Faith, Family, and Friendship: Building the Church Together

08-10-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

It was nice to return to the parish and settle in after my time in Michigan. This weekend, we will be holding registration for religious education (K-8) and the Children's Choir groups. Our teens and their parents are encouraged to provide contact information so we can share the various activities happening in the parish throughout the year. The parish is a place of support for you in teaching your children the faith; it is a true partnership.

Parents are the first formers of their children's faith. It begins with praying with them at home, bringing them to Church, talking about God and His love for them. Then, when they come to Church, we can reinforce and build on what you are doing. We want Saint Bernard of Clairvaux to be a place that helps you, as parents, to keep your children centered in the life of the Church. Please be sure to stop by the tables in the hall this weekend. Remember to invite friends and neighbors with children to be part of the parish. In today's busy world, people often wander or forget, and a simple invitation from someone they know can make a real difference. It can be the small trigger that gets them back involved in their faith and a community that supports them. Thank you for your commitment to your family and the parish.

This past week, Pope Leo was with the youth of the world in Rome – they estimate that over a million young people attended the Jubilee events. His message was important for the youth, but also for all of us. He reminded them that we are created for relationship and friendship, with the Lord and one another. He specifically stated, "All men and women in the world are born as someone's children. Our life begins with a bond, and it is through relationships that we grow. {…} By passionately searching for the truth, we do not merely receive a culture, but also transform it through the choices we make.

Truth is a bond that connects words to things and names to faces. Lies, on the other hand, divide these elements and lead us to confusion and misunderstanding." He concluded his words with hope, "Friendship can truly change the world. Friendship is a path to peace." This is a great reminder to all of us that God reveals Himself in the everyday encounters we have with one another. Through His grace, we develop deep and lasting connections to His Church. Friday, August 15th, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mother. It is a holy day of obligation. The Church reminds us that this is a day that the whole assembly is called to honor and celebrate that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven.

This day is a great day of hope because where she has gone, we hope to follow, and she now intercedes for us as a loving mother to her Son for all eternity. So come ready to honor Our Blessed Mother and to give thanks to God for this spiritual mother and the love of her Son. Masses will be at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Peace, hope and joy in Him,

Fr. Fred