The Good Shepherd

Dear Friend,

In today’s Gospel, we learn about Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  With lives rooted in prayer, compassion, the Eucharist, and the example of Jesus, we are equipped to discern God’s call for our lives. The good Lord is always calling us to use our God-given gifts to build the heavenly kingdom on earth. Our role is to listen, trust in the message, and respond accordingly. God and our Christian community show us the way.  We are not called to be perfect, but to follow in Jesus’ footsteps with righteousness and true freedom.   

Living as Christians and sustaining an active solidarity with the poor and marginalized is not to come at the expense of our responsibilities and commitments to our families and employment. Our call is to integrate the gospel into all facets of our life. Secular Franciscans embody this vocation.   

This Sunday, April 26th at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, we celebrate the profession of the newest members of the St. Louis the King Secular Franciscan Fraternity. 

The Franciscan charism serves as a vehicle through which Secular Franciscans achieve the integration and manifestation of gospel values that continue to be so needed in our world. These are lay Catholic members and peacemakers of the Franciscan order who live in the Spirit of St. Francis of Assisi while embracing family life, human rights, care for all of God’s creation, service, joy and prayer.   

For several years, our faithful candidates have participated in a formation program designed to help them discern God’s call as Secular Franciscans. At the profession ceremony, they enter the next phase of their Gospel journey as Secular Franciscans for life. Que nuestro Señor los bendiga y los acompañe siempre. May the Lord bless them and keep them always. And may their loving witness continue to inspire our parish and the world beyond. 

Paz y bien,

Brother George Camacho OFM