Pastoral Messages
Eucharistic Communion and Seeing Those in Need
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that receiving the Eucharist “commits us to the poor” (1397). Why is this so?
Receiving the Eucharist means that we enter into union with the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And being in Holy Communion with Jesus himself means something profound. Let’s consider one facet of this great mystery.
The Eucharist is Jesus himself. He is the Eternal Word, living in Trinitarian communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit. But out of love for us, in order to save us from sin and death, the beloved Son of the Father chose to take upon himself a radical poverty: the weakness of the human condition of his beloved creatures.
Continue reading this article by Dr. James Pauley here.
Scripture
An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings - June 29, 2025
“And So I Say To You Peter, And Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church”
This Sunday, we celebrate the lives of Saints Peter and Paul. Both holy men are considered the foundation pillars of the early Church, preaching to both Jewish Christians and Gentiles. While Paul is most known for his work among the Gentiles and Peter is mostly known for his preaching to Jews and Jewish Christians, they both preached to everyone and anyone who would listen. Peter was the first apostle to convert and baptize a Gentile, the Centurian named Cornelius and his entire household (Acts 10).
In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (12:1-11), we hear the story of how King Herod Agrippa I arrested St. Peter and put him in prison under heavy guard with plans to execute him after the Passover had concluded. In the middle of the night, God sent an angel to free Peter and deliver him to safety. After he had been freed, Peter said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.”
In our Epistle Reading (2 Timothy: 6-8,17-18), St. Paul writes from his prison cell in Rome to his protégé’ Timothy. It is, in a sense, a final exhortation and testament to the person who would replace Paul and continue his ministry. Paul is anticipating that his end is near and writes, “I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
In our Gospel reading (Matthew 16:13-19), Jesus asks His apostles “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” It is Peter who answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus ascribes this confession as a direct revelation from His Father in heaven and installs Peter as the rock upon which He will build His Church. Jesus gives him the authority to “bind and loose” which the Church interprets today as the authority of the Magisterium, the authority of the Pope.
One of the most important aspects of this feast day is that the ministry and mission of both Sts. Peter and Paul continued to flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Both Peter and Paul were imprisoned in Rome and executed around the same time around 67 AD. But their disciples stayed in Rome and Rome became the seat of leadership in the Church.
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062925.cfm
Upcoming Events
- Count It All Joy - Saturday, June 28 at 5:00 pm Mass
- 75th Anniversary - Cookout and Bonfire on Saturday, July 5 at 6 pm
Latest News
- Keepsake 75th Cookbook - we want your recipes!
- Introducing OCIA - Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
- Liturgical Ministers - schedules and info here
- Beware of Scam Requests - if you recently received a text or email from Fr. Tim asking for gift cards or a favor, please be aware that this did not come from Fr. Tim
- CYO Fall Soccer - registration open for grades 3-6
- Faith Formation K-7 - enroll now for the fall
What's Happening This Week
Faith at Home
- 3 Minute Retreat - from Loyola Press; take a short prayer break right at your computer by spending some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage
- The Family Zone - a weekly Family Zone Newsletter, provided by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Rochester
Help
- How Can We Help You? - let us know!
- Helping Those in Need - "Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters..."