Greetings of Peace and joy in the name of Christ,

Dear brothers and Sisters, on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, often called Good Shepherd Sunday, we listen to the voice of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John (10:1 –10). He speaks not only as the shepherd, but strikingly as “the gate.” This image invites us into a deeper trust: He is both the one who leads and the very way by which we enter into life.

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, we are reminded of Jesus’ victory of life over death and light over darkness. Let us never forget that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is indeed the foundation of our hope and the true source of peace.

Even in this season of hope, we find our hearts are heavy, and we must not close our eyes as we witness ongoing violence and suffering in the Middle East and beyond. Living in fear and mourning the loss of loved ones, many across the world long for stability and peace.

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.’” (John 20:27)

In my early 20s, I volunteered at a parish youth group. I witnessed teens encountering Jesus with a fresh, romantic wonder that reminded me of my own teenage conversion. But something had changed in me. I was quietly jaded and cynical. When teens shared stories of encountering Christ, I’d want to sarcastically murmur, “Well, good for you.” I had grown suspicious of the zeal I once knew.

Happy Easter to you!

This weekend we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. It is a big celebration for us. Why? Because “as we have shared in a death like his so too will we share in His Resurrection.” This is taken from one of the preface prayers for a funeral Mass. This is what gives us hope. When life becomes too heavy for us, when we are overwhelmed, when we feel like no one sees us, we trust that Jesus is with us to make it through this life.

"Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden."

We now enter the Holy Week liturgical season, leaving behind the Lent season. This means that the fruits of the Lenten sacrifices, prayer, fasting and alms giving, have prepared us for the encounter with the resurrected Christ on Easter. But before this encounter, we must accompany Jesus in his Passion and Death, starting with his triumphal entrance to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With the month of March, we come to realize that we are entering the month and season of new beginnings, springtime!

That which appeared to be dead during the harsh season of winter now, with the coming of spring, surrounds us with a grand display of beauty and new life, hope!

This Sunday is traditionally called Lætare Sunday. The mournful and penitential character of Lent is slightly interrupted. Today’s chants speak of joy and consolation. In olden times the organ was silent for the past three weeks, but on this day the organ is played again. The liturgical color changes from purple to rose. 

Starting from the fourth century, there was a Lenten tradition in Rome, where the faithful would gather on designated churches (known as the “station churches”) to celebrate the Holy Eucharist either with the Holy Father or with his delegate. It emphasized the unity of the Christian community of Rome during penitential seasons. 

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What does the word transfiguration really mean? The dictionary defines it as “a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances.” But have you ever actually used that word in everyday conversation? If you said your friend or spouse was “transfigured” when stepping out of the hair salon, would that sound like a compliment – or just confusing? In ordinary usage, transfiguration is a word we almost never use. In fact, we usually apply it to only one person: Jesus Christ.

Hello, St. Stanislaus family!

Happy Lent! I really enjoy and appreciate the Lenten season, and I pray that you take the opportunities of prayer, fasting and almsgiving during this penitential season. You will notice a toned-down church interior, as well as Mass because there is no Gloria and certain music in Lent. This season is usually a slower one, which should give us time to take a breath, add in some extra daily prayer, catch a daily Mass, fast from some food, drink or hobby to allow us to focus more on God in our lives. Please take a look at (and snap a photo of) the Lent 2026  flier to see what opportunities you can participate in beginning this first full week of Lent.

The Gospel for this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mt. 5:17-37) is quite long and contains several teachings and messages from Jesus.

Let us reflect on some words Jesus says to his disciples: “…if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away… if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away…” (Mt. 5:29-30).

“You are the salt of the world. You are the light of the world.” 

“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they mat see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

These are three sayings taken from this Sunday’s Gospel, and as I was reflecting on the gospel, I was prompted to especially think of the youth of the Church. While these sayings refer to us disciples, I especially think they speak to our youth.

“Blessed” is an adjective that describes someone who feels very happy, fortunate, or blessed by some circumstance. It can also refer to something that produces joy or satisfaction.

Certainly, the statement that Jesus makes about who the blessed are, does not seem to conform to the common criteria of today's society or the personal criteria of many people. How can those who suƯer, those who weep, those who hunger and thirst for justice be blessed? Perhaps we could consider blessed the merciful, the pure in heart, those who work for peace, but the persecuted?