Dear Parishioners,
 
Blessings from Rome
From the very first day of our pilgrimage, we have felt truly blessed. As soon as we arrived in Rome, we went straight to St. Peter’s Square, determined not to miss a single moment in the Eternal City. What a gift to be welcomed by the Holy Father himself, smiling and imparting his blessing right in front of us, we could hardly believe it! I carried each of you in prayer. At every holy place, I prayed for the people I have met, for those I know, and for those I will meet.
 

 
A Universal Church of Catechists
Soon after, we joined an audience with more than 20,000 catechists from 115 countries. It was a powerful reminder of the universality of our Catholic faith. We witnessed hope and vitality in our beloved Church. The Holy Father emphasized how essential catechists are to the life of the Church. I thought of each catechist in our parish who so generously offers time and talent, thank you!
 
Mass with the Holy Father
On Sunday, we had the incredible privilege of concelebrating Holy Mass with the Vicar of Christ. His homily renewed our faith and encouraged us to live the mission with joy. He highlighted the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a map for unity and a guide to the fundamental questions of the human heart. In honor of this Holy Year, we concelebrated in green vestments given to us by the Pope. During these days, 39 catechists from around the world also received the instituted Ministry of Catechist, a beautiful sign of the Church’s mission today.
Fr. Yojan had the honor of Concelebrating the MAss with Pope Leo!!
 

 

Looking Ahead to Assisi
On Tuesday, our pilgrimage continues to Assisi, where we will pray at the tombs of St. Francis and St. Clare. We will also visit sites associated with St. Carlo Acutis, a witness for our own millennium who shows that holiness is possible in ordinary life. There, I will pray especially for the young people of our parish, asking Carlo’s intercession that we may grow ministries that engage them in the life and service of our community. 
 
(The patron saint of Assisi is Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order. Born in the city, he is revered for his profound humility, his love for creation and animals, his vow of poverty, and his dedication to serving the poor.)
 

 
Visit of Our Bishop – Tuesday, October 7
We are honored to welcome our Bishop on Tuesday, October 7. Please join us to gather as a parish family, pray together, and receive the encouragement of our shepherd. We will also support our young people who will soon receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the sacrament of Christian maturity. As I prayed in the catacombs of Rome, I remembered the martyrs who witnessed to the faith with their lives. Confirmation strengthens us to be witnesses today and to make a real difference in the world. Let us surround our teens with prayer and encouragement as they take this important step. 
 
October: Month of the Holy Rosary
October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a profound way to meditate on the life of Jesus; truly a “summary of the Gospel.” St. John Paul II loved this prayer because, through it, he contemplated the mysteries of Christ. In my family, we tried to pray the Rosary every day; it was our time together. As my father used to say, “The family that prays together stays together.” 
In our parish, we have different opportunities to come together and pray the Rosary
-Rosary Society: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Holy Family Chapel.
-Saturday Rosary & Mass: Rosary at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel, followed by Holy Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother.