May 18, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters, What a week for the Catholic Church in the United States! I think we all are feeling a lot of enthusiasm at the election of Pope Leo XIV. What an exciting choice by the College of Cardinals, and what a blessing for Catholics in the U.S. to see one of our own—an American who became a missionary in Peru and a leader in the international Church—what a blessing to see him take up the ministry of Peter. Let’s also be attentive to the way God is already working through his ministry, by being ready to welcome people who are being drawn to the Church, perhaps for the first time. With all the warm weather, and Memorial Day on the horizon in a couple weeks, it’s definitely starting to feel like summer is on the way! We are still in the midst of celebrating Easter sacraments, with many First Communions this week. Many congratulations to the young people and families who will be taking part—well done, friends in Christ! Knowing that we have many visitors this weekend, I’d like to take the opportunity this week to invite our whole community to participate in an important summer event: Vacation Bible School, from 23-27 June. Although it’s called “school,” I would really call VBS more of an experience of Catholic community and of God working among us. I very warmly invite all our students (from 3 years old to those starting 5th grade) to participate. And for all parishioners who are young at heart, you’re invited to get involved as a volunteer. For details about how to register and get involved, please see the flyer in the Gathering Space, or check out the link on the main page of our website. As we enter the summer months, let’s continue to seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and our patron St. Thomas, so that we may see God at work in all things. And let’s lift up Pope Leo in prayer in a special way this weekend, as he celebrates his inaugural Mass. Here is a prayer I would propose for us: "You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern your will, courage to fulfill it, and charity to shepherd your people faithfully. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, that he may lead the Church in unity and holiness. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen." God bless,

Father Jantz