From the Pastor -Pentecost

June 3, 2022

Today we reach the finale of the Easter season with the celebration of the great Feast of Pentecost. Reflecting on today’s readings inspires a sense of awe as we consider the mighty power of the Holy Spirit at work giving birth to and sustaining our Church. Just as awesome — the same Spirit is calling to us this day to take up our part in the Church’s saving work.


In the first reading, from Acts, we see the creative genius of the Holy Spirit moving through the newly confirmed Apostles “who began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” The large crowd, gathered from all over the world were “amazed” and “astounded” that each one could understand the Apostles speaking in their own language.


Each one of us, young and old alike, is personally called today by the Holy Spirit into the same mission as that of the first Apostles — to advance the Kingdom of God in our corner of the world. Just as He did on that Pentecost day, the Holy Spirit speaks to us in our “own language” to give us the Good News of the Gospel and urge us to share it. We can think of our own language as the particular gifts, talents, and passions we possess. We experience the presence of the Holy Spirit through them and we are meant put them to the work in grateful service of the Kingdom of God.


When we consider the stewardship way of life we are called to live, we often focus on the challenges it poses. Surrendering ourselves to God is indeed a challenging way to live. But it leads to a life that is exciting, creative, and deeply rewarding. Stewardship allows us to experience life as a great adventure because it is a life guided and directed by the very source of power and creativity — the Holy Spirit!

© Catholic Stewardship Consultants


Pastoral Pondering

I wanted to address a few things that have come my way over the past few days that I believe may be of interest to a wider audience.


Sign of Peace and Communion – While most of the restrictions that were enacted by the Diocese with COVID have been removed, there are still restrictions on the Sign of Peace and offering both species at Holy Communion. My observation at Mass has generally been that even though the deacon does not announce the sign of peace, many families and friends are sharing some sign of their own volition. This is fine. We should also remember that there are a number of ways that the sign of peace can be offered other than shaking hands, e.g., bowing, simply indicating peace vocally, etc.


The Communion cup, of course raises other concerns. Prior to COVID we had moved to sharing Communion in this way to special feast days such as Corpus Christi, which is actually what the liturgical documents indicate is proper. With COVID’s arrival, however, this was eliminated completely except for those with special accommodation due to food allergies. We have received no indication when or if this option might be available again. I think a modified sign of peace will return before the cup for Communion.


Speaker Pelosi and the Archbishop – Some folks have expressed confusion concerning the Archbishop of San Francisco’s statement that Representative Nancy Pelosi is no longer able to receive Communion until she repents of her public promotion of abortion based on the norm expressed in canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law.


The responses that I have seen out in the media world have been varied from accusing the Archbishop of being political to those who declare that his action was far overdue. The canon in question states the following:


can. 915† Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.


I have underlined the portion of the canon that is operative here. From Archbishop Cordileone’s statement, it is clear that he had made a number of attempts over the past number of years to engage the Speaker on this matter. Most recently, however, in light of her support of legislation that would go far beyond Roe vs. Wade, the Speaker did not respond to his requests.


The primary concern of the second clause of the canon is the causing of public scandal. Both excommunication and interdict are remedial penalties meant to bring the subject back to full Communion with the Church. The action involved here, while it certainly aims to correct error and restore right relationship, is more concerned with the scandal caused when a public person, who regularly presents herself as a devout Catholic, promotes positions that are in clear opposition to Catholic moral teaching.


It seems clear to me that this was not something that the Archbishop wanted to do, but he felt it was something he had to do, not only for the good of the Speaker’s eternal soul, but also to alleviate the scandal caused by her contrary witness. Moreover, the Archbishop’s statement deals solely with the life of the Church. It has no impact on the public sphere and, therefore, is certainly not political. The Archbishop, as do all pastors of souls, has a responsibility to confirm the faithful, ensure sound teaching, and promote proper devotion and respect for the sacraments of the Church.


