This Sunday we celebrate the solemn feast of Saints Peter and Paul, two towering figures of our Church whose lives, though very different in background and temperament, converged on a single, unshakable truth: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Peter professed these words in the Gospel, and Paul proclaimed them in his letters and his missionary journeys. Both men gave everything—even their lives—for this truth.
Peter and Paul were not perfect men. Peter denied Jesus three times; Paul persecuted the early Christians. Yet their conversion stories remind us that God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Once transformed by their encounter with the risen Christ, Peter and Paul set their lives like flint toward one goal: to witness to the saving love of Jesus Christ. Through prison, beatings, rejection, and ultimately martyrdom, they remained joyful and faithful.
We are invited to follow in their footsteps—not necessarily to suffer as they did, but to live with that same boldness of faith, making our own daily profession that Jesus is Lord—not just in what we say, but in how we love, serve, forgive, and witness. One parishioner recently shared with me how, during a difficult season of grief, it was not a grand theological argument that strengthened her faith—it was the quiet joy and loving presence of fellow parishioners who brought her meals, sat with her in silence, and reminded her of Christ’s love. This is how we proclaim Jesus as the Son of the living God—in joyful witness through daily acts of compassion and faithfulness.
This is Father Chris’s last weekend here and he has served with such joy, kindness, and dedication here at St. Simon. We send him with our heartfelt prayers and blessings as he begins his new assignment at St. Mary’s in Los Gatos. We also thank so many of you who have generously given to support his home diocese in Nigeria, the Archdiocese of Abuja. Your generosity reaches far beyond our borders and is a true reflection of our Catholic mission. Thank you.
I’d like to give a huge thank you to Karen Moreira, Kalena Moreira and the CORE team for organizing an amazing Vacation Bible School this past week! With over 100 children participating and nearly 50 counselors and leaders, it was a joyful and energetic week filled with learning, laughter, music, and faith. What a gift it is to see the seeds of faith being planted in the hearts of our youngest disciples. Please join us at the 9 a.m. Mass this Sunday, when the VBS children will sing one of their songs for us!
This weekend’s second collection is for Peter’s Pence, the annual offering that supports the Holy Father’s charitable works throughout the world. As Pope Leo XIV steps into his new role with grace and vision, let us support him in his ministry of mercy to those in desperate need. In addition, being the 5th Sunday of the month, members of St. Vincent de Paul Society will be at the doors after all Masses to collect donations for the vital work they do right here in our own community—providing food, shelter, and assistance to families in crisis.
As we approach Independence Day on Friday, July 4th, let us take a moment to reflect on the gift and responsibility of living in a country founded on the values of liberty and justice. As an immigrant myself, I am especially grateful for the freedom and opportunity this nation has offered me and so many others. Let us not take it for granted and be willing to stand with those who seek it now for themselves. This weekend, as you gather with family and friends, please take a moment to say a prayer of gratitude for our country—for its leaders, its people, and its future. And let us also pray that we remain a nation that welcomes the stranger and opens its arms to the vulnerable, just as Peter and Paul welcomed all into the Body of Christ.
Finally, I’m pleased to announce that Father Thanh Ho, our newly ordained priest will officially join us on July 1st. He brings many gifts and a joyful spirit to our parish, and I know you will enjoy getting to know him. He will be present at all the Masses the weekend of July 5–6, so if you’re in town, please come to Mass and extend a warm St. Simon welcome!
Let us honor Peter and Paul not only with liturgy, but with lives that boldly testify to the truth they died for: Jesus Christ is Lord!
God bless,
Fr. Brendan