Pastor's Letter
September 13th, 2026-Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. “Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet some people hold them tight”. I paraphrase the first line of today’s reading from the Book of Sirach. Sirach reminds us that besides being bad attitudes, they actually waste our time and deplete our energy. We all know people who fit into this category, people who hold on to negativity and deplete our spirit as well as their own. Today as we celebrate we are asked to do an honest evaluation of ourselves. It is easy to point the finger at someone else, but our we guilty of the same action. Jesus in the gospel tells the disciples to forgive unceasingly. Make it an attitude of how we live. If we do, we are freed from draining negativity. Let go and move on. Hopefully our positive attitudes eventually over power the negativity of the devil.
Today we celebrate and bless all of the catechists of the parish. These are men and women who step up to pass on our Catholic Faith to the next generation. Some of them are teachers in our Religious Education program. Some our teaching in our Catholic schools. The church believes that the parents our the first teachers of the faith for their children. We see that lived out by all the young families attending our Sunday liturgies. But eventually passing on the faith becomes a community event involving teachers, and catechists. Today we say thank you to all of those who are doing this important work, and we ask God to bless them in their ministry.
This Sunday morning, September 13th, we begin our OCIA program once again. It is an adult program that was created for three different sets of people. It is for baptized Catholics who are wishing to complete sacraments they missed as children. It is for other baptized Christians from other Christian faiths who now believe they would like to join the Catholic faith. It is also for those who have never been baptized and now would like to know Jesus and receive the Sacraments of Initiation. If you or anyone you know falls into one of these groups, invite them to join the OCIA. I always say you can be the catalyst by bringing them to the OCIA group. It is always easier to join a group when you are not alone. Help them get comfortable with the process and then you can leave them on their own to explore the journey ahead. We all have a part in evangelization.
Finally, next weekend we will celebrate our First Responders mass at the 11:00 AM mass. We invite everyone to come and offer prayers and thanks to all of our first responders. At St. Juliana it really is a family event. There are very few families here who don’t have a first responder in their family or as a neighbor. They need to know we stand with them. So join us next Sunday.
September 6th, 2026-Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. All of our readings today speak about our relationships with our brothers and sister. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul tells Jesus’ followers that they need to love one another. That is the center and starting point for being a true believer. We are to love God and we are to love our neighbor as ourself. If that is the starting point, then it makes sense that we want to help our brothers and sister to do good. The Prophet Ezekiel tells us to lead our brothers and sister on the right path. Jesus gives the same advice in the Gospel. The Gospel is interesting because eventually if someone won’t listen to what is right, Jesus says then treat them like a Gentile or Tax collector. We may think this line gives us permission to give up on the person. But if we take a closer look, we realize Jesus welcomed the Gentile and Tax collector. I think Jesus is telling us that we are never to give up on another person. Everyone is created by God, and worthy of our care and protection.
This weekend we celebrate Labor Day. Pope Leo the XIII in 1891 wrote Rerum Novarum, “of revolutionary change”. The encyclical addressed the economic and social conditions of the working class. One of its four core principals was support of workers rights. It upheld the right of workers to form labor unions, receive a fair (living) wage, and have safe working conditions. Our celebration of Labor Day is a direct outcome of Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical. We believe in the dignity of work and that our work should provide a living wage. Our present Pope, Pope Leo XIV took Leo’s name because he feels today the need to protect workers and the underemployed is still a great need in our world. The Pope is working tirelessly to limit the effect of AI on the worker. We are blessed to have a Pope who is watching out for the worker and the human rights of all people.
This Tuesday, September 8th, we begin our next session of Alpha. I invite everyone to consider joining the session as a way to deepen your faith. Each session includes a meal, video and small faith sharing discussions. For more information check out the bulletin or the parish web page.
Last week we began a second Discern and Decide group on Wednesday evenings. This program looks at using St. Ignatius’ way to help when we have to make decisions in our daily lives. Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center Library.
It is time to invite family and friends who may be considering becoming Catholic or receiving Sacraments of Initiation they may have missed to join the OCIA program. Our Fall session starts September 13th. Get more information in the bulletin or parish web-page.
Finally, this week we sadly remember the events of September 11, 2001. It is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since that tragic day. We pray for all those affected by the 9/11 tragedy, and we pray for all first responders who every day sacrifice for our safety.