Each bishop is responsible for this in his particular diocese; therefore, you can see various responses from different bishops. While, in my opinion, this is terribly confusing on many levels, it is the state of the matter here in the United States. All of us should pray for the Archbishop as he exercises his apostolic office, and we should also pray for all of those members of the flock who, because of the public nature of their witness, cause scandal and wonderment among the faithful and the community at large.


Gun violence and mass shootings – As I write this, the recent school shooting in Texas is still a very open wound for the country. These events are terrible tragedies, especially when there is significant loss of life. On one hand such events are not new and, thankfully, are few. Nonetheless, when they occur, they often lead to shock, wonderment and even uncertainty about the goodness of God.


First and foremost, we know that God is good and He never intends an intrinsic evil. Because of our fallen human nature and the freedom with which we are endowed, however, He allows, through His permissive will, such things to occur. And, regardless of how terrible something may be, can often bring about some good in the midst of the tragedy, e.g., a family reconciliation, a greater awareness of mental illness, etc.


Whether aided by the isolation that arose during COVID or some other factor, it does seem that anger, confusion and desperation can be found in plenty in society today. One of the reasons that we engaged a counselor on staff was due to the trends that we were seeing over the past couple of years.


Of course, our first response, should be fervent prayer for the victims and their families as well as prayer for those who perpetrate these things. These things also demand that we, as followers of Christ, look for ways to address what ails our society and try, as best we can, to be part of a helpful solution.


Security also becomes a concern, and be assured, that the security of the parish is very important, and steps are being taken to ensure that we have a proper security plan in place. No one should have to be afraid when they come to church or go to school. While we cannot eliminate all possible threats, we can learn to be more vigilant and be as prepared as we can be in the midst of this present world.


From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Palm Sunday

By John Putnam • March 27, 2026
We begin this Holy Week with the reading of the Lord’s Passion from the Gospel of Matthew. It is fitting that during this week we intensely focus our minds and hearts on the steps of our Savior as He laid down His very life for us. But let us also examine the seemingly small acts of stewardship by some who encountered Jesus during this most eventful week. One occurred when Jesus gave instructions about the room where He would celebrate the Passover. Jesus said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him…” ‘In your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.’” While we do not know this man’s name, we do know he agreed to this request — he shared the material gift of his home and the gift of hospitality. Because of his good stewardship, his own home became the site of the institution of the Eucharist! There was also Simon the Cyrenian, who offered the gift of his physical strength, helping the Lord to carry His Cross. Consider, too, the actions of Joseph of Arimathea — he generously shared a material gift of the tomb that was his, and he gave the gift of service to our Lord by giving Him a proper burial. Then there were the "two Marys” who gave Jesus the gift of their time. Keeping watch in tender vigil after His death, they “remained sitting there, facing the tomb.” Each of these were simple acts of good stewardship, yet God used them in mighty ways. God invites each of us, too, to cooperate with Him in small ways through the sharing of our time, talent, and material gifts. Small gifts can become mighty deeds when placed in God’s service. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering  Recently, a new translation of The Order of the Anointing of the Sick and of Their Pastoral Care was released by the USCCB. In keeping with our review over the last two weeks, I think it would be good to have a reminder about when it is proper to ask to receive this wonderful sacrament of healing. The following is adapted from an article by Father Dylan Shrader, an edited version of which appeared in the journal of the Society for Catholic Liturgy Antiphon 16, no. 1 (2012):52-61. Anointing of the Sick Before Surgery: When and Why? Many Catholics wonder: “Can I receive Anointing of the Sick just because I’m having surgery?” It’s a common question in parishes. Some assume that any procedure requiring general anesthesia carries enough risk to qualify for the sacrament. Fr. Dylan Schrader’s clear article (published in Antiphon, 2012) shows why this view, though well-meaning, does not match Church teaching. The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is not a “good-luck charm” against surgical complications. It is a healing sacrament Christ gave specifically for those who are already suffering a dangerous bodily infirmity —a serious illness, injury, or the frailty of old age that puts them in danger of death right now. Scripture (James 5:14) and the Councils of Florence and Trent are unmistakable: this sacrament is for the sick, not for anyone facing an external danger (battle, travel, or upcoming surgery) if they are otherwise healthy. The Church’s official Ritual says anointing can be given before surgery—but only when “a dangerous illness is the cause of the surgery itself.” The Catechism echoes this: it is “fitting” to receive Anointing before a serious operation for those who already qualify because of their illness. The point is pastoral wisdom, not a new rule: if someone is already sick enough to need anointing, it’s better to receive the sacrament before the added stress of surgery than to risk delaying it or missing it entirely. The special grace of Anointing does not “wear off.” Once received with faith, it lasts throughout the entire period of that same infirmity, giving strength, peace, union with Christ’s suffering, forgiveness of sins (if needed), and even possible physical healing. It can be repeated only if the person recovers and then falls seriously ill again, or if the same illness becomes markedly worse. Practical Guidance for Parishioners - If your surgery is because of a serious illness or injury (e.g., cancer surgery, heart procedure, complications from an accident), ask your priest about Anointing beforehand. He will gladly celebrate it. - If your procedure is elective, precautionary, or cosmetic (wisdom teeth removal with no infection, knee replacement for a stable condition, organ donation, etc.), you are not yet a candidate for Anointing. The Church offers beautiful alternatives: the blessing of the sick, prayers from the Book of Blessings, or simply the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist. - Always prepare spiritually with Confession and Holy Communion. These are available to everyone, healthy or ill. Priests are happy to explain the sacrament and resolve any doubt in favor of celebrating it when the criteria are met. The goal is never to withhold grace but to honor the beautiful purpose Christ gave this sacrament: to strengthen us precisely in the suffering we already carry. Christ instituted Anointing of the Sick so that, in our weakness, we might be united to His Passion and receive every grace we need to bear illness as Christians. When we understand its true purpose, we receive it with greater faith—and experience its full power. If you or a loved one faces serious illness, don’t wait. Call your priest today. The Church wants you to have this sacrament at the right time, for the right reason, and with full confidence in Christ’s healing love.

