From the Pastor

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C  |  08/06/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

What a great couple of weeks we are having here at St. John Vianney! The Lord knows it's hot here, but it won't slow us down...Congratulations to our two Holy Cross Seminarians, Chris Mulholland, C.S.C. and Ben Sasin, C.S.C., who recently renewed their religious vows here and at Andre House of Hospitality. We are grateful to them for their devotion to Jesus and service to the Church and pray for them as they return to Notre Dame to begin this new year of theological study and religious life formation.

I ask you to join me in prayer for our two Permanent Deacon candidates, Antonio Reynoso and Bob Solis. They continue their preparation for ordained ministry by being instituted as Acolytes by Bishop Dolan. This will take place this Friday in Sts. Simon Jude Cathedral in Phoenix. As instituted acolytes Bob and Antonio will be able to help purify the sacred vessels after Communion, lead devotions and prayer, and assist the priests in various rites and sacraments. God bless you Bob& Antonio (and your wives and families!)

Father Andrew will be playing in the annual priest-seminarian game, the St. John Paul II Basketball Classic, at Brophy College Prep this Friday. Hopefully he'll have a great cheering section from SJV! Keep reading this bulletin for more information.

One of the largest Catholic missionary groups in the USA is the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, commonly known as FOCUS. Jeff Zelkin, recent Arizona State grad, has just arrived at Montana State University in Bozeman to begin his year of mission work. This involves bringing the Good News of Jesus to believers and unbelievers alike among the MSU students. Often this occurs in conversation, Bible Study and accompanying them to Praise& Worship and Masses on campus. He spoke with us here at SJV a couple weeks ago and I personally thank those who have offered help to Jeff. The Holy Spirit has lit him on fire and he's about to bring that fire to the Bobcats at MSU! If you'd like to join in support of his mission, keep reading this bulletin.

Finally, huge thank you to everyone who helped make our St. John Vianney Feast Day Celebration a success. Last Friday, August 4, we joined together for Mass, a delicious potluck- picnic, The Well praise and worship, and all-night Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. What a way to celebrate his holy life and pray for his intercession! May the Curé d'Ars, St. John Mary Vianney, continue to inspire us and pray for us that we may be holy, united, zealous and healthy. And as best we can, stay cool and hydrated in these summer weeks...

God bless you all and have a great week! Remember that the family that prays together, stays together!

Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.
Pastor