August 30th, 2026-22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, Jeremiah is on a rant. He is upset, because God has asked him to do something, and he doesn’t want to do it. Yet he feels compelled by the request. He has to follow through on what God has asked. Have you ever had that same feeling? By becoming a Christian and following Jesus, we are constantly asked to act a certain way. We are called to community, to compassion, forgiveness, kindness, joy, etc. Do we ever feel duped by Jesus. It is hard to follow Jesus, especially when we live in a world that often tells us to act in the exact opposite way. We ask God to help us fulfill the call we received in baptism. To follow Jesus closely and bring about the kingdom for all.
This Tuesday the Church will celebrate a day “For the Care of Creation”. The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments confirmed the new mass on August 4, 2026. What does this mean? It means that following Pope Francis’ appeal to care for the planet, we now have a mass that can be used for that appeal. This means there are prayers and readings that can be used for the care of creation. The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is observed on September 1st. So this week if you come to morning mass on Tuesday, we will pray together for the Care of God’s Creation.
This weekend at all the masses we will have short testimonials about the Alpha series. We will be starting our seventh Alpha next week on September 8th. I encourage you to consider participating in the Alpha program. It is a program that is designed to help people think about the big questions in their lives and their faith. Stop by the back of church and talk to the Alpha representatives in the back of church. Then join us beginning September 8th.
Thanks to everyone who helped make our back to school celebration a success. Many hands, make light work. It is always a great way to begin a new school year.
August 23, 2026-21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. In both the First reding from the Prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew we see the God passing on his power. In the Isaiah reading Eliakim will receive authority over Israel. In the Gospel Jesus asks Peter to tell him who people think he is. Some answer John the Baptist, others Elijah. Then Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you think I am?” Peter answers with a resounding, “You are the Christ., the Son of the Living God.” Because of Peter’s profession of faith in Jesus, he is given the keys to the Kingdom. Peter will be the one to lead the followers of Jesus after his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Leadership is given to those who give their all to a cause. Leaders know where their power to lead comes from. They also see their leadership as a gift that calls them to care for the good of all those they serve, not just a select few. God is calling all of us to leadership, in our homes, church, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and country. Are we ready and able to accept the mantle of Christian leadership?
This week we will have our summer mission appeal at St. Juliana. Twice a year we are asked to help the mission work of the Church throughout the world. The Propagation of the Faith, and the summer Mission Appeal allow us to be generous with the gifts we have received from God, and help spread God’s good news around the world. Today we will hear about the work of the St. Patrick Missionary Society who are working in South Sudan. We are asked to join them in their work to bring Jesus to the children they serve in their schools. Education and Faith are keys to freeing people from poverty. We will have an collection this weekend for the St. Patrick Missionary Society. Please be as generous as you can.
This week we welcomed the St. Juliana School children and teachers back for another year of faith filled education. In a few weeks we will also welcome back our Religious Education students as well. Education and faith development is not just an activity for children. Adults need to enhance their knowledge of the faith. Adults need to continue to develop a relationship with Jesus. Faith development is a lifelong process. We have lots of programs for adults beginning in the next few weeks. There is Alpha, the Chosen, Faithful: Women of the Bible, Discern and Decide, Mind and Heart, OCIA, along with Tuesday Adoration, and Bible Study. And for all you bibliophiles and readers, don’t forget the Book Club. Check out the bulletin or parish web page for details.
Finally, this Fall the Archdiocese will be hosting listening sessions throughout the Archdiocese to get a sense of the Church. There will be local deanery meetings open to everyone. Pope Francis began a renewed Synodal process and Pope Leo is continuing Pope Francis’ work. The hope is that as a Church we become better listeners to the hopes, and dreams of the faithful. We will publish times and places for the meetings as we receive them. I encourage everyone to try and make our deanery meeting.
August 16, 2026-20th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today we hear a Gospel that always gets people talking. Jesus is approached by a foreigner who has a problem. The woman has a daughter possessed by a devil and she wants Jesus to cure her. The disturbing part of the dialogue is that it eventually leads to Jesus insulting the woman. I have no incite into the mind of Jesus 2000 years ago, but when the Church uses this story I think there are two possible lessons. The first lesson is the woman’s faith. She knows Jesus can cure her daughter, so she doesn’t let anything get in her way. She has seen his power and she will not let up. Do we have the same faith? Have we seen God’s power and recognized it? Do we believe God can right wrongs? I believe the second lesson is that God works to make the world whole. How he gets to that point may seem unorthodox or difficult to understand. But God created the whole world good, and is working to restore it to that original goodness. We all are called to participate in that transformation.
