Good Shepherd and Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Diane Winkowski • April 21, 2024

Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” This name is determined by the gospel passage about the Good Shepherd, which we always read on this Sunday. Today we read the gospel of John. We learn the Good Shepherd loves his sheep and he knows them by name. The author of the gospel makes an important point, the Good Shepherd has a close relationship with his sheep and, contrary to a hired man, he does not run away but stays with his sheep during danger and time of trial. Additionally, the Good Shepherd searches for the lost sheep, finds it and brings it back to his fold.

The first Christians knew and believed in Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In fact, the painting of the Good Shepherd is the most common of the symbolic representations of Christ found in early Christian art in the Catacombs of Rome, and was probably the most original image of Jesus Christ for the first Christian community (The painting of Christ as the Good Shepherd can be seen in the Catacombs of Priscilla on the Via Salaria in Rome).

Fr. Leo John Dehon, the founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart loved the image of the Good Shepherd as it is presented in the Gospel. When he visited the Catacombs in Rome, Fr. Dehon realized the image of the Good Shepherded represents well the truth of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since then, Fr. Dehon often spoke and presented the Sacred Heart as the Good Shepherd in his homilies and writings.

Thus, Fr. Dehon beautifully described the Sacred Heart as Father, Mother, and Shepherd in his book, The Priestly Heart of Jesus, “The Heart of Jesus is overflowing with compassion for all those who suffer; those beset by troubles, difficulties, and hardships; for the hungry, the toilers, the destitute, and the sick and infirm. His is the heart of a Father, the heart of a Mother, the heart of a Shepherd” (The Priestly Heart of Jesus, Thirty-Three Meditations, Chicago, 1947, p. 97).

Today many SCJs repeat these words of Fr. Dehon at the beginning of Mass, during the penitential rite, when they encourage people to recall the love of God in their lives, because “his is the heart of a Father, his is the heart of a Mother, his is the heart of a Shepherd.”

The Good Shepherd with a sheep on his shoulders, stands for Fr. Dehon as an icon of God, who is loving, kind, and merciful. God makes an incredible effort to reach everyone but especially those who are lost, unheard, and least among us. God sent his Son to save his people (Jn 3:16). It is God, in the person of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who loves his sheep and is ready to leave the ninety-nine to find the lost one (Lk 15:3-7). “Move out of the sacristy and go to the people” became an essential part of Fr. Dehon’s spirituality and ministry.

According to his biographers, Fr. Dehon did not only write and speak about God in the image of the Good Shepherd, but in his own life he also followed the idea and example described in the Gospel. Fr. Dehon loved the people with whom he worked and ministered to. He tried to reach everyone in his community, local Church and in the missions. He practiced the availability and kindness of a Good Shepherd during his ministry, and when he was at home with his community. He was able to listen and understand them. Because of his pleasant and warm personality, Fr. Dehon was known as “Le Très Bon Père” [the very good father] (Andre Perroux, Leo Dehon: Passion for Christ: A Passion for the World, Hales corners, WI, p.71).

We are encouraged by today’s gospel and the example of Fr. Dehon to see God as the Good Shepherd. God searches for our close relationship and takes care of us during trial and danger. We are encouraged to trust in God because we are safe in his fold. At the same time, we must spread and continue the mission of the Good Shepherd in our community and society. In our most recent Vision and Mission statement as St. Martin of Tours parish, “we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ to serve those in need and to become the Good Shepherds for them.” Let’s remember to become the Good Shepherds to those in need and to each other in our parish and larger community during this Easter season.

Fr. Andrzej

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God is Love

By Jennifer Moscatello • May 4, 2026

As we continue our journey through the Easter Season, we are gradually approaching the great feasts of the Ascension, Pentecost, and the Holy Trinity. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples with tenderness, knowing that their hearts are troubled at the thought of His departure. His words are meant to console them and to strengthen their faith. Jesus assures them: they will not be left alone. He promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will remain with them forever. In this promise, Jesus begins to reveal the mystery of the Holy Trinity. He speaks of His unity with the Father and of the Spirit who will dwell within them. This is not something distant or abstract. God desires to be close to us – so close that He makes His home in our hearts. At the center of this mystery is love. The Holy Trinity is a communion of perfect love – the Father loving the Son, the Son loving the Father, and the Holy Spirit as the bond of that love. This love is not closed in on itself. It reaches out to us and invites us to share in it. Jesus makes this very clear: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” His commandment is simple, yet demanding – to love one another. When we love with patience, kindness, and a willingness to sacrifice, we begin to reflect God’s own love. Every act of true love – selfless, faithful, and forgiving – makes God present in our lives. In this way, we come to experience that we are not alone. God is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and walking with us each day. Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, this message becomes very concrete. A mother’s love – gentle, patient, and self-giving – is a beautiful reflection of God’s love. In her daily sacrifices, her care, and her constant presence, we can see a living image of the love that flows within the Holy Trinity. Let us give thanks for all mothers and for all those who have shown us such love. And let us open our hearts more deeply to the gift Jesus offers us – the gift of His abiding presence. We are not alone. We are loved, accompanied, and invited to live in that love every day. Fr. Andrzej

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life

By Jennifer Moscatello • April 30, 2026

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words that are both comforting and challenging: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” These words are not simply a statement – they are an invitation. Jesus invites us into a close and living relationship with Him. Our faith is not static; it is dynamic. We are people on the move, on a journey, walking a path that leads us to the Father. When Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we can understand this in two important ways. First, He is the One who leads us to the Heavenly Father. He knows the way because He comes from the Father and returns to Him. If we follow Jesus closely – trusting His word, imitating His love – we will not be lost. Second, these words are an invitation to growth. To walk “the way” means that our lives are always in motion, always developing. To seek “the truth” means we never stop searching for deeper understanding and conversion of heart. To receive “the life” means we continually open ourselves to the grace that transforms us. Our life of faith only makes sense when we keep moving forward, when we do not become spiritually stagnant. Like a journey on a road, it has purpose only if we continue to grow. Today, our parish community celebrates a very special moment. Eight of our children from the religious education program will receive their First Holy Communion. This is a joyful and solemn day for them, for their parents, their teachers, and for all of us as a parish family. In the Eucharist, they will receive Jesus for the first time in such a profound way. The Eucharist is the food for our journey. It is the strength, encouragement, and sign of Christ’s presence as we follow Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. Without this spiritual nourishment, it is difficult to persevere on the path that leads to the Father. At every Holy Mass, Jesus gives Himself to us so that we may continue our journey with renewed faith and love. Let us pray in a special way for these children: Gunnar, Leila, Leo, Evan, Nora, Kinsley, Yuvan, Lucille, for their parents, and for their teachers who have prepared them for this beautiful moment. May this First Communion be the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all who contributed to preparing the children and organizing this celebration. Your dedication and care are a true witness of faith. May we all, nourished by the Eucharist, continue to walk with Jesus – growing in truth, deepening our relationship with Him, and moving ever closer to the Father. Fr. Andrzej

On the Way to Emmaus

By Jennifer Moscatello • April 13, 2026

On Easter Day, two disciples left Jerusalem and walked toward Emmaus, carrying sadness and confusion in their hearts. They had lost hope and, with it, their sense of purpose as disciples. Although Jesus Himself drew near and walked with them, their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. How often this happens in our own lives. The Lord walks beside us – in our struggles, doubts, and daily routines – yet we fail to see Him. Like the disciples, we may hear His Word and still remain deaf and unmoved. Yet Jesus never abandons us. With patience and love, He speaks to us, opens the Scriptures, and gently leads us forward. It was in the breaking of the bread that their eyes were opened, and they recognized the Risen Lord. This is a powerful reminder for us that in the Eucharist, Jesus reveals Himself in a real and personal way. Even when our faith feels weak or uncertain, the Eucharist strengthens us, opens our eyes, and deepens our belief. After encountering the Risen Christ, the disciples were transformed. Their sadness turned into joy, and their fear into courage. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the Good News and to be reunited with the other disciples. A true encounter with the Risen Lord always leads to conversion, transformation, and mission. We are called not only to recognize Him, but also to bear witness to Him in our daily lives. This weekend, we also celebrate our Volunteer Appreciation Weekend. We give thanks for all those who generously serve our parish community. Through their time, dedication, and love, they make Christ present among us. Their service is a living witness to the Risen Lord, who continues to work through His people. May God bless them abundantly, and may their example inspire each of us to serve with joyful and faithful hearts. On this meaningful and grace-filled weekend in our community, may we ask for the grace to recognize Jesus walking with us, especially in the Eucharist, and to become His faithful witnesses in the world. Fr. Andrzej

