Messages to the Faithful

As we begin the month of July, we mark our nation’s celebration of Independence Day; a time to take a break from our daily labors and consider the significance of our place in the American community.  

I join in expressing my deepest sorrow to the families of those who perished inside a tractor trailer abandoned in San Antonio. Nearly 50 migrants, adults and children, died and many others remain hospitalized.

As the month of June comes to an end, I am grateful for the many liturgical celebrations I celebrated across our diocese. Ten Confirmation Masses, numerous Baccalaureate Masses and the ordination of three men to the priesthood. Last weekend, we launched our diocesan Eucharistic Revival, calling on the faithful to renew their love for Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

I am grateful for the Supreme Court’s decision that upholds the gift of life given to us by God. The Church’s commitment to protect human life from conception until natural death remains steadfast.  I hope this ruling is met with genuine respect for one another and care for the common good.

Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day, we pray for and thank the men who work to provide and sacrifice for their families. We also honor the men who provide fatherly care to others. ​​​​​​​ For those fathers who have completed their work on earth; may they rest in the loving embrace of God. May all fathers seek and follow the example of St. Joseph, the foster father of our Lord, Jesus, who was obedient, humble and loving. I wish you a blessed Father’s Day.

This weekend, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi Sunday. The source and summit of the Christian life, this celebration highlights the belief that in the Eucharist we come into the real presence of Christ. When the priest, who is in the person of Christ, pronounces the words, “This is my Body, this is my Blood,” the bread and wine become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.

One the most treasured moments of my ministry as a bishop is to preside over ordinations to the priesthood. Tomorrow is one such day, when by the laying on of my hands and the prayer of priestly consecration, this local Church will welcome into the priesthood of Jesus Christ three men who heard the call of the Holy Spirit and said yes to a life of grace.  

I urge you to invite your family, friends, neighbors to join you on June 18th so that, together as one Body of Christ, we may begin this journey of Eucharistic renewal, reflection and rededication to his most precious body. 

The past several weeks have opened a painful wound in our nation related to violence and the use of guns in schools, places of work, shopping centers, and even houses of worship.

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Spirit’s gift of power to go forth to boldly proclaim the Gospel. We too are gifted with the same Spirit at Pentecost to become bearers of the Gospel in a world in need of hope and unity.