When I was a kid growing up in New England, I’d occasionally go on a whale watch. Once we went out with calm waters and clear skies. But on the way back in, the sea got rough. I was just a kid, and I remember thinking we should turn left or right toward the shoreline I could see. But the pilot of the boat kept going straight — right into the waves — focused on a small, discouragingly distant lighthouse. Even when it flickered in and out of sight, he stayed the course. He knew where he was going.

Esteemed brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, we celebrate the dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica, known as the Pope's church and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, where the Bishop of Rome resides. The term "basilica" has its roots in ancient Roman history, referring to a large public building used for business, legal proceedings, and gatherings. These buildings typically featured a rectangular floor plan with a central nave, aisles on either side, and an apse (a semicircular area at one end).

Esteemed brothers and sisters in Christ,

Padre Pio once reported to Padre Anastasio di Roio: "One night I was alone in the choir and saw a friar cleaning the altar late at night. I asked him to go to bed since it was so late. He said: 'I'm a friar like you. I did my novitiate here, and when assigned to take care of the Altar, I passed by the Tabernacle many times without making the proper reverence. For this sin, I am in Purgatory, and the Lord sent me to you. You decide how much longer I have to suffer in those flames.' I told him, I will pray for you at Mass in the morning.' He said, 'Cruel,' and disappeared. I still have a wound in my heart. I could have sent him immediately to Paradise; instead, he had to stay one more night in the flames of Purgatory" (Following Padre Pio, 2025).

In this weekend's Gospel, we encounter the parable about the Pharisee and Tax Collector who were at a Temple prayer service [cf. Luke 18:9-14]. At first, this parable sounds like the lesson was intended for the Pharisees who had confronted Jesus in Bethany, near the home of Lazarus and his sisters, only days before His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But close attention to the parable shows us that the lesson was actually intended for Jesus's disciples, including us.

Dear Fr. Thomas and Beloved Parishioners,

On behalf of myself, the priests, the religious, and the entire Catholic faithful of Zaria Diocese in Nigeria, I write with a heart full of gratitude to thank you most sincerely for your outstanding generosity during the recent Mission Appeal conducted by Rev. Fr. Samuel Aliba in your parish.

The sum of $20,688.20 realized from the Appeal is one of the highest we have ever received. Beyond the figure, however, is the powerful message of love, solidarity, and faith that your parish community has sent to us. Fr. Samuel spoke so warmly of the kindness and hospitality he receives from you, Fr. Thomas, and from the parishioners. It was truly a beautiful witness of our shared priesthood and the unity of the Body of Christ.

Dear esteemed parishioners

In the spirit of Canon Law#1287, the diocesan policy of Phoenix mandates that the Parish Finance Council supervise the preparation of the annual financial report to the Bishop by July 31 each year-30 days afterthe conclusion of the fiscal year. This report is to be shared with the faithful within 120 days following theend of the fiscal year and will be published in the parish bulletin. This weekend, the Parish Finance Counciland I are pleased to fulfill this important responsibility. The 2024/2025 Financial Report is included in thisweekend's bulletin.

Dear beloved parishioners,

A friend of mine returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2004 and brought me several souvenirs, including a grain of mustard seed, which is mentioned in this Sunday's Gospel. It is a very small and round grain, typically measuring 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, and originates from a mustard plant, commonly used in cooking and farming.