As we gather on this fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are filled with gratitude for the many blessings that have graced our parish community in recent weeks. We have witnessed the amazing success of the Fr. Murray Basketball Tournament, which not only showcased the talents of our youth but also exemplified the spirit of unity and camaraderie that defines our parish. It was truly a remarkable event that brought our community closer together. Watching our young parishioners compete with sportsmanship and seeing the enthusiasm and encouragement of their classmates, friends, and family was a testament to the values we instill in our children – values of teamwork, respect, and friendship. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who participated, volunteered, and supported this event, making it a resounding success. In a special way, I want to thank Josh Miller and his amazing team, Deanne and Josh Bligh, Laura Ruelas, Bubba and Amy Randazzo, Shona Jesensky, Carol Karer, Kalena Moreira and Baldemar Rosales. Thank you to all the volunteers especially Corina and Cara Provencher, Ana DeNardi, Cheryl and Neela Menon, Jeremy and April Lane, Ben and Leo Lindahl, Harry and Sara Higgins, Angela Schaufler, and Christina Montalvo. We are grateful to Theresa Clark and the tournament sponsors: The Pignati Family, The Mibach Family, NFA Boards, The Los Altos Town Crier, The Armistead Family, The Reynders Family, and the Bligh Family.
On Wednesday, many generations came together to celebrate Catholic Schools Week at our Parish School! We celebrated Mass together and afterwards, students showed their visitors around campus and enjoyed maker spaces, art activities and snacks together. It was wonderful to see so many Grandparents and friends spending the morning together, I enjoyed being introduced to many and seeing the love the students have for these special people in their lives. Thank you to Ann Kozlovsky, Vani Aboud, Theresa Clark, and all the school staff who coordinated this joyful event to host many generations.
As we come together today to reflect on the Sunday readings, we are reminded of the importance of sharing our blessings and supporting one another. In the Gospel of Mark, we witness Jesus’ healing ministry, where He cured Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and many others, demonstrating His compassion and love for those in need. This passage reminds us of our call to reach out to those who are suffering and to be instruments of God’s healing and comfort in our community and beyond.
We have an opportunity to support those beyond our St. Simon community through the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) that begins this weekend. This year our goal is $265,959. Last year, through your extraordinary generosity and commitment to our parish family, we exceeded our target and contributed significantly to the diocesan efforts and to Christ the King Parish in San Jose with whom we partner and support. Your generosity allowed us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those less fortunate, they were able to expand their ministries and meet the spiritual needs of their vibrant community, and we are profoundly grateful for your willingness to share your blessings.
This year, we humbly ask for your continued support and prayers as we embark on the ADA once again. Your contributions enable our diocese to carry out vital programs and services that reach far and wide, assisting those in need and furthering the mission of the local Church. Your generosity not only strengthens our local parish but also extends our outreach to the broader community. As we reflect on this Sunday’s readings and the achievements of our parish, we are reminded of the profound sense of community and compassion that defines St. Simon’s. Let us carry these values forward as we embark on this year’s ADA, praying that it will be equally successful through your support. You can learn more and set-up your gift online here.
Next weekend is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, which holds special significance in our faith tradition. As we celebrate this day, we have a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the gift of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, a powerful expression of God’s healing and comforting presence in our lives. During all Masses next weekend, we will make the Sacrament of Anointing available to those in need. We encourage our parishioners to come forward to receive this special blessing, or to bring their loved ones who may be in need of spiritual and physical healing. Let us come together as a community to seek Our Lady of Lourdes’ intercession and the grace of this sacrament as we offer our prayers and support to those facing illness and suffering in our midst.
May the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes be a time of spiritual renewal and healing for all who participate, and may Our Lady’s loving intercession bring solace and comfort to those who are afflicted. And may the Lord continue to bless our parish abundantly as we journey together in faith, love, and service. If you have prayer intentions you would like to be carried to Lourdes, the Order of Malta will be visiting again in May and will take them and leave them in the Grotto. You can fill in the online form here.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan