From the Pastor

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  07/02/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

This section of the Gospel according to Matthew always encourages and strengthens me. Jesus is so clear to His apostles (and now to all of us disciples): "Fear no one..what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops... Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul..." Matthew 10:26-28

It reminds us of what our wonderful and holy father Saint John Paul II said at his installation Mass and would repeat for the rest of his life: Be Not Afraid! It became sort of a motto for him. He proclaimed it to the young people at World Youth Days, to Latin Americans and Europeans suffering under communism, to the Church in Africa enduring famines and persecution. He spoke it to couples and families going through terrible stress and the sick in their illnesses. Of course, John Paul II was just repeating what Jesus told His disciples time and again: Be not afraid!

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From the Pastor

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  06/18/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

I'm probably one of the few in the Valley of the Sun right now glad to be back in the sunshine and heat... but it's because was crazy enough to head east this week. Fr. Andrew, Fr. Brian and along with 250 other priests and brothers, attended the Holy Cross Assembly at Notre Dame in Indiana. It was mid-50 degrees, overcast, and rainy all week but the Holy Spirit kept our hearts on fire!

Every five years all Holy Cross brothers and priests serving in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America come together to pray, reflect and enjoy some fraternity. We share with each other stories from our parishes, schools and universities. As well, we pray for all those we serve including SJV! Many want to come and visit our parish. You all are rightly famous for being zealous for Christ and welcoming to visitors.

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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.

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From the Pastor

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  06/04/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

Thank you so much to everyone for your messages of prayer and offers of help as I begin the pastor's ministry here at St. John Vianney Parish. I am humbled to follow in Father Paul's footsteps, and I am really grateful to him for his wisdom, example and brotherhood the past year since I arrived; also, to my brother priests Father Tom (who was also my novice-master and has been source of priestly wisdom and inspiration since 2004!), Father Andrew, and Father Brian. Please keep praying for me! My Spanish and my jokes will get better, I promise!

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