From the Pastor - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 10, 2026

Today’s readings remind us that following Christ requires commitment.


In the Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him without hesitation. “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”


The stewardship way of life calls for this same focus. We are invited to give ourselves fully — not halfway, not when it is convenient, but completely.

When we place God first, we discover true freedom. As St. Paul reminds us, “For freedom Christ set us free.”


Let us respond to God’s call with trust and wholehearted commitment. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026.


Pastoral Pondering

A regular prayer life is the heartbeat of the Catholic faith—it’s how we cultivate intimacy with God, receive grace for ministry, and model discipleship for those we serve. The Church teaches that prayer is essential for holiness (CCC 2558–2565), and saints like St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross emphasize perseverance in it as the path to union with Christ. Here are some of the most effective, time-tested practices that help build and sustain a consistent habit of prayer.


1. Establish a Fixed Daily Rhythm (The Foundation)

Morning Offering and Evening Examination: Begin the day with a short Morning Offering (e.g., the traditional one or the one from the Apostleship of Prayer) to consecrate your work, joys, and sufferings. End with an Examen of Conscience (St. Ignatius style: gratitude, review of the day, sorrow for sins, resolution, and a prayer for tomorrow). These bookend the day in 5–10 minutes each and create natural anchors.


Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office): For priests and religious, this is the official prayer of the Church. It is, however, recommended for everyone. If you want to give it a try, commit to at least Lauds and Vespers daily if full coverage isn’t possible yet. Apps like iBreviary or Universalis make it portable. Many find that praying it in the same chair or chapel spot builds the habit powerfully.


Set a “Prayer Appointment”: Treat prayer like a non-negotiable meeting—same time, same place (e.g., 15–30 minutes in the morning before the demands of the parish hit). Consistency beats intensity.


2. Core Devotional Practices

Daily Rosary: Our Lady repeatedly asked for this at Fatima and Lourdes. Even a single decade on busy days builds up.


Lectio Divina: Sacred reading of Scripture (Gospel of the day + one other passage). Read → Meditate → Pray → Contemplate. 15–20 minutes daily transforms Scripture from intellectual knowledge into lived encounter.


Eucharistic Adoration: Schedule a weekly Holy Hour (or even 15–30 minutes). Just being in His presence is transformative—bring your intentions, your family, and your own struggles. Many find this the single biggest sustainer of zeal.


3. Integrate Prayer into Daily Life

Short Aspirations and Ejaculatory Prayers: Throughout the day, use simple phrases like “Jesus, I trust in You,” “All for You, Lord,” or the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”). These turn ordinary moments (stoplights on I-77, waiting for meetings) into prayer.


Angelus or Regina Caeli: At noon (and 6 a.m./6 p.m. if possible). It’s brief, Trinitarian, and keeps the Incarnation before your eyes.


Grace Before Meals and Family/Staff Prayer: Model it publicly and invite others.


4. Accountability and Growth Tools

Spiritual Direction: Is essential for priests and religious but can be a great help to the laity as well.


Prayer Journal: Write intentions, insights from Lectio, or graces received. It helps track God’s faithfulness during arid times.


Accountability Partner or Small Group: Somebody that you can just touch base with. The Cursillo movement has built in helps for this.


Retreats and Pilgrimages: Annual silent retreat + shorter days of recollection. Local options in the Diocese of Charlotte or places like the Abbey of Mary Help of Christians can recharge you.


5. Overcoming Common Obstacles

Dryness/Distraction: Accept it as normal (the saints endured it). Persevere with vocal prayer or Scripture when mental prayer feels empty. Offer the struggle itself.


Busyness: Start small—add one new practice for 2–3 weeks before layering another. Use driving, walking, or chores as prayer times.


Temptation to Skip: Remember St. Josemaría Escrivá’s advice: “The battle is won or lost in the first five minutes of prayer.” Just begin.


Recommended Resources

Books: Introduction to the Devout Life (St. Francis de Sales)—practical for busy people; The Three Ages of the Interior Life (Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange); Time for God (Jacques Philippe).


Apps: Laudate, iBreviary, the Tan Books app, Hallow (great guided content), or the USCCB daily readings app.


Church Teaching: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Four on Prayer; documents like Veritatis Splendor or papal writings on the spiritual life.


Remember, a faithful prayer life bears fruit in charity, patience, and joy—even when we don’t “feel” it. Many great saints credit their perseverance to these simple, steady habits.


