From the Pastor

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  06/11/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

The great saint and "Pope of the Eucharist', St. Pius X, famously wrote: "Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven. There are others: innocence, but that is for little children; penance, but we are afraid of it; generous endurance of trials of life, but when they come we weep and ask to be delivered. The surest, easiest, shortest way is the Eucharist. Today we are celebrating the Body and Blood of Christ (in Latin Corpus Christi) and come hungry to receive Him who promises us eternal life! He's the only one who can save us.

This whole year we are celebrating "National Eucharistic Revival" in the United States and we will have many opportunities here at St. John Vianney to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, adore Him in the Blessed Sacrament, participate in classes and parish missions, and reflect together what a great gift Our Lord has given us. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for helping us to celebrate todays feast day with a Eucharistic Procession. You may also consider re-reading Bishop Emeritus Olmsted's 2021 Apostolic Exhortation Veneremur Cernui, at dphx.org/veneremur-cernui/, It is a beautiful teaching and reflection on the Eucharist. Our Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open each weekday from 8:30am (after morning Mass) until repose at 9:00pm (Mon-Thu) or 7:00pm (Fri). You're always welcome to come for a Visit!

Our youth Summer Camp kicked off this week and the kids seem very fired up! Their counselors (many of whom have themselves participated in camp in the past) tell me they are also having fun, learning a lot, and finish the day tired... Parents report being very happy and grateful for this opportunity of faith and fun for their children. Thanks to Chris Gonzalez, our Youth Minister, and his team for a great job preparing and leading the camp!

Like I mentioned last week, even though it's summertime we continue to be a busy comer of the Kingdom of God! To all who are giving blood this weekend, thank you! I hear from the hospitals and medical folks in the west valley that right now there is tremendous need for blood donations and SJV is always very generous with this. As well, our pantry volunteers are working extremely hard to meet the needs of the many visitors and friends who come for food and the limited financial assistance we can provide. Thanks to all who volunteer, staff and donate to the SJV Pantry!

A new ministry this past year, Brazas Abiertos, led by (soon-to-be deacon) Bob Solis and dedicated members, is helping a family from Tanzania, in Africa, who have settled here in Arizona. The family spent 22 years in a refugee camp in Tanzania and 7  of the 8 members of the household were born while in the camp. As Bob says, "God is good and so are all of you! It good reminder of how blessed all of us are and how privileged we are to serve our brothers and sisters who are on the move. In addition to a warm Catholic Arizona welcome, they teach the family English and pray together. As well, Brazos Abjertos continues to help with the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales.

Lots of our brothers and sisters are undergoing surgeries and tests in these summer days and ask us all for our prayers and us priests for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. If you or a loved one would like to receive this sacrament just give us call at the parish office!

There's lots more going on but have to wrap it up and let you get on with reading the rest of the bulletin. Lets keep praying for each other! And remember... the family that prays together, stays together.