Dear Family,

I wanted to share some reflections from our priest convocation in August, particularly the insights offered by Archbishop Robert G. Casey and Bishop Bonnar of Youngstown. I found their perspectives both encouraging and hopeful as we look toward the future. Both leaders acknowledged that these are challenging times for the Church but emphasized that it is a privilege to serve as priests in such moments. Church history shows that periods of difficulty often lead to significant growth. The greater the challenge, the greater the opportunity for spiritual depth and renewal. When we turn to Christ in our need, remarkable things can happen. Archbishop Casey shared several compelling points. He reminded us that there is no room for pessimism. By nature, we are called to be confident, courageous, and full of hope, qualities that inspire joy in ourselves and others. He emphasized that humility is essential, as all virtue diminishes without it. He also noted that no one can live an adult life with an eighth-grade faith. Maturity in faith is what sustains us through difficult experiences. To be Catholic is to embrace unity. True unity requires individuals without personal agendas, flows from dialogue, and is powerfully supported by mercy. These insights offer a glimpse of the depth and wisdom of Archbishop Casey’s leadership. One image Archbishop Casey shared particularly resonated: being in a boat on a stormy sea. While some focus on the storm in fear, others turn to Jesus in faith. Each of us has a choice between fear and faith. My favorite image from Archbishop Casey was this: “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings while the dawn is still dark.” I love the idea of those early-morning birds that begin to sing, trusting in the coming light, feeling, knowing, and rejoicing before the day even begins. Our Sunday celebrations are opportunities to climb God’s Mountain Top, nourished by Sacred Scripture. On September 14, we celebrate Together Sunday, a time to invite back those who may have stepped away from Mass. We all know someone who could benefit from that invitation. We are called to be the welcoming face of Christ, offering support, friendship, and the embrace of God’s love. To make this day successful, we must extend a warm welcome to strangers and to those we haven’t seen in a long time. Pope Leo reminds us that a smile is a wonderful gift, especially to a stranger. Thankfully, Together Sunday coincides with our family picnic weekend, an ideal occasion to invite and welcome many.

Prayers and blessings,

Fr. Tom