Pastoral Message – October 20, 2024
Dear Parishioners and Visitors, Several weeks ago, I listed some of the many signs that Fall has arrived. In making the list, I accidentally omitted one sign that is especially important for me. I can tell that Fall has arrived because the symphony and opera seasons have begun! As you might know, I have a subscription to the Classical Series at Pacific Symphony, and I occasionally go to the Los Angeles Opera. These musical experiences renew me; they refresh me; they
Pastoral Message – October 13, 2024
Hey Y’all, It’s been a little while since I’ve written a message here. So I’m happy to be writing a little something today! First, a giant THANK YOU for all those who made last weekend’s Festival so very successful!!! I do hope that each and every one - whether chairing, leading, volunteering, eating, laughing, socializing, and enjoying – had a wonderful experience! Now that Festival is over this year, we’re back to our focus on the formation of our parishioners. Not that
Pastoral Message – October 6, 2024
Right now it’s all about the Fall Festival here at Saints Simon & Jude. What does this mean? It means a lot of things: wild rides, a variety of great foods, fun games, enjoyable entertainment, an amazing talent show, and a raffle with a grand prize of $10,000. It seems that there’s something for everyone, so that all of us can get together and have a good time. Of course, all of this involves a LOT of work. We are so
Pastoral Message – September 22, 2024
Sunday, September 22, is the first official day of Fall this year. That’s because this year is the Autumnal Equinox, when the Sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length as the days get shorter, occurs on September 22nd. Of course, we don’t need the coming of the Autumnal Equinox to tell us that Fall is approaching. There are other signs of Fall around us as well: Vacations are over and the school year
Pastoral Message – September 8, 2024
Looking ahead at the gospel passage we will hear this weekend, I was happy to see that this is one of those special passages in which St. Mark tells us what Jesus said in Jesus’ native Aramaic language. In healing a man who was deaf, Jesus touched his ears and said, “Ephphatha!” That was the first sound that the deaf man heard. The word means “Be opened!” but there’s something special about hearing the same exact sound that the deaf
Pastoral Message – August 25, 2024
As I gradually get used to walking and standing again, I am really grateful that I can do so. I don’t think I will ever take that ability for granted. I’m also really grateful to everyone who has helped me get around during these days of healing from my broken ankle, and I’m grateful to all of you for your patience with me. Looking at the gospel passage which we will hear at Mass this weekend, I see that it has
Pastoral Message – August 11, 2024
PARKING LOT PRAYER NEEDS YOU! Those who serve in the SSJ Parking Lot Prayer Ministry are looking for a few more parishioners to join the Team! If you haven’t heard about Parking Lot Prayer, then here’s what you need to know: It is an hour-long weekly ministry that is devoted to PRAYER. It is held every Wednesday afternoon in Mondor Plaza from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. One or two ministers sit at the edge of the plaza (fondly known as the