Dear Parish Family:
Welcome to the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time. This weekend we meet Jesus whose heart was moved with pity when he caught sight of the large crowds. He witnessed a people troubled and abandoned; they were like sheep without a shepherd. If any part of your life is out of sorts, anxious, confused, lost or doubting, turn to the Good Shepherd. As we hear how Jesus chose the 12 apostles, and he offered them a share in his healing power, remember that you also have a share in the healing power of Christ – acknowledge it, claim it and use that divine power in your compassionate response to serving others!
This week, the global community steps into FIFA World Cup 2026. Growing up in the Midwest, we did not play soccer, just Little League and Pop Warner football. Did you know that AYSO, the American youth soccer organization was born out of a garage in the city of Torrance in 1964! Through the years, many of your children and grandchildren have grown up playing soccer. For this year’s FIFA players, childhood dreams will be realized, we will meet the faces of a new generation of athletes, some will drive their team to success in their final World Cup. Every team has global ambitions, and by the final game on July 19, new names will emerge as legends. Billions of people from around the world will come together to watch the games. FIFA is a global language, that transcends borders, languages, and politics. Enjoy the games!
Thank you for remembering the Priest Retirement Fund this weekend. Many of you mailed in an envelope with a generous offering, and we still have envelopes in the church. May our retired priests, many of whom are my friends enjoy their sunset years, serving the Lord.
The summer solstice, also known as the start of astronomical summer, will take place next Sunday, June 21 at 1:24 AM, Pacific daylight time. May your summer days be filled with light!!
This week I’ll quietly share two milestones in my blessed life. This Friday June 19, I’ll celebrate my 44th anniversary as a Priest of Jesus Christ. This occasion always reminds me to thank our heavenly Father for allowing me to share in the mission of Christ. I’m grateful for my mentor, Monsignor James O’Callahan, who inspired me to be a priest and may he rest in peace. I’m also grateful to Cardinal Timothy Manning, who ordained me and my 15 classmates at Saint Vibiana’s in downtown LA and may he rest in peace. This Saturday, June 20 I turn 71 years old and I’m also grateful to my parents for birthing me into life. May Beverly and Joseph rest in peace. If you are reading this, please know that you are my greatest gift and please pray for me! May the Lord grant me many more years to live out this weekend’s Gospel admonition, “Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give”!
Summer Blessings,
Msgr. Kevin