My heart is full—overflowing, really—with gratitude after the incredible celebration of my 25th anniversary of priesthood last weekend. The liturgy was nothing short of magnificent: stunning music, a beautifully prepared church, and a congregation fully present in voice, spirit, and love. Every pew was filled, every song sung from the heart, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable in our midst. To all the parishioners who took the time to come out and celebrate with me, and for the incredibly meaningful cards and gifts, I am truly touched and profoundly grateful. I am still reading all the special notes, cards, and messages, and opening gifts, and I hope to write my thank you notes to everyone soon.

 

After Mass, the celebration continued with a truly memorable dinner and party in the parish center, filled with joy, laughter, and the music of Tim Petersen’s wonderful band, who played throughout the night with grace and energy. I want to thank every volunteer who poured countless hours into preparing the church and gymnasium, setting up and tearing down—all with such dedication and care. Thank you to so many for making this celebration so special:

  • Erika Ibarra for being the Mass Coordinator, ensuring all went smoothly and to all the Liturgical Ministers who greeted and served at the Mass
  • Michelle Higgins, Greg Ripa and the Church Art & Environment team for the beautiful environment your created in both the Church and Parish Center
  • Meredith Augustin, John Angotti, Jed de Torres, Anna Brown, John Kellett, Will Kellett, Chynna Cavales and the St. Simon Children’s Choir, Tamami Honma and the St. Simon Parish Choir, and members of the Holy Spirit Parish Choir for the stunning music at Mass
  • Kelly Mibach, Nancy Schutt, Elle La Russa and all the Helping Hands volunteers for providing and serving the delicious appetizers and desserts
  • Chris Haydon, Michael Boenninghausen, Gavin Corn, Jim Arena, Brian Moody, Marc Schaub, and the Men’s Faith Sharing Group for setting up the bars, serving drinks and for the fun toast
  • Mike Abbott for your time and talent photographing and capturing the evening’s memories
  • To everyone who helped bake, create, set-up, greet, serve, tear down, clean-up, launder linens and more for this celebration I am truly grateful to you all!

 

How fitting that this Sunday we celebrate Pentecost—the very breath of the Church’s life. The Holy Spirit, described in today’s readings as both fire and breath, came down upon the apostles and ignited the Church into existence. From that moment, the followers of Jesus became one body, filled with one Spirit. Breath is life. Every breath comes in pairs—we breathe in; we breathe out. Except for two: the first, at birth, and the last, at death, which belong wholly to God. And in between, every breath is a chance to live in the Spirit who dwells within us.”

 

You often hear me talk of Celtic spirituality, so beautifully described by John O’Donohue, speaks of the rhythm of breath as the rhythm of life—the ebb and flow of being present to the sacred in the ordinary. This rhythm is the Spirit’s quiet gift, moving us through seasons of change, moments of joy, and even through life’s inevitable goodbyes and new beginnings.

 

Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church—a moment of beginning. So too, we now step into a new chapter of our parish life. As we look forward to celebrating our 70th anniversary as a parish and 65 years of Catholic education in October, we turn our hearts toward the future. Please join us this Sunday for our third in person Town Hall Meeting at 10:00 AM in the Parish Spooncer Hall following the 9:00 AM Mass, as we share our bold new vision for the next 70 years of mission, education, and discipleship. All are welcome and we’d love to hear your ideas and feedback.

 

This Pentecost weekend also marks an important transition for our eighth graders, who will graduate Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. We are so proud of who they have become and the hard work, creativity, and faith they have shown through their years at St. Simon School. A heartfelt thank you to Principal, Ann Koslovsky, Vice-Principal, Vani Aboud, all their teachers and teacher aides who have made their learning journey joyful, fruitful, and life-giving. As they transition to high school, we send them forth with our prayers and our pride—knowing the same Holy Spirit who came at Pentecost continues to guide their steps.

 

As we close this beautiful liturgical season of Easter, may we breathe deeply of the Spirit who gives us life, who sends us forth in mission, and who binds us together as Church. I would like to give special word of thanks to our remarkable staff: Meredith Augustin, Ana Bonilla, Clare D’Agostino, Kerby Gerughty, Madelyn Hanel, Rachel Haydon, Joan Mibach, Donna Mohammadi, Kalena Moreira, Victor Ramirez, Baldemar Rosales, Fr. Dat, and Fr. Chris. Your gifts and service brought last weekend to life, as they do year-round and I am deeply, deeply grateful.

God Bless,

Fr. Brendan