From the Pastor - 5th Sunday in Lent

By John Putnam • March 20, 2026
At this point in our Lenten journey, it is tempting to grow weary of the spiritual disciplines we have taken on. Today’s readings inspire us to remain faithful, in grateful response to a God who loves us so much. In our first reading, the prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s own words to us. “I will put my spirit in you that you may live… I have promised and I will do it, says the Lord.” Our God wants to be so closely united to us that we are one with Him. And He has promised He will do it. But only if we make room for Him by making Him THE priority of our lives. Putting God first is a grateful response that is very pleasing to Him. How can we do this? Our second reading, from Romans, tells us. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh… you are in the spirit if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.” The disciplines of Lent and a stewardship way of life are wonderful gifts that free us from too great an attachment to “the flesh.” The sacrifices we make as Christian stewards are not meant to restrict our freedom and joy. Quite the contrary. They are tools to help us find the real freedom and joy that only come when we make room in our lives for God. As we journey closer to the Passion of our Lord, let us intensify our Lenten resolutions and our stewardship way of life, inviting the Holy Spirit to take over more and more of our lives. By Easter, we will be freer to rejoice in Him and truly pleasing to God. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering On September 29, 1916, the Angel of Peace appeared to the three shepherd children in Fatima. During this encounter, the Angel shared with the children the following prayer: "Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I adore thee profoundly, and I offer Thee the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the same son Jesus Christ, present in the Tabernacles of the world, in reparation for all the sacrileges, outrages, and indifferences by which He Himself is offended. And by the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners." In keeping with the theme that I began last week, about reviewing the basics, I thought it might be useful to address the importance of Eucharistic reverence and devotion. In the prayer given by the Angel, sacrileges, outrages and indifferences are specifically mentioned. Perhaps looking at each of these is a helpful way to address this.