I just returned from my summer vacation, and I want to say how deeply grateful I am—for the time away, for the staff who held down the fort with such grace and care, and for all of you who allowed me the space to rest and recharge. It was a true gift. I spent the past several weeks traveling through Italy, visiting places I had never been before. But this wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a pilgrimage of the heart.
I found myself on sacred ground time and again—praying before the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, kneeling in silence before the incorrupt body of St. Padre Pio, and celebrating Mass in his friar cell where he was imprisoned for 2+ years. Also celebrating Mass in awe at the Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael in Monte Sant’Angelo. Each of these holy places was an invitation to encounter the mystery of faith in a new way. They stirred something deep in my soul, reminding me of the beauty of our tradition, the depth of God’s mercy, and the call to walk humbly and faithfully as disciples of Christ.
Another highlight was the time I spent in Rome during this Jubilee Year. Visiting the four major basilicas—St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—as a pilgrim was incredibly moving. To walk through the Holy Doors, to pray in these sacred spaces where so many saints have walked before us, and to unite my intentions with the universal Church—this was a profound reminder of our communion with one another and with the whole Body of Christ across time and space.
The 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis as a time for renewal and healing after the trials of the pandemic and global unrest, invites the entire Church to rekindle the theological virtue of hope. Not just wishful thinking, but Christian hope—a confident trust that God is present and working in our lives, even when the future feels uncertain. In a world often dominated by fear, cynicism, and division, the Jubilee Year of Hope calls us to be people of light, to walk as pilgrims of peace, and to become beacons of hope in our communities. I felt that call deeply in Rome, and I hope we as a parish can respond to that same invitation with open hearts in the months to come.
Now I return to you rejuvenated—spiritually and physically renewed—and filled with anticipation for all that God has in store for our parish in the year ahead. As summer begins to wind down and families return from their time away, we prepare to welcome back our school community and re-enter the vibrant rhythm of parish life. It’s a perfect moment to return to your friendship with Christ. Whether you’ve been traveling, resting, or just enjoying a different pace, we invite you to reconnect—with your faith, with your parish, and with one another.
This Sunday’s readings echo what I’ve experienced during my time away and what we all need in daily life: faithfulness, especially in the quieter, less zealous moments. The Gospel from Luke (Luke 12:32–48) reminds us of the need to “be ready,” like servants awaiting their master’s return from a wedding. “Blessed are those servants,” Jesus says, “whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.” It’s a striking image—not of dramatic acts of heroism, but of patient, steadfast readiness. Not every moment in our lives feels like a mountaintop moment of prayer or inspiration. And yet the Gospel challenges us to remain faithful, even—especially—in the everyday, when we don’t feel zealous or on fire for the Lord.
The Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 18:6–9) recalls the night of the Exodus, when God’s faithful people awaited their deliverance. Their hope rested in a promise not yet fulfilled. In faith, they kept vigil. Likewise, Hebrews (Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19) gives us a litany of the faithful—Abraham and Sarah, who obeyed and trusted even when they did not see the results. They believed, hoped, and stayed the course.
This constancy of faith is the measure of our friendship with Christ. We are not called to be His friends only when it’s convenient or exciting, but always. Just as true friendship shows itself not only in celebrations but even more in times of trial or silence, our faith must be steadfast whether we’re on a spiritual high or simply plodding through our daily routines.
As I return and we step into a new pastoral year together, I invite you to take this invitation seriously: to renew your friendship with Christ in joy, not just in the high moments, but in the ordinary ones. Look at how you spend your time. Is there space for prayer, for Sunday worship, for being present to others? Are we showing up for Jesus—and for our neighbor—even when it’s inconvenient?
One way we can help our neighbors and community is by the supporting the Rummage Sale. Donation collections nights are happening right now! There are three more nights left to drop off donations – Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. A reminder that Thursday, August 14th is the last opportunity to drop off donations. Clean out those closets, lighten your load, and give your gently used items a second life in service to others. It’s a wonderful way to tidy your home and support families in need in our broader community. The team need more volunteers so please stop by and help. You can email rummagesale@stismon.org and for more information visit the webpage here
The reading this weekend remind us that real discipleship is about commitment. We show up even when the feelings aren’t there. We stay faithful even when prayer feels dry. We love Jesus not only when the choir is singing our favorite hymn or when we’re at a holy shrine—but also when we’re folding laundry or sitting in traffic or navigating a hard conversation.
Let’s be honest: many of us go through times when we feel distant from God or uninspired in our spiritual lives. But the Gospel reminds us: what matters is not just how we feel but how we respond. Will we remain vigilant? Will we keep our hearts open, and our lamps lit? Perhaps you are seeking a deeper relationship with God and you may be considering the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Living here at St. Simon. Applications are closing so I encourage you to reach out now if you would like to apply. All the information is on the website here or you can email Sr. Gloria Marie here.
This weekend we welcome Fr. Jay, guest priest to all Masses for our annual Mission Co-op Appeal. Please take the time to learn about this important outreach. Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of those served by these missions. You can give by check or online and choose the fund – July Missionary Co-Op Collection here.
I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend. I’ll be at all the Masses myself and can’t wait to catch up with many of you in person. Let’s keep each other faithful and make this a year filled with purpose, presence, and renewed hope.
With gratitude and joy. God bless,
Fr. Brendan