Pastor’s Desk

July 12, 2023

Notes on the Prince of This World: The devil is real. Deal with it.

By Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

The devil is back on the Big Screen in the 2023 film “The Pope’s Exorcist.” But he never really left the stage. He’s not a metaphor. He’s not a fairytale. And as awkward as it might seem to an urbane and modern world, we need to take his existence, and his role in human affairs, seriously.

Leszek Kolakowski was one of the great minds of the last century. He was a leading Marxist philosopher in Poland until he began asking unpleasant questions about life in the Soviet Union under Stalin. That kind of indiscretion got him silenced. Then it got him exiled to the West. He went on to become one of the 20th century’s most productive men of letters.

Kolakowski gave a very curious talk at Harvard in 1987 entitled “The Devil in History.” Many of the people in the audience knew Kolakowski’s work. They knew he could be playful. They knew he had a wicked sense of irony. So they might have expected him to make a few sardonic jabs at a dead religious myth.

Pastor’s Desk

June 27, 2023

Summer 2023 Update…

Dear Friends in Christ,

Time is precious.  We might be seeking the spiritual life and making attempts to ground and order our days for God.  Despite that, time is of the essence.  This comes to mind as I start the fourth year of my pastorate at St. Patrick.

We begin such year with thankful hearts for the arrival of a Parochial Vicar who is assigned to assist the Pastor in all his duties.  Up until now, we’ve had wonderful priests who have helped on occasion when available.  I am grateful for them, and their generosity and they really enjoy coming here.  That reflects well on you!  I thank you too, for being kind and welcoming to them, especially Fr. Don Billiard, ofm.

In Fr. Thomas Pressley we have a new, eager, and happy Priest who is excited about coming here for his first assignment.  That is quite a responsibility for all of us.  To welcome him, to pray for him, to be kind to him, to nurture his vocation, all this will be part of our calling and is a gift.

We also welcome Chelsy Gomez as Coordinator of the Order of Catechumenate who begins this summer.  She works with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their Pro-Life efforts and has a Masters in Catechesis.  Chelsy brings an enthusiasm to this important ministry that is so necessary in welcoming those who seek the Catholic tradition. 

Claire Ochoa is a graduate from Boston College and earned a Masters in Theological Studies last summer.  She is our new Coordinator of Children’s Catechesis.  These new faces in our diocese bring me a sense of hope for solid teaching of the Catholic Faith.

Stewardship has been close to my heart as you may have heard here and then throughout 3 years of homilies!  It is a way of discipleship.  One is a part of the other.  In a stewardship way of life, we are constantly aware of Whom it is we belong to of Whom has claimed us for Himself at Baptism.

Our Pastoral Council has been diligently reflecting on these things for 3 years.  We are all committed to what we hope translates to a “contagious spirit” of such a way of life.  More on this soon!

During the Year of the Eucharistic Revival that focuses on the parish, we are addressing the need for a new Altar, Ambo, Font and Tabernacle.  The Task Force that will assist me with this is in place and will soon meet.  I have made reference to such need on several occasions and have had several discussions with Finance Council, Pastoral Council and my Pastoral Team.  What we do now to beautify our Sanctuary where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated, will be what we leave for the next chapter of a young, vibrant, spirit filled St. Patrick!  For indeed, we are preparing for the future.  Most importantly, appointments (referred to as furnishings) for the sanctuary should dignify He who appears in the Holy Eucharist. Beauty, Truth, and Goodness remain the lens through which Catholicism is best expressed versus trends, ideologies or ideas that lack solid theology.

We are on our way and God continues to bless this church family of St. Patrick!

In His Mercy,

Fr Francisco J. Quezada, Pastor

Pastor’s Desk

June 8, 2023

On the Ordination of Deacon Thomas Pressley

Good afternoon!

The Ordination of Deacon Thomas Pressley is this Saturday, June 10 at 10 am, St Mary’s Cathedral.

It would be beautiful to see you there as it is a very special day for our Parish as well.  This new Priest has been assigned to our family of St. Patrick. In a sense, we will be playing a very significant role in his first years as a Priest.  What a blessing! What a gift to us from our Bishop!

Let us keep Deacon Thomas in our prayers in these last days of his preparation.

At St. Patrick, let us always be encouraging “the calling” many young men that might have a docile heart to God’s subtle voice.

In His Mercy,

Rev. Francisco Javier Quezada

Missionary of Mercy

Pastor

St. Patrick Catholic Church

Pastor’s Desk

May 30, 2023

Summer Updates…

We are off to a great start for the summer months! May Our Lord bless you during these months set aside for for some relaxation and rest. We have three newly ordained deacons, Anthony Ambuul, Patrick DiLoreto and Sean O’Conner. They will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood next summer, God willing. Saturday, June 10, Deacon Thomas Pressley will be ordained to the Priesthood at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 10:00am. He will start his priestly ministry here at St. Patrick on
July 1.

Please note that there will be no daily Masses the week of June 5-9 as all the priests of the diocese will be attending their yearly retreat. You may attend daily Mass at the Catholic Center at the the Citadel Mall, 12:10pm & 6:00pm. Confessions are 11:00am-8:00pm Monday-Saturday.

There will be no coffee and donuts for the summer months. Our next Knight Breakfast will be June 11 after all the Masses.

We will have a Eucharistic Procession after the 11:30am Mass on the Feast of Corpus Christi! Please join us to witness to the Eucharistic Lord!

I would like to thank all of our lovely St. Patrick parishioners for honoring our Eucharistic Lord. We have filled the weeklong continuous Adoration, June 4-10. You will never regret taking time to sit in silence with Our Lord.

We also need help with the security, so please check out the sign up page the Knights provided.

During the week of June 5-9, we will display an exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles that our diocese has purchased. It will be in Fitzpatrick Hall. Come and be moved, see all the Eucharistic Lord has done for us!

Check out the Catholic Herald, June 2nd edition for an article about all our efforts to honor the Lord in the Eucharist here at St. Patrick. 

During the second year of the Eucharistic Revival, the parish will help promote and encourage prayer, study and increasing Eucharistic devotion.  Please stay tuned for this next year of the Revival at St. Patrick.

In Our Eucharistic Lord,

Fr. Francisco J. Quezada

Pastor’s Desk

May 10, 2023

Pastoral letter concerning our new Parochial Vicar

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am most content to share the good news of the assignment of a Parochial Vicar to St. Patrick Catholic Church to assist me in my pastoral responsibilities as Pastor.

Deacon Thomas Pressley, will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on June 10, 2023 at St. Mary Cathedral.

He was born in Houston, Texas in 1988 spending his youth in Lubbock of the same state before entering the US Air Force Academy here in Colorado Springs.

He graduated in 2011 from the Academy and left the Air Force as a Captain when answering the call to a priestly vocation, beginning his seminary journey in 2017.

He was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate last summer June 4, 2022.

On Friday afternoon, I witnessed (via livestream) the Conferral of Degrees at Mount St. Mary Seminary where Deacon Thomas has just completed his studies.

He graduated with a Master of Divinity Summa Cum Laude, MA with a Concentration in Sacred Scriptures Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor of Sacred Theology with Honors and received awards for excelling in the study and use of Latin and earning a high academic achievement in Sacred Scripture.

His seminary Formation both spiritually and scholastically, will add vigor and richness to the pastoral care and ongoing Catholic formation of you, our beloved parishioners!

I am thankful to Bishop James R. Golka for responding to our pastoral needs in assigning a newly ordained Priest to our Parish Family and I praise God for Deacon Thomas’ YES to the call!

Please, let us continue to pray for vocations to the Priesthood.

May Deacon Thomas enjoy a safe trip home this weekend and I ask for continual prayers for him as he prepares for Priestly Ordination on June 10.

He begins his ministry at St. Patrick on July 1, 2023.

Mary Mother of the Church, Pray for Us!

Fr. Francisco J. Quezada

Pastor

Pastor’s Desk

March 25, 2023

Deacon Don Le’s Homily

Fifth Sunday of Lent A

In today’s Gospel, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”. Surprisingly, the dead could hear Jesus' voice! Lazarus came out. Even the death has to obey His power. His prophecy to the Jews began to come true in John’s Gospel: "Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." (Jn 5:25).

From the depths of the dead, Lazarus heard the voice of the Son of God. He came out from the tomb - the prison from which Lazarus will be freed and went out into the realm of life. Jesus said: “Untie him and let him go.” In this way, God wants us to work to remove the obstacles that bind others, to give them the dignity and authentic life of the human person. He wanted us to light a flame of love, however small, to help illuminate our life. If the body dissolves over time, God-given life will help us live forever. So, what does God want to say to us today, and what do we have to do to have that divine life?

Today, Jesus calls us by each’s name and He calls my name: “Don come out, be holy like Me.”

1. Come out of the grave of selfishness, out of greed which care only for your own needs and neglect the needs of others.

2. Get out of the grave of excessive noisy and chaos. Find time to reflect, to listen, be quiet and pray. It is the spiritual life, the salvation of the soul that require our time.

3. Come out of the grave of sorrow, depression, and disappointment and rejoice in the blessings of God in our lives and His goodness in others.

4. Come out of the grave of hopelessness to believe and trust in the knowledge that we belong to God because Christ is in us.

5. Come out of the grave of sinfulness, out of the delusion of this world and into the path of light, of hope, of justice and of love.

6. Get out of the cold lonely grave of jealousy and envy. Out of criminal thoughts, evil nature, vicious intentions, and faulty perspectives.

If we live only for ourselves, depending on our strengths, and follow the desires of the flesh, it is like choosing the graves without life. Because St Paul told us: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God”. Jesus called us out of the grave, giving us the Spirit to see clearly the life in God is bigger than we can imagine. “If Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness”. God-given life includes not only us and our family and friends, but also the human family. Listening to God's Word, receiving the spirit of Christ to broadens our view of life: Life in its totality of beauty and greatness, in wonders great and small, in community committed to the life-giving word, to the act of salvation.

By Lazarus’ Resurrection Jesus has fulfilled Ezekiel’s promise in today’s First Reading. “When I open your graves and have you rise from them, I will put my spirit in you that you may live”. This is the Spirit that St. Paul writes of in today’s Epistle. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will give us life. This grace enables us to accomplish what our own powers are incapable of doing, because as long as earthly life lasts, we must die each day to sin.

Because we have sinned, we need to repent, and the Lord will raise us up and restore us as God had imagined for us to be. When sin disfigures or kills the life of God in us, Confession enables us to be reborn to the divine friendship with God. Let us repent our sins while we are still on earth. When we have left this world, we shall no longer be able to repent and confess our sins. In doing so, we are living the full meaning of holy Lent and at the same time receiving the abundant light of the Resurrection of Jesus. Since at Christ’s voice, just at those dead in body are raised to life from their grave, so too those who are dead in faithfulness will rise to a life of faith.

Pastor’s Desk

March 21, 2023

Colorado Springs 2023 Municipal Elections

Pastor’s Desk

March 7, 2023

“But I’m a good person!”: Why go to Confession?

By Aaron Lambert, Denver Catholic, March 3, 2023

“But I’m a good person!” Or so goes one of a myriad of common excuses for why someone doesn’t need to go to confession.

Confessing our wrongdoings is antithetical to the human problem of pride; we like to keep our sins to ourselves, and we definitely don’t like to admit when we’re wrong. When a Catholic — lapsed or otherwise — is encouraged to go to confession, another common response like the aforementioned one may be, “But I didn’t kill anyone today! Why do I need to go to confession?” Or for a non-Catholic, there may be a hang-up on telling a priest one’s sins because “I can just go straight to God.” True as this may be, St. Paul tells us to confess our sins to one another, meaning they are not meant to be bottled up inside — they are meant to be expunged.

Pastor’s Desk

February 1, 2023

Informational Survey Gathering

Fr. Francisco J. Quezada

As many of you know, our neighborhood has a new Catholic elementary school – St. Gabriel Classical Academy. A dream made possible by a generous gift of $25 million. The new school will be on the same campus as St. Gabriel Catholic Church – just 10 minutes away from us! Seventy students are already attending classes, with the capacity for 400 once this Preschool through 8th grade school building is complete. Such classical academy will continue to make Catholic education a possibility for many of our families.

 Our parish will be participating in an upcoming INFORMATION GATHERING SURVEY to gauge whether there is an interest at St. Patrick and surrounding parishes to assist St. Gabriel Church to raise the remaining $3 million needed to finish building the school. These funds will go towards finishing, fixtures and the everyday items students will be using at school. St. Gabriel is partnering with Catholic fundraising firm the Steier Group to prepare for a successful campaign. Right now, they are seeking feedback and insight from families at St. Patrick. Please take five minutes to complete the survey online by Wednesday, February 8: https://tinyurl.com/47s4jbef

To have a Catholic School so close to us is an opportunity to form happy, solid Catholics and Stewardship disciples. In this day and time, the public school system does not seem to suffice for a family making noble efforts to raise a family in Christ and for the Church! I am excited to support St. Gabriel in many ways and look forward to seeing what this survey might reflect.

What a way to acknowledge Catholic Schools week. St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of Catholic Schools, pray for us!

In Jesus and Mary, Our Mother,

Fr. Francisco J. Quezada

Here is the QR code to the survey or you may use the link above.

Pastor’s Desk

11 January 2023

Nothing More Beautiful

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez

On Jan. 5, Archbishop Gomez celebrated a memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the day the late pontiff was laid to rest in Rome. The following is adapted from his homily.

I have had the privilege to know and minister under three popes: St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and now the Holy Father Pope Francis.

Each has his own distinctive personality and pastoral style. In my own ministry, I draw inspiration and guidance from all of them, from their words, and even more, from their example.

I will always be grateful to Pope Benedict because he chose me to be archbishop here in Los Angeles. It has been the blessing of my life to be your shepherd and pastor. 

In my experience, Pope Benedict was a gentle soul, a beautiful man. It is true that he was a great teacher and biblical theologian, and one of the most brilliant minds in the history of the Church and Western civilization.

But I will remember him, most of all, for his kindness to me and his deep humility.

Our pope emeritus put Jesus Christ at the center of his life. And leading men and women to friendship with Jesus was the purpose of his life.

In his first homily as pope, he told us, “Only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is. … There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him.”

We see this beautiful encounter in the Gospel story of the calling of Nathanael.

Our Christian life, the life of faith, always begins with an invitation. It begins in friendship, in witness. One heart speaking to another heart about the love that they have found in Jesus.

This story that we hear today is from the early days of Jesus’ public ministry. Philip has just met Jesus and begun to follow him. Now he goes to invite his friend, Nathanael. He says, simply, “Come and see.”

Philip makes this gentle invitation, and Jesus does the rest.

Pope Benedict is right: There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel! Nothing more beautiful than to meet Jesus! 

He understood that the modern world is moving away from God, that faith is fading from the hearts of many people, that our society is growing cold and intolerant toward religion.

But he also knew that God is not finished with his creation, not done building his kingdom on earth. Jesus is still calling, still knocking at the door of every human heart.

Pope Benedict reminded us: The Church’s mission is Christ’s mission — to seek and to save the lost. It’s not just about popes and bishops, priests and religious. All of us share in this mission! Every one of us who has been baptized.

Each of us is called — in our own way and in our own lives — to be like Philip. Speaking to others of our love for Jesus and our friendship with him. Calling others to “Come and see.”

It really is true: when we meet the living God in Jesus Christ and follow him, our life changes.

To be surprised by the Gospel is to discover the truth about where we come from, and what we are living for.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus knows and loves each one of us, just as he knew and loved Nathanael. We heard in the first reading today: “God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.”

And Jesus makes the same promise to you that he made to Nathanael: when you come to him, “you will see greater things.”

When we allow his love to fill our hearts, the gate of heaven stands open before us. We see with certainty that we walk in the light of his presence, in the company of angels and saints. The little things in our everyday lives become like a ladder leading us to heaven.

I am confident that Pope Benedict will be remembered among the great figures in the history of the Church.

But as he looks on the face of God and hears his voice, his legacy will not be one of great words and important books.

His legacy will be the countless souls who found friendship with Jesus through his love, through his gentle invitation to “Come and see.”

Let us honor his memory by renewing our own friendship with Jesus, and dedicating ourselves once more to the beautiful task of bringing others to be surprised by the Gospel!

May Mary Most Holy pray for us, and keep us all under the mantle of her protection. 

Pastor’s Desk

2 January 2023

Rome Pilgrimage-Happy New Year

A blessed New Year to all of you! May Mary Mother of God be your source of hope and embrace you with her care and comfort in this new year!
As I write this next little pilgrim note, I am in an immense line of faithful who are here to pay respects and homage to a holy and simple man who became Pope.
He took the name, Benedict.
It is a somber mood in the Piazza San Pietro.
What an anniversary blessing-gift to be able to stand in line and say goodbye on my behalf, my ministry and on your behalf as well!
Keep your prayers coming my way; I sense them truly!

You are loved.
In Mary and Her Son's Mercy,

Fr. Francisco

Pastor’s Desk

31 December 2022

On the Occasion of the Passing of Pope Benedict XVI

Fr. Francisco J. Quezada

Dear Friends in Christ,

On this Saturday morning in Rome we learned of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at 9:34 am.

While anticipating this day because of the last 72 hours of his falling health at 95, one cannot help but be truly saddened at the passing of a magnificent Pontiff, a bright mind and great theologian and Pastor of the Church.

Our parish of St. Patrick joins the Diocesan and Universal Church in praying for the repose of Pope Benedict XVI’s soul!

I hope to join the many local people, clergy and religious of Rome in mourning and paying respect to His Holiness at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pastor’s Desk

22 November 2022

Bishop Golka’s Statement on the Violent Shooting at a Colorado Springs Club

Pastor’s Desk

21 november 2022

Were Not Our Hearts Burning?

Advent 2022 Reflection by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila

This past Summer, I celebrated the tenth anniversary of my installation as Archbishop of Denver. In reflecting back, one theme that stands out is the centrality of the Holy Eucharist to my ministry. The Holy Eucharist, which I have had the privilege of celebrating in the Cathedral and in multiple parishes in the archdiocese, has been part of many of the major decisions I have made as Archbishop. Jesus’ command, “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4), has been a prominent theme in my own spiritual life and I cannot understand Jesus’ words apart from the Eucharist. This is why I am pleased to announce the launch of the National Eucharistic Revival here in the Archdiocese of Denver beginning November 20th with the Solemnity of Christ the King….

Pastor’s Desk

13 November 2022

Regarding the Burial of the Deceased..

From the USCCB Website

I would like to continue our discussion on cremation that was started during last weekend’s homily. Here are some lines from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website further enhancing my teaching from Sunday.

“In April 1997, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted an indult for the United States to allow the diocesan bishop to permit the presence of the cremated remains of a body at a Funeral Mass. Later that year, the Congregation confirmed the special texts and ritual directives (Prot. n. 1589/96/L for both indult and texts), which were then published as an appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. Frequently the Secretariat of Divine Worship receives requests for clarification or suggestions for best practices regarding the presence of cremated remains and funerals and their appropriate final disposition or committal.

The practice of cremation has grown and become more commonplace in the United States, and it is often presented as a more affordable alternative to traditional burial. What is often overlooked is the Church’s teaching regarding the respect and honor due to the human body. The Order of Christian Funerals’ Appendix on Cremation states: “Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites” (no. 413).

Ideally, if a family chooses cremation, the cremation would take place at some time after the Funeral Mass, so that there can be an opportunity for the Vigil for the Deceased in the presence of the body (during “visitation” or “viewing” at a church or funeral home). This allows for the appropriate reverence for the sacredness of the body at the Funeral Mass: sprinkling with holy water, the placing of the pall, and honoring it with incense. The Rite of Committal then takes place after cremation (see Appendix, nos. 418-421). Funeral homes offer several options in this case. One is the use of “cremation caskets,” which is essentially a rental casket with a cardboard liner that is cremated with the body. Another is a complete casket that is cremated (this casket contains minimal amounts of non-combustible material such as metal handles or latches).

When cremation takes place before the Funeral Mass, and the diocesan bishop permits the presence of cremated remains at the Funeral Mass, the Appendix provides adapted texts for the Sprinkling with Holy Water, the Dismissal for use at the Funeral Mass (or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass), and the Committal of Cremated Remains. The introduction provides further specific details about how the funeral rites are adapted. In all, the rite notes:

The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains on the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. (no. 417)

For some families, the choice of cremation is based on financial hardship, so this choice often means also that there is no plan for committal or burial of the cremated remains. As a means of providing pastoral support and an acceptable respectful solution to the problem of uninterred cremated remains, one diocese offered on All Souls’ Day in 2011 an opportunity for any family who desired it the interment of cremated remains. The diocese offered a Mass and committal service at one of its Catholic cemeteries and provided, free of charge, a common vault in a mausoleum for the interment of the cremated remains. The names of the deceased interred there were kept on file, though in this case they were not individually inscribed on the vault.

As cremation is chosen more frequently, there will be many who are unaware of the Church’s teaching regarding this practice. It is important for bishops and pastors not only to catechize the faithful, but to collaborate with funeral directors in providing helpful and accurate information to families planning the funeral of loved ones. Offering opportunities to family members for the respectful burial of their loved ones, who were not interred after funeral services and cremation, would give effective witness to the importance of Christian burial and our belief in the resurrection. In all, pastors are encouraged to show pastoral sensitivity, especially to those for whom cremation is the only feasible choice.”

As you can see, our bodies are a very sacred and should be treated with utmost respect. We will continue this catechesis throughout the month of November. All holy men and women..pray for us!

Pastor’s Desk

25 October 2022

LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?

Resolutions Point to a Revival of Faith in the Eucharist

BY CARDINAL TIMOTHY M. DOLAN

I reckon those of you reading this are doing so on New Year’s weekend.

So, first of all, a blessed 2022!

And, second, do you mind a few New Year’s resolutions?

You know that we, your bishops, have invited you to a revival of faith in the Most Holy Eucharist. We worry that a lot of our people no longer take Sunday Mass seriously, and that many no longer understand or appreciate the meaning and message of the Blessed Sacrament. Who is to blame? Who knows! We’ve had decades of diluted teaching on the doctrine of the Eucharist, so that many today consider the Bread of Angels to be an occasional hors d’oeuvre.

How about some very practical, down-to-earth resolutions for reviving the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of our life?

Pastor’s Desk

4 September 2022

Letter From Fr. Quezada

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We had such a lovely visit from Bishop Golka a few weeks ago! It was wonderful for him to be at our Sunday Masses and be there to visit with our new parishioners during the Newcomer’s Reception. It has been so edifying to have the support of our new Bishop here in Colorado Springs.

I want to thank our Pastoral Council for executing a successful reception!

We also had a wonderful church picnic last weekend! It was so uplifting to see the parish family come together and really relax and enjoy each other in real leisure and fellowship. I am particularly thankful to our Parish Family Life Coordinator, Deb Williams for her leadership in working to make this happen.

The Catholic Church in the United States has begun a three-year revival process of renewal called the “Eucharistic Revival”. We will be focusing these next three years on true teaching, devotion, and renewal of our love for Jesus in the Eucharist.

The first year will focus on diocesan renewal. We have been talking plenty about making the Sabbath for Jesus this year at St. Patrick. Doing this allows for us to draw closer to the Lord, especially the Eucharistic Lord. Bishop Golka has also expressed the importance of this in his letter in the Catholic Herald, “One important goal is to make Sunday the Lord’s day again. We need to reclaim the Sabbath for Jesus! Sunday worship and rest is a gift from God. He wants us to come to him and rest. Sometimes we see keeping the Lord’s Day strictly as an obligation or a burden. The commandment to keep holy the Sabbath actually protects our freedom! By saying “yes” to God we say “no” to those other lesser things that clutter our lives. The Lord’s Day sets a boundary on those other things that can quicky enslave us and bring more stress. Let’s take back Sunday for God.”

What heartfelt words our Bishop has spoken and reinforced what we are trying to do at St. Patrick.  May Our Lord continue to guide and lead us as we embark on this “Eucharistic Revival” with Him.  It is through Jesus in the Eucharist that we come to really know, love and serve Him and others.

As Always, in Christ,

Fr. Francisco J. Quezada

Pastor’s Desk

29 August 2022

Deacon Don Le’s Homily from the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

In April of 1975, Bishop Francis Xavier Nguyen van Thuận was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. Seven days later, Saigon fell to the Communist North Vietnamese. The Communists saw the appointment of such a popular bishop as Vatican involvement to resist the Communist takeover. He was arrested, and without benefit of a trial. He spent the next thirteen years of his life as a prisoner, 9 of which were solitary confinement.

Determined to continue serving his people, Bishop Francis Xavier used limited resources for good. He asked a delivery boy to bring him calendars, which he tore into small pieces and wrote brief messages of hope to the faithful. The boy copied the messages and spread them to the faithful, which greatly helped them to endure the oppression and persecution. The lay leaders assembled the messages and printed them into a book called The Road to Hope.

Some of Bishop Francis Xavier’s guards slipped in some wire and wood for him to make a crucifix. He offered Mass each day using his hand as an altar, small amounts of smuggled hosts and wine, and reciting the Missal from memory. He taught and evangelized the prison guards, who were the only humans he was able to talk to. In 1988, Bishop Francis Xavier was finally released from prison, but kept under house arrest in Hanoi.

Three years later, he was allowed to travel to Rome, but not allowed to return because of his influences. In 1994, he was appointed by saint Pope John Paul II to be the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. In 2001, he was named a cardinal and he died of cancer September 16, 2002, at age seventy-four. Cardinal Francis Xavier was declared “Venerable” in 2017, indicating that he lived a life of heroic virtue. His cause for canonization continues. His remains are at the Santa Maria della Scala in Rome where I was fortunate to visited in 2019.

Cardinal Francis-Xavier saw his time of imprisonment as Christ’s gift for him, and he ministered to others even in difficult circumstances. He was mentioned in Pope Benedict 16 for his example of hope. His book The Road to Hope, has been translated into numerous languages and continues to inspire. In his book, he said: “When you downgrade yourself, you are not necessarily practicing humility. When others downgrade you, you are not necessarily practicing humility, either. When others downgrade you and you accept it out of love for God, however, then you are truly being humble.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus said: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Jesus invites us to practice perfect humility, not to judge ourselves or others, but being conscious of our individual insignificance from a global perspective. Everyone knows what humility means, but how often we practice this virtue in our lives?  When we are making any decisions, instead of thinking what is best for me, meditate what is best for all, for the highest good of all. This is the way of self-transcendence.

To understand the basic development of Christian life, which is to strive to acquire and maintain peace of heart, the first thing we must believe that all the good that we can do, comes from God and from Him alone: Apart from Me, you can do nothing, Jesus said in John 15:5. He did not say, “you can’t do much,” but, you can do nothing. It is essential that we understand and know this truth. We often experience failures, trials, and humiliations in our lives. These were permitted by God, so that we can be convinced of our complete powerlessness to do good by ourselves.

Jesus invites us to place ourselves with humility beside those chosen by God: the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, and to be at the same level as them. To put simply, we must overcome our pride and shame to be among those God loves with special tenderness, and to share with them at table and friendship. Let us have only one desire: to be faithful and desire of God’s in our words and in our action.

To start the 3-year path of the Eucharistic Revival in our diocese, bishop Golka said: “In His Divine Providence, we are given this time to allow Him to bring healing and to renew our lives. This is a time of great hope!” He invites us to “regularly spend time with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Ask the Lord to heal any hidden or obvious wounds in your life.  Ask Him to give you His rest and His peace. Ask Him to grow within you that faith in the Lord’s faithful presence in the Eucharist. Ask Him to help you to live that same gift in every part of your life.” So, let us go forth and live humbly in God’s presence. Amen

Pastor’s Desk

12 July 2022

Letter From FR. Quezada concerning “Mercy Wednesday”…

Dear Brothers and Sisters of St. Patrick,

I had the impression, certainly hoped, that our summer would tend to take a slower, kinder, gentler pace.  It has not!  And for that, I’m content.  What this means to me as Pastor- that St. Patrick is well on its way back to parish life and kingdom living! 

Our Vacation Bible School hosted about 100 little ones and our able and dedicated Seminarians assisted in its execution.  Well done, everyone!  Michael Ochoa, MTS graduated from Boston College with a Masters in Theological Studies, married his now wife, Clare, and moved to Colorado Springs.  He had applied a while back to our call for a new Minister to Youth and Youth Catechesis and was hired in early June.  He’s already off and running. 

As for me, I have been on the “hunt” for a fulltime Parochial Vicar for 2 years.  The Lord has granted our diocese with the able gift of three Benedictine Priests (OSB) one of which will be here anytime this summer but not too soon as far as I’m concerned.  I anxiously await the help. 

The EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL that was initiated as a Universal Church effort to refocus and re-energize our hearts to that heart of Jesus in The Eucharist, is well under way.  You’ll see daily info on our website. 

A thought:

Our sins hinder, get in the way, impede our genuine desire to be close to our Savior at Mass and during the week.  I want to help you in this regard.  I’m calling it “MERCY WEDNESDAY” and on July 20, I will hear Confessions from 7:30 am to 6 pm.  You read that correctly:  I will be sitting in the confessional waiting for you, waiting to share His Mercy with you through the Absolution of your sin, ALL DAY!  Better stated: The Lord Himself in His Sacramental Priesthood awaits your company.  Come receive the Grace this awesome Sacrament offers you and me!  Only when sin is removed and washed away can we approach His Throne of Mercy at the Altar when we receive Him in Holy Communion.

Please know that I am already preparing for that day by praying for you!

In Christ and His Sacred Heart, You are held close,

Fr.  Francisco J. Quezada

Pastor

Pastor’s Desk

13 June 2022

Open Letter to Catholic Politicians and the Faithful on Worthily Receiving Communion

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The recently concluded 2022 legislative session was difficult for many Coloradans who watched in dismay as their state legislators rushed one of the most extreme abortion bills in the country through the chambers of the Capitol and to Governor Polis’ desk for his signature.

As HB22-1279, the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA), made its way through the legislature, there was a strong outcry against it. Thousands of people wrote to their lawmakers. Over 350 people testified against RHEA in the House and more than 215 testified against it in the Senate into the early hours of the morning. RHEA allows for abortion from conception until birth and for any reason, including the child’s race, sex, or a disability.

According to some of the lawmakers supporting RHEA, this new law is designed to make our state an abortion destination and “safe haven.”1 They expect pregnant mothers to come flooding in from surrounding states for abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned. It causes us profound sadness and distress to know that some Catholic legislators voted for this.

We have a strong desire to discuss the spiritual and cultural impact of laws like RHEA with politicians of both parties who say they are Catholic and who represent people in our state. As their shepherds we want to ensure that they understand the Church’s teaching on receiving Holy Communion and the proper spiritual disposition for doing so. Efforts have already been made to speak with several of these lawmakers, but unfortunately, very few of them have accepted the invitation to meet.

During the voting on the Reproductive Health Equity Act, it became clear by their public votes that several Catholic lawmakers support ending the lives of unborn children and declaring that a “fertilized egg, embryo or fetus” has no “independent or derivative rights” in Colorado. These preborn babies are worth less than those who have had the gift of being born, according to this morally bankrupt logic. At the same time, we would like to publicly thank state Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer, Kevin Priola and Jim Smallwood and Representative Andres Pico, Catholic lawmakers who voted to protect the unborn and against allowing our state to strip them of their God-given right to life.

Voting for RHEA was participating in a gravely sinful action because it facilitates the killing of innocent unborn babies, and those Catholic politicians who have done so have very likely placed themselves outside of the communion of the Church.

As we said with our fellow U.S. Bishops in our recent statement The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,

“To receive the Body and Blood of Christ while in a state of mortal sin represents a contradiction. The person who, by his or her own action, has broken communion with Christ and his Church but receives the Blessed Sacrament, acts incoherently, both claiming and rejecting communion at the same time. It is thus a counter sign, a lie—it expresses a communion that in fact has been broken.”

Moreover, receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin is sacrilegious because it is “a failure to show the reverence due to the sacred Body and Blood of Christ.”

Finally, when other Catholics see public figures receiving Jesus in such a spiritual state their resolve to be faithful to the Gospel can be weakened. A Catholic politician or public figure leading or encouraging others to do evil is a failure to respect the souls of others and is what the Church defines as “scandal.”

Until public repentance takes place and sacramental absolution is received in Confession, we ask that those Catholic legislators who live or worship in Colorado and who have voted for RHEA, to voluntarily refrain from receiving Holy Communion.

The burden from their decision does not rest upon the shoulders of priests, deacons or lay Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. It rests upon the consciences and souls of those politicians who have chosen to support this evil and unjust law.

We pray that this letter and our request to refrain from receiving Jesus in the Eucharist spurs sincere reflection and conversion in the hearts of those who have participated in allowing this grave act of injustice to become law. This request is not one that we make lightly, but since it is our duty to safeguard the faith and care for the souls of all the faithful – including these politicians – we must make it.

We are always willing to engage in conversation with any Catholic politician to whom this applies, and we want you to know that we regularly pray for all who hold public office.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver

Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg, Bishop of Pueblo

Most Reverend Jorge H. Rodriguez, Auxiliary Bishop of Denver

Most Reverend James R. Golka, Bishop of Colorado Springs

Pastor’s Desk

30 May 2022

Pastoral Letter From Fr. Quezada… Reclaiming Sunday!

Dear St. Patrick Parish Family,

“The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the Church. In a variety of ways she joyfully experiences the constant fulfilment of the promise: “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20), but in the Holy Eucharist, through the changing of bread and wine into the body and blood of the Lord, she rejoices in this presence with unique intensity. Ever since Pentecost, when the Church, the People of the New Covenant, began her pilgrim journey towards her heavenly homeland, the Divine Sacrament has continued to mark the passing of her days, filling them with confident hope.” ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA, Pope St. John Paul II

“…The Christian observance of Sunday fulfills the commandment to remember and keep holy the Sabbath day.”   (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2175)

This beautiful commandment is interpreted by many Catholics in many ways that serve our convenience and accommodate a variety of rationales. But here it is, in true, loving and simple words:  God is to be placed first in the “order of things” every single day we awake and breathe that which God Himself has given us: PRECIOUS LIFE ONE MORE DAY.  That is the essence of living as stewards of our life: “that we move and live and have our being in Him!” 

This is not new to your ears from the content of my preaching on Sundays.  You’ve heard this before time and again.  We have worked at this at St. Patrick for almost two years.  After the pandemic, I’ve seen baby step progress.  Some of you have addressed me about “how you’re trying”.  I am so happy for that progress.  And your soul benefits!  Others, I’ve noticed, have stepped up their game with “Sunday best presence.”  If one is visiting a king or queen for a special audience, one would certainly dress the part.  Some of you have done that and it is refreshing to see.  Christ the King in the Eucharist awaits us in our best every Sunday. 

You’ve heard me say time and again, when Sunday is looking or feeling like any other day of the week, we may have lost its essence, its purpose, its special dignity! 

 I have prayed and reflected over you, about you and for you and the potential of this parish church family to be a light for others, a model, a bold example of Christianity.  Doing the exemplar labor of the Kingdom that is reflected first, in how we pray, translates into HOW we do Sundays! 

“Scheduling” mass secondly or around other activity on our family calendar is not a bad thing.  But does it reflect the true stewardship of our Sundays?  We’ve become so accustomed to such a pattern, that the understanding of God can also be threatened.  Arranging all other things on a Sunday schedule with God as the end may have become like breathing: “it is just what we do”.

As your Pastor, your Shepherd, I get in the way of reclaiming Sunday as God’s day when I offer an array of mass options that include Sunday evening.  I might very well be in the way of my own preaching!  I am part of the problem and to that end, I am asking that you and I both “raise the bar” on God.

A loving suggestion: plan a family meeting over your favorite meal and have a true discussion about Sunday and what it would look like with Holy Mass FIRST as part of that weekend.  Would it start Saturday evening with Vigil Mass at 4:30 pm?  Sunday morning at 7:45 am?  9:30 am?  11:30 am?

On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, JUNE 19, our new mass schedule goes into effect. We simply drop Sunday 4:30 pm, get to God and the temple for Holy Mass at an earlier time and rest and enjoy true family and friend time.  Imagine that: a parish striving for holiness and a saintly life! We can do this!  Your spiritual welfare, some of it, left in my hands as your Shepherd, is armor for the spiritual warfare that the world is so full of.

Please know of my love for you and our St. Patrick Family,

Rev. Francisco Javier Quezada

Pastor

Pastor’s Desk

27 September 2020

Pastor’s Desk

20 September 2020

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP -RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

Be Sure to Look The Part

I used to coach my oldest son in soccer when he was younger. As he got older, he would go to try-outs for select and high school teams. I was no longer the coach, but I always shared with him one piece of advice before any tryout: Be sure to look the part. I told him that if he showed up looking like a soccer player, there was an increased chance of him being seen as a soccer player. If he showed up looking like a kid that plays soccer in video games as opposed to the real thing, he might not be taken seriously. As he grew older, that same advice was then applied to getting a job. It’s advice I have heeded myself all my life. You can even say it is like another common phrase: “Fake it till you make it.” As disciples of Jesus Christ, we certainly do not want to fake it, but we do need to look the part. The world looks at those of us who proclaim to be Christians to see if there is anything to this way of life. If they see us looking and acting like people transformed by Jesus Christ, they will be more likely to take Christianity seriously. If they look at us and see nothing different, then they can easily conclude that there is nothing different about Jesus Christ. He just becomes simply another religious figure of history. Can the world see the power of Christ in you? How will do you look the part?

– Tracy Earl Welliver

©LPi

Pastor’s Desk

13 September 2020

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP -RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

Gifts Given to Share

My oldest two children took piano lessons when they were younger. In fact, it was because my oldest wanted to learn to play so badly that we purchased a piano. He would use it for practice during his few years of lessons, and then my daughter took up the instrument. After a few years of lessons for each, restlessness set in and a type of indifference took over. The lessons and the practicing came to an end. My youngest had not expressed much interest in piano when he was younger. Then when he was a teenager, he asked for lessons. He began to play and now he plays even for fun and to relax. When his siblings try to play, they are stuck with the truth that those days are gone and since they gave it up years ago, they can no longer really play. In many ways, they were given a gift, but since they did not use and cultivate it, they lost it.

God gives us gifts every day and we too often act like those gifts will simply always be there. The truth is, unlike God Himself, many of those gifts are not eternal. If we fail to acknowledge them and put them to use, we risk losing them in the end. What a shame. What gifts might be slowly slipping away from each of us due to our lack of interest and indifference? They might not be there if and when we change our minds.

— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

©LPi

Pastor’s Desk

6 September 2020

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP -RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

The Choice of Stewardship

What does it mean to be a good steward? Does it mean to be an active parishioner, or something more? Are we better stewards because we give more in terms of our money and time to our parish, or are we called to do even more than that?

The truth is that stewardship is a way of life. We are not simply called to be active parishioners, but instead be active disciples all the time. In fact, what we learn to do in our parish should serve as preparation for the mission field of the world. What have we really done if we only act like disciples of Jesus Christ while we are assembled with others who claim to be the same?

The choice before us is to give of ourselves in all aspects of our day and life. The call of Jesus will come in our everyday lives with our co-workers, family, and friends more often than it will within our parish community. First, if we can’t become good stewards when we are among those who proclaim Jesus as Lord, how will we be able to do so when we are with those who are non-believers? Second, when our muscles of gratitude, generosity, and graciousness are strengthened within our parish community, we are more able to meet the challenges of this world. However, we do not become good stewards by accident. We must always choose to live this way. What will you choose?

– Tracy Earl Welliver ©LPi

Pastor’s Desk

30 August 2020

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP -RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

The Challenge of Stewardship

Every day we are called by Christ to respond in some way. The more practice we have at giving of ourselves freely and living in His presence, the easier it is to discern that call. Once we hear the call, the choice is ours: will we respond with yes or no? We could say that we are not required to say yes because God has given us free will. However, our response speaks much to where we are in our maturity of faith. When we were children, the word “no” used to be one of our favorites. If we continue to say that as we get older, well, that says something about where we are in our walk with the Lord. If we truly are disciples of Jesus Christ and are serious about growing in our faith, we will say “yes.” We are not required to say yes, but we say yes because that is who we have become.

This is the challenge of a stewardship way of life. Have we matured enough to say yes when God calls, regardless of how much our answer may cost us? What matters more to us: what it will cost us or our relationship with Jesus? Some days we will easily be able to say yes. The grace and love He gives us will be plenty to see us through whatever situation in which we find ourselves. However, we are imperfect beings and there will be days when we are more into ourselves than Him. It is on those days that we find ourselves at a true crossroads of a challenge. The choice is always ours. Hopefully, our faith will be strong enough. His call is never for His own sake. He calls us because the world He created and the Church He instituted need us. They wait just as He does for our response.

–Tracy Earl Welliver ©LPi

Pastor’s Desk

23 August 2020

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP -

RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

The Blessing of the Community

I have been blessed to be a member of my parish community for 28 years. For much of that time I was serving as a member of the parish staff, but it was still the community that I call home. I have been fortunate to be able to remain in that parish even as my life has encountered new chapters and callings. I am so grateful to God that I have been able to grow, be nourished, and find companionship in a parish for this long of a time.

It is a natural tendency for human beings to desire belonging to something bigger than themselves. Not everyone is fortunate enough to find the community, big or small, that fulfills that need. Unfortunately, that means that many communities suffer from not having the benefit of the gifts, skills, and talents that any member can offer. Communities are in many ways living organisms that move and breathe based upon the individuals who form that body. A community is truly the sum of its parts.

Your parish community reflects you and everyone else in that community. The more each member gives to the community, the stronger that community finds itself. If you hold back, your community suffers, and you gain little. I know firsthand what being a part of a community can mean to a person. I would be no one at all – and you would not be reading this – if it weren’t for the life I have had in my parish community.

–Tracy Earl Welliver ©LP

Pastor’s Desk

16 August 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I cannot say it enough- your generosity, your kindness, your dedication to this church family, is abundant! Being new on the block, this is heartwarming! So is your personal welcome and encouragement of my pastoral labor. It makes a pastor “wanna’ keep going”.

We continue to pray for all the new Pastors around the diocese that are just now getting their feet wet and settling in as we pray for congregations that are embracing their new pastoral leadership.