From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 10, 2026
In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus shares the familiar Parable of the Sower. It is a powerful image for the stewardship way of life, demonstrating the gradual but transformative effect that a life centered on God can have on us over time. In the parable, some seed falls on a path where birds quickly carry it away. Other seed falls on rocky ground, where it begins to grow but cannot develop deep roots. Still more seed falls among thorns that eventually choke the young plants. Finally, some seed falls on rich, fertile soil and produces an abundant harvest. Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God, generously scattered for all to receive. The question is whether our hearts are prepared to receive it and allow it to take root. This is where the stewardship way of life comes in. When we offer our time, talent, and treasure to God and place Him first in our lives, we help create the “good soil” needed for the Kingdom to flourish within us. Stewardship removes the “rocks” of mistrust as we grow in confidence that God will provide for our needs. It clears away the “thorns” of worldly concerns that can distract us from what matters most. Through prayer, the sacraments, and generous service, the soil of our lives is continually nourished and renewed. Let us deepen our commitment to this way of life, allowing the Divine Sower to do His work within us. In time, He will produce an abundant harvest through our lives. ©Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering A Pastoral Reflection on the Earthquakes in Venezuela Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In these days, our hearts are heavy as we learn of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Two powerful tremors, measuring approximately 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have caused great loss of life, injured thousands, and left many families homeless and grieving. As your pastor, I invite you to join me in prayer for all those affected— the deceased, the injured, the missing, and those working tirelessly in rescue and relief efforts. May the Lord grant them strength and comfort in this time of trial. The Catholic Church offers us clear guidance on how to understand such natural disasters. They are not punishments from God directed at specific sins or peoples. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, our world is “in a state of journeying” toward its ultimate perfection (CCC 310). In God’s wise plan, creation includes both life-giving and destructive forces of nature—such as the shifting of tectonic plates that cause earthquakes. Physical evils like these remind us of the disorder introduced into the world by Original Sin, yet they are not direct divine judgments. Jesus Himself rejected such thinking when asked about tragedies in His time (see Luke 13:1-5 and John 9:1-3). Instead, these events humble us, turn our eyes from fleeting earthly goods toward heaven, and call forth the best in us: compassion, solidarity, and trust in God’s providence. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has expressed his deep closeness to the Venezuelan people. He has offered prayers for the victims and their families, entrusted the rescuers to the Lord, and sent an initial emergency donation of €100,000 to support relief efforts through the local Church. He urges the international community to respond with generous solidarity. In moments like this, we remember that creation itself “groans” in labor pains as it awaits full redemption (Romans 8:22). Yet we are not without hope. God does not abandon His children. He is present in the suffering Christ who walks with us, and He brings good even from tragedy—through heroic acts of charity, stronger communities, and hearts turned more fully toward Him. What can we do here at St. Mark’s? - Pray: Offer Masses, Rosaries, or personal prayers for Venezuela. Consider a special intention at weekend Masses. - Help: Support reliable Catholic relief organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) or efforts coordinated by our Diocese of Charlotte. Even small donations can provide food, shelter, and medical aid. - Reflect: Use this as an opportunity for personal conversion and gratitude for the blessings we enjoy.  Let us entrust our Venezuelan brothers and sisters to the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Mark, our patron. May the Risen Lord bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer. And may we, as one parish family, respond with the love of Christ.

From the Pastor - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 10, 2026
The theme of humility is central to our readings today. God Himself is a humble God, so if we wish to follow Him as Christian stewards, we too, must be humble. In fact, humility is key to the stewardship way of life, and to a peaceful and fulfilling life. In our Gospel passage from Matthew, Jesus Himself speaks to the Father about the privileged role that humble souls play in God’s plan of salvation. “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.” What does it mean to be a “little one”? It means that we acknowledge we don’t have it all figured out, but that we are very much in need of a savior. It means we recognize that all we are and all we have been given is a gift from God. It means we embrace the stewardship way of life. It is not easy, but deep peace and consolation come with this way of life. Jesus offers these warm and encouraging words to entice us to embrace them. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Let us resolve to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, embracing the humble path of stewardship. It is the path that leads to peace here and now, and ultimately leads us to heaven. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering One of the struggles that confessors often have to face is the reality of scrupulosity. It is not something new and has in fact been recognized as a spiritual obstacle throughout the centuries. Hence, I thought a discussion of the issue, albeit brief, would be helpful to those who face it or know someone who does.  Scrupulosity is a condition in which a person experiences excessive, persistent anxiety and doubt about sin, often seeing mortal sin where there is none or obsessing over past faults that have already been forgiven. It is sometimes described as a religious form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and can cause great spiritual distress, frequent confessions, and difficulty trusting in God’s mercy. The Church has long recognized scrupulosity as a heavy cross, not a sign of weak faith but a challenge that even great saints like St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Alphonsus Liguori faced. The Catholic response emphasizes trust in God’s infinite mercy, the reliability of the sacraments, and obedience to a trusted confessor or spiritual director. Key principles include: once a sin is confessed and absolved, do not revisit it; temptation is not the same as consent or sin; and venial sins are forgiven through ordinary acts of love and the Eucharist. If you struggle with scrupulosity, choose one regular confessor, follow his guidance faithfully, and resist the urge to “priest-hop” for repeated reassurance. Professional help from a therapist familiar with OCD and Catholic teaching can also be a valuable complement. Remember the words of Jesus : “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). God’s mercy is greater than our fears. If you or someone you know suffers in this way, speak with a priest, seek spiritual direction, and know that you are not alone. Resources such as *Scrupulous Anonymous* (a free newsletter) and books like Fr. Thomas Santa’s *Understanding Scrupulosity* can offer further encouragement. May the Lord grant peace to all who carry this burden.