taking root in us: the enemy, tribulation, persecution, our anxieties, and desires. Where do we recognize ourselves in this parable? Our answer may be different every day. How can we be more receptive of the Word of God? Every gardener knows the answer: by preparing the soil, watching the growth, nurturing the plant. By opening our ears, preparing our hearts, and keeping the Word alive through reflection and prayer, we can bear fruit in love.” Lord God, may the good seed you have sown in us take root and grow, that we may bring forth an abundant harvest in works of justice, love, and peace. Keep us close to your Word and cleanse our hearts so that your fruit may take root within us. Blessings to all, Father Rob