In last weeks bulletin there was an invitation to men of the parish about becoming deacons. In the early church the deacons were the ministers who took care of the physical needs of the Church. They are called to minister to the sick, the poor, the outcast. Today God continues to call men to this important ministry. If you feel called to the diaconate, please set up an appointment to talk with me about your call. Also we are blessed with a number of deacons at St. Juliana who can answer your questions as well. Besides our retired deacon Bob Ryan, we also have three active deacons, Ed Dolan, Tom Dombai, and John Rottmean who can describe their own ministries. We are also blessed to have Frank Rottman in his last year of preparation for deacon ordination. God is always calling all of us to more.
Today we will celebrate our back to school mass at St. Juliana. The celebration takes place at our 11:00 am mass. This mass if for all students whether you are in Catholic schools or Public Schools. It is for all ages, preschool-post graduate studies. It is a time to get together and celebrate God’s gift of knowledge and wisdom. It is also a time to ask God to bless all of our students and teachers. Once again all teachers need blessings, not just Catholic school teachers. So we invite everyone today to this end of summer celebration. After mass there will be a celebration outside of Church on Oketo. Food and drink will be available for everyone.
Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast of Our Blessed Mother’s Assumption into heaven. Though it fell on a Saturday, and was not a holy day of obligation, it is still a important reminder of the blessing we all receive through Mary. Just like the woman in today’s Gospel, Mary remained faithful throughout her life and gives us all an example of discipleship. Mary’s life always directed followers to her son Jesus. We are called to follow her example on our journey of faith.
Today we celebrate the Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time. How do we experience God? I think we are given a few examples in today’s readings. In the first reading from the Book of Kings, Elijah comes out of the cave and waits for the Lord to appear. In this reading there are many frightening possibilities of God’s presence, including heavy winds, earthquakes, and fire. But it is in the quiet calm that Elijah experiences the Lord. Last week I spoke about the repetitiveness of our weekly liturgy. There is a rhythm or pattern to our weekly gathering. Some say it can be boring, but for many there is a calm in the simplicity and familiarity of the liturgy. In a chaotic world, our time together can be an oasis of peace. The second example is more dramatic. The disciples are in the boat and a storm has come up. Jesus comes to them in the midst of the storm. Eventually he calms the sea and saves Peter. In this second example we are reminded that God is present in our personal struggles and upheavals. When we put our trust in God, it is often easier to weather the storms. Where are you seeing God in your life?
School is fast approaching. This week we welcomed back our seasoned teachers as well as our new teachers. We also hosted welcome events for our preschool and Kindergarten families. Every year we welcome young families who will enroll their children for the first time. It is an exciting time for them and for us as well. Thanks to all of the maintenance staff who have worked to once again get the school ready for the new year. I hope everyone enjoys these last days of summer break. We invite you and your families to join us for our Back to School Mass at 11:00 am on August 16th. Details are in the bulletin.
Registration for St. Juliana Religious Education classes closes on August 19th. Please make sure to tell friends and family to register for the upcoming school year. It is time to order supplies for RE and meet with our catechists.
As our children begin a new school year, it is also a wonderful time for all of us to think about our own faith journey. Just as we encourage our children to continue learning and growing, we too are called to deepen our relationship with God and continue growing in our faith. I invite all of the adults of our parish to explore the many opportunities we have for adult faith formation. Our Alpha program begins September 8, and I encourage you to consider joining us for this wonderful opportunity to ask questions, share your faith, and discover more deeply what it means to follow Christ. In September, we will also begin two small-group faith-sharing opportunities, The Chosen and Faithful: The Women of the Bible. The Mind and Heart program also resumes August 23 and offers another opportunity to reflect on our faith and connect it with our everyday lives.
For those who are interested in becoming Catholic, or for adults who may not have received all of the sacraments when they were younger, I invite you to explore our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program, which begins September 13. It is a beautiful opportunity to learn, ask questions, and discover where God may be calling you. These are just a few of the many ways we can grow together as a community of faith. From Adoration, Bible Study, and Book Club to our many other parish ministries and programs, there truly is an opportunity for everyone. All the details for these programs can be found on our website or in the bulletin.
August 2nd, 2026-18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Two themes I see present in todays readings are that God is always with us. And the second is that God will always take care of us if we ask. In the first reading from Isaiah the prophet tells people to come to God when you are hungry and thirsty and God will meet your needs. We often take this literally and think of food and drink, but God also takes care of other hungers and thirsts. Our hunger for love, forgiveness, joy, or peace can be satisfied by God and his work. In the Gospel Jesus pushes the disciples and tells them that they need to feed those who are in need. Again in the Gospel the disciples see it as satisfying a hunger for food, but I think Jesus is challenging all of us to satisfy all the needs of those around us. Can we give hope, joy, forgiveness and love? Do we see the Eucharistic table as extending beyond the doors of the church into our homes, workplaces, and families? Many people are hungry, we are called to feed them.
We have just a few more weeks before we close our registration for our Religious Education program. Now is the last call to register your children for the coming school year. We are pleased to welcome Jackie Grischeau as our new director of Religious Education. Registration information is available in the bulletin or on the parish webpage. We are also putting a call out to adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.
July 26, 2026-17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the first reading from the book of Kings, God tells Solomon to ask for anything. God tells Solomon he will give him whatever he asks for. Solomon asks for wisdom to know right from wrong. God is pleased in someone so young. He didn’t ask for power, riches, or the death of an enemy, rather he asks God to help him lead his people justly. Do we ask God to help us to know right from wrong? Do we ask God to help us daily as we live as family? Do we ask God for guidance on being a wise boss or coworker? When push comes to shove, do we judge wisely as God would judge? Today lets seek treasure or pearls that truly make our lives meaningful, and the world a better place.
I don’t even want to say the words. But next weekend the St. Vincent De Paul Society will host their “Back to School Drive” at all of our masses. Your help will give a fresh start to students at St. Angela School and Mission of Our Lady of the Angels School. We all can remember beginning a new school year with fresh paper, new pens and pencils, folders, notebooks, crayons, and backpacks to carry all our books, Many children don’t get that opportunity because their parents can’t afford all of the supplies necessary to begin the year right! St. Vincent De Paul gives us the opportunity to look beyond our own wants and needs. Please join us next weekend in helping make the new school year a great success.
Just a mid-summer thanks to everyone who was able to support the Annual Catholic Appeal for 2026. This year we once again went over our parish goal. Money over the goal comes back to the parish for ongoing local projects. I appreciate your willingness to help fund so many ministries in the Archdiocese. Through the Appeal we also continue to help groups like Catholic Relief Services. They are often the first on the ground when disasters hit. This was the case with the two earthquakes recently in Venezuela. Thanks again for your help.
Thanks also for everyone who was able to help us with the last minute collection for Catholic Relief Services in Venezuela. The parish donated just over $5,000 to help with relief. Being a Catholic is being part of a big family that shows up when we need them. God speaks through the community, and he did in your willingness to help. Thank you all for your help and prayers.
Finally, next Saturday, August 1st, Discern and Decide begins. It is a seven session program on making decisions in our lives through the lens of our Christian faith. We all make decisions big and small every day. How does our faith figure into our decision making. Join us if you are able.
July 19, 2026-16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus continues to teach through parables. Today we get two stories about seeds and one about baking. For me, the first parable about good seed and bad seed sown in a field tells us that we live in a world of good and evil. We can’t get away from it. But that being said, we need to tend to the good, and not get caught up in the bad. The second parable about the mustard seed reminds us that if we do a good job at tending the seed, it will produce good that changes and creates a better world for everyone. The smallest seed becomes the a large bush, a new home for the birds of the air and creatures on land. In otherwards we can create a home for everyone if we tend to the good. The yeast in bread dough is really unseen when mixed with flour, yet it will make the whole loaf rise. Are we prepared and open to sowing good seed for a bountiful harvest.
In a few weeks we will begin a new program called Discern and Decide. Jennifer Gerwing, one of our parishioners who participated in Alpha came to us with a program she participated in at St. Paul of the Cross. It was all about how we make decisions. The program uses Ignatian spirituality to help us make important decisions in our life. All our decisions have consequences. Do we take time to discern the impacts of the decisions we make each and every day? It fits in with the parables we just heard. Are we tending to the good in how we choose to live our lives? This program is for all ages. We all make decisions that change our lives. Discern and Decide will be held on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:15 am. There are seven sessions to the program. I encourage you to consider taking time for this worthwhile program. For more information or to register see the ad in our bulletin our visit st.juliana.oorg
Don’t forget to sign up your children for Religious Education for 2026-27. If you are preparing your children to go back to their day school, it is also time to register them for RE. Registration closes on August 19th so that we can order books and supplies for the classes. Check the bulletin or web page out for registration information.
July 12, 2026-15th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today we celebrate the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. This week we begin a month of parables in the Gospel. Today we hear the story of the Sower and the Seed. But before we reflect on that story, I believe Isaiah today also offers an important lesson for us. Isaiah reminds the people that rain and snow are constantly coming down to water the earth. Even in seasons of drought, eventually the moisture returns. Isaiah tells us that God’s word is like that. God is constantly speaking to us, even when we don’t listen or hear. So back to today’s parable. A farmer sows seed. Forget our mechanized farming today. In Jesus time a farmer just went out and literally threw seed to the wind and let it fall where it may. The story is interesting for us whether we are farmers or not, because Jesus assigns a value or judgement to where the seed falls. God scatters wisdom, knowledge, and love the same way the Sower does. The importance for us is productivity after we have heard God’s voice. Are we open to the word of God, or does it fall on rocky, thorny, or dead hearts. At our best we will produce goodness a hundred fold if we keep our hearts open.
Today welcome back Fr. Hunter Ostapowicz back to St. Juliana. Hunter was a seminarian with us for a number of years as he studied for the Diocese of Grand Rapids in Michigan. A few weeks back Hunter was ordained a priest. Many of you here at St. Juliana had a part in his journey and his call. The seminarians bring their gifts to the parish, and the parish give the seminarians gifts in return. Hunter will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at 11:00 am this morning. The Mission Spirit Team will be hosting a simple reception after the mass for Fr. Hunter in the back of the church. Please join us as we celebrate and congratulate Fr. Hunter on his ordination.
This week the parish launched its new website. Over the past several months, Barb Ernat has dedicated countless hours to bringing this project to life. While there were plenty of starts, stops, and challenges along the way, her persistence and hard work have resulted in a fresh, user-friendly website for our Saint Juliana community. You can still access the website the same way you always have at stjuliana.org. From there, you'll be welcomed by a new landing page that provides easy access to either the parish or school website. It was no small task to clean up the web site content and rebuild it for easier use. While the website will continue to grow and evolve, we are excited to share this important milestone. Thanks once again to Barb for all of her work.
Finally, I would like to invite you our newest small group faith sharing group; Discern and Decide. The program is set to kick off on Saturday, August 1st, at 9:15 am. It is a program that uses spiritual discernment to help make decisions in our daily lives. There is more information in the bulletin and our new and improved web site.
Today we celebrate the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The word meek comes up in both our first reading and the Gospel. We often associate being meek with weakness. The world tells us that we are to ready to fight at a moments notice. Meekness is actually a form of self control, self reflection, and strength. It is stepping back and reflecting on a situation before making a decision. It calls for contemplation before sometimes destructive action. My grandfather was a meek man. Though he used few words, he was probably one of the strongest and most influential people in my life. He taught me to never shy away from the unknown. He taught me to be open minded. He taught me to see everyone as equal. He taught me that everyone had a value. His meekness came from life experience and his faith in Jesus. We pray to God today for an extra portion of meekness.
This weekend we gather with family and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Independence Day is a day to reflect of the brave men and women who envisioned a new way. They took their lived experiences, and realized that there could be a better way. Together they formed a country of freedoms and rights that come from a belief that God created all of us equal. There is no distinction in the eyes of God. We are all created good and need to share that goodness and light with the world. I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend and I encourage all of us to rededicate ourselves to our founding principles.
This week, we are pleased to welcome Jackie Grischeau to our parish staff as our new Director of Religious Education. Jackie has a lifelong connection to the St. Juliana community and is a proud alumna of St. Juliana School. We are excited to welcome her to our team and look forward to the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm she will bring to our Religious Education program.
Next Sunday July 12th, at the 11:00 AM mass we will welcome back Fr. Hunter Ostapowicz. Hunter was a seminary intern at St. Juliana for a number of years. He participated in our weekend liturgies, the Missionary Spirit Team, and our OCIA. Over the years he built relationships in the parish and on the staff. Two weeks ago Huner was ordained a priest for the diocese of Grand Rapids in Michigan. Next Sunday Hunter will celebrate a mass of Thanksgiving here at St. Juliana. We will have a simple reception following the mass in the back of church. Please join us for the celebration.
Next Saturday, the St. Juliana Scouts will host their summer car wash. Proceeds from the car wash help fund their activities throughout the year.