During these state mandated laws that are in effect, your response has been most cooperative. It is not easy to mask up and breathe freely while worshipping God and participating in Mass with joy. I completely understand that. We are making every attempt to welcome you back lovingly, assist in making you feel safe, spending a little less time in the nave of the church itself for fear of spread of any germs, etc... Our Pastoral Staff and in particular, Patty Henderson Director of Liturgy, are to take a bow for their labor of love. On Friday afternoon they are busy prepping all the things that need attention! When you see them, please say thank you. They DO care for you as much as your new pastor. You are THE reason they are here. This is not just another job for them. This is ministry.

Throughout this world illness, let us be patient with one another, and see in the masking, an act of charity towards each other instead of a mandate or punishment or political statement of any kind. Ours is the CHRIST WAY and not the way of the world. Ours is the WAY OF THE GOSPEL and not of any constituency. As people of the Lord of the Eucharist, our spiritual food changes us in a little way every time we come to St. Patrick and offer the sacrifice of the Mass. What a gift and what a splendid opportunity for salvation the Mass is!

If ever you need to communicate with me, call the office or just come by and say hello (you may bring sweet goodies for coffee if you wish!). You may also email me at fjquezada1@icloud.com or set up an appointment with Summer LaMay, my able and kind assistant.

Perform a little act of kindness in the name of Jesus this week.....

In Christ and Mary Our Mother,

Fr. Frank J. Quezada

Pastor’s Desk

9 August 2020

Dear Parish Family, beloved Faithful,

It could be said that I speak on behalf of most priests, that ministering under the circumstances of a pandemic has presented us with challenges and opportunities! Threats and opportunities: adverse but potentially life giving! An example of this would be the sense of urgency that was felt when parishes rushed to online giving in order to “make it through” the shutdown. It occurred to me that online giving, when nicely a piece of the staple stewardship culture of a parish, would’ve been the natural thing to lean on as sustenance vs a panic button.

As we move on through this cloud of unknowing, our FAITH sustains us and BLESSED HOPE embraces us.

At St. Patrick, I would like to create as much of a vineyard of normalcy as possible even though I tend to respect the science of the flu season and its characteristics. As a priest and as your shepherd, I want to continue to do what the Church in society attempts to do best: strengthen your intentional discipleship and be strong kingdom folk. Our treasure of the sacraments does this well when the Church dispenses her grace through them!

We are planning to return to some level of Faith Formation (Catechesis) at all levels this mid-September! The particulars around social distancing and so forth are being worked out by our wonderful Pastoral Staff members who work in this area of our parish life. I count on them and their wisdom as we move along to “open our doors wide to Christ”!

Baptism Classes, Marriage Preparation Classes and the Catechumenate will resume as well. Stay tuned for more details!

In Christ and Mary Our Mother,

Fr. Frank J. Quezada

Dear Friends in Christ,

What a telling moment in our lives to be Christian! Pope Benedict XVI, once stated, “when Eucharist fails to be communicated as love, it is seriously fragmented”. I am paraphrasing here, but his message rings ever true, doesn’t it? What I keep referring to as these days of universal illness, are the very reason to hold fast to PRAYER, GIVING and BLESSED HOPE! I have reviewed some numbers when sitting with Mike Wolf for orientation purposes. I have also happily met with Finance Council with which I did the same. Wonderful people, loving parishioners of St. Patrick, who are genuinely generous with their God given talents and from I may come to learn much. Your Pastoral Council, now it can be said, OUR Pastoral Council met with me as well. We are looking for a few new faces for both leadership bodies. If your heart leads you to consider serving in my ministry by joining one of these, please email or call me. One more humble word about giving as mentioned above. Your steadfast, generous, abundant hearts have not forgotten St. Patrick throughout the pandemic. Your tithing has been most instrumental in allowing the labor, the ministry, the presence of the Church to continue and the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth be true to its mission! I cannot thank you enough for your full hearts that have translated into pure goodness and charity. In a sense, St. Patrick could not have kept its doors opened were it not for you! For those who “sit on the fence” and have not been participating in such abundance, please continue to pray about your weekly commitment to our parish family. The Pastoral Staff returns to full stewardship of employee hours on August 3. They join me on the front-line of exercising their grace filled gifts in the vineyard of the Lord. We will take as many precautions as possible to keep all safe and healthy. Please be assured of my prayers daily and pray for me as well!

In Christ and Mary Our Mother,

Fr. Frank J. Quezada

Pastor’s Desk

26 July 2020

A Prayer in Time of World Illness

Lord Jesus, Healer of Illness, Son of Mary, Our Lady of Grace,

Send upon us, your humble and faithful disciples, the strength of spiritual defense you were granted while in the desert

In this time of distress, surround us with your holy patience and shower upon your Universal Church and our country with healing and hope!

Lord of the Eucharist, feed us in this time of Spiritual Communion until again, we gather at your holy alters.

Fortify your Priests as they shepherd from a distance, grant them the serenity and benevolence to approach your altar with unending love for You—High Priest, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, Physician of Souls.

Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us!

Pastor’s Desk

19 July 2020

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Gospel of Matthew last weekend was an invite to the disciple of Christ to allow the Word of God to live in us! What God has already sowed in our hearts through grace dispensed at our baptism, awaits to be quenched by our LIVING that word! This is how The Kingdom is fleshed out and is proclaimed in our everyday lives.

Having recently arrived at St. Patrick, may I say I have noticed, sensed, your desire to follow Christ and live as he did by expressing your Catholic faith. Your immediate sense of hospitality and welcoming me as a stranger has been a blessing indeed and has helped me into getting settled which can be quite daunting when you know very few people! But you have made that easier. Your attendance at my Mass of Installation as your new Pastor, was also evident of your care and hospitality. Thank you!

A word about the staff (Pastoral Team) at St. Patrick. You and I are blessed to have them! They have been most helpful in accommodating my needs and seeing to my getting settled. A particular shout out to Mike Wolf who has seen to every detail of welcoming me and giving me orientation towards “the state of the union. Mike is a steward that is rooted in this parish family and gives us much of his precious time and talent.

To my Brother Knights, deacons, particular parishioners that have come to the door of the rectory with kindnesses, thank you! I look forward to the day the pews are filled again with blessed hope in the attendance of as many faithful as possible at St. Patrick despite living through universal illness. Let us not live in fear. Let us live in the hope and joy of Christ and His gospel!

In Christ and Mary Our Mother,

Fr. Frank

Pastor