In light of the July 17–21, 2024, National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN, and because Fr. Chuck is away on vacation, we're bringing you excerpts from a homily titled, "Eucharistic Amazement and Holy Joy," which Fr. Chuck originally preached a little over three years ago at St. Wenceslaus Church, Scappoose, OR. In it, he mostly reads selections from Archbishop Alexander Sample's heartfelt pastoral message, "The Church Draws Her Life from the Eucharist," on God's love poured out in the Eucharist and the "Eucharistic amazement" which can mark our response.

To download and read the Archbishop Sample's full message from 2021—which includes announcements of the end of Covid-19 protocols then in place—click here or copy and paste the following url into your browser window:

https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/6077ad2b372d5a152de8191d73e3e4480c620035/ABS_Pastoral%20Message%2030Jun21%20Return%20to%20Eucharist_FINAL.pdf.

Enrich yourself further by hearing Archbishop Sample explore "Eucharistic Amazement" in a Jan. 2024 episode of Mater Dei Radio's podcast, "The Voice of the Shepherd. Click here or copy and past the following url into your browser window:

https://materdeiradio.com/captivate-podcast/eucharistic-amazement/

(All links will open a new tab or window.)

How can we gain the courage to follow Jesus and stand out from a culture that is often contrary to His teachings? Listen to today's homily to learn the antidote to "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out). May God's grace bless us with boldness in our faith.

Catholic Mass Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 14, 2024

First Reading: Amos 7: 12-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14
Second Reading: Ephesians 1: 3-14
Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18
Gospel: Mark 6: 7-13

Have you ever thought that you could be amazing to Jesus? With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have amazing faith. Listen to Fr. Chuck's message for your homework, and learn how God will "set me on my feet" each morning with hopefulness and joy. Let's amaze Jesus and set our parish ablaze with God's love.

Full Disclosure: Fr. Chuck edited this recording for clarity and to correct an inaccurate Scripture reference. So, it differs from what participants at any of the weekend Masses would have heard.

Catholic Mass readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 7, 2024

First Reading: Ezekiel 2: 2-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 123: 1-2, 2, 3-4
Second Reading: Second Corinthians 12: 7-10
Alleluia: Luke 4: 18
Gospel: Mark 6: 1-6

How do we use the privilege we have and "excel in this gracious act", as St. Paul wishes for us in today's second reading? Jesus invites us to participate with Him, to be selfless for the good of someone else. Let's look for daily opportunities to join Christ.

Catholic Mass readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 30, 2024

First Reading: Wisdom 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13
Second Reading: Second Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13-15
Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10
Gospel: Mark 5: 21-43

How do we become a new creation in Christ, no longer living for ourselves? When we look back on our lives, have we been able to show Christ's love and be a blessing for others? Today's second reading tells us that the "Love of Christ impels us." Let's ask for God's grace to let His everlasting love flow through us.

Here is our prayer to say every day this week, "God of all creation, I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, not to live for myself but for Christ Jesus my Lord who died for my sake and was raised. Help me lead that kind of life—a “New Creation” life—through the power and working of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Catholic Mass Readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 23, 2024

First Reading: Job 38: 1, 8-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 107: 23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31
Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5: 14-17
Alleluia: Luke 7: 16
Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41

Are you caring for a garden this spring? We have been planted and are growing in God's garden like the plants in today's readings. God is always nourishing us even when our faith seems tender or small. God's grace makes us sturdy.

Father Chuck asks us to pray the prayer on the cover of the bulletin every day this week. "Jesus, Font of all Holiness and Fountain of Life, Saturate our souls and Flood us with Your love."

Catholic Mass Readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 16, 2024

First Reading: Ezekiel 17: 22-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16
Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5: 6-10
Gospel: Mark 4: 26-34

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus identifies his true family - us! God offers us the same protection from sin that protects the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Listen now to Fr. Chuck's homily for the 4pm Vigil Mass on Saturday, June 8, to learn what the sign of peace really means and how God's mercy can shine through us.

Catholic Mass Readings for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 9, 2024

First Reading: Genesis 3: 9-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Second Reading: Second Corinthians 4: 13 – 5:1
Alleluia: John 12: 31b-32
Gospel: Mark 3: 20-35

As you celebrate God's greatest sign of His love today in the Body and Blood of Christ, do you remember Jesus's very first sign at the Wedding of Cana? God is showing us through these signs that His caring for us is both practical and miraculous. We can bring God's love to others in everyday, practical ways.

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Sunday June 2, 2024

First Reading: Exodus 24: 3-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 12-13, 15-16, 17-18
Second Reading: Hebrews 9: 11-15
Alleluia: John 6: 51
Gospel: Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26