Jesus I Trust in You

By Jennifer Moscatello • April 10, 2026

The Feast of Divine Mercy, celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, which is a relatively recent addition to the Church’s liturgical calendar, is rooted deeply into the Gospel itself. It was established for the universal Church by Saint John Paul II in the year 2000, during the canonization of Saint Faustina Kowalska. Through her visions and spiritual diary, the Lord Jesus revealed His desire that the whole world come to know and trust in His mercy. This feast is not only a devotion but a reminder of the very heart of the Christian message: God’s love poured out for sinners. The purpose of this feast is to invite every person to trust in the mercy of God and to extend that mercy to others. In a world often marked by fear, judgment, and division, Divine Mercy calls us back to the truth that no sin is greater than God’s love, and no heart is beyond His healing grace. It is a day of hope, reconciliation, and renewed faith. It is deeply providential that this feast is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, when the Gospel recounts the encounter between the Risen Lord and Thomas the Apostle. Jesus appears to His disciples a second time, and this time especially for Thomas, who struggled to believe. The Lord does not reject him or condemn his doubt. Instead, He invites him to touch His wounds and to encounter directly His Heart, which is full of compassion and love. In this moment, we see clearly that Jesus’ mercy goes beyond human expectations. He meets us not in our perfection, but in our weakness, and transforms doubt into faith. This year, our celebration is made even more meaningful as we welcome a new image of the Merciful Jesus into our church. This sacred image, a faithful copy made and sent to us from the Divine Mercy Shrine in Łagiewniki, Poland, will be solemnly blessed and dedicated this weekend. After every Mass, we will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, entrusting ourselves and our intentions to the Lord’s infinite compassion. Soon, we also hope to receive a relic of Saint Faustina. Both the image and the relic will unite us more closely with the Shrine of Divine Mercy and with countless faithful around the world who venerate the mercy of God. They will serve as enduring invitations for us to deepen our trust and to live lives shaped by mercy. Let us be grateful for the gift of God’s mercy in our parish community and lives. May we trust in Jesus more deeply and share His mercy with others. Fr. Andrzej

Easter Message – “Do Not Be Afraid” (Matthew 28:1–10)

By Jennifer Moscatello • April 5, 2026

On that first Easter morning, as dawn was just breaking, the women came to the tomb carrying sorrow, confusion, and fear in their hearts. They expected to find death. Instead, they encountered life – unexpected and life-changing. At the heart of this Gospel is a simple and powerful message, spoken first by the angel and then by the Risen Lord Himself: “Do not be afraid.” Fear is a real part of our human experience. It can hold us back, isolate us, and keep us from living fully in God’s grace. The women came with fear, yet they did not let it stop them from seeking Jesus. And it was there, in their faithful seeking, that they encountered the Risen Lord. These words, “Do not be afraid,” do not ignore our fears but they gently invite us to move beyond them. An encounter with the Risen Christ was essential for the women and His other disciples. Similarly, it become essential for us when we meet the Risen Lord. This encounter changes everything. It is not just something we remember – it is something we live. When we truly meet Him: fear begins to turn into trust, confusion gives way to clarity, sorrow opens to joy, and hesitation becomes a call to share the Good News. The women who came in silence now run with joy and urgency to tell others. Their fear and doubt are transformed into courage. This is discipleship: not the absence of fear or doubt, but a heart changed by Christ. To be a true disciple of Jesus means allowing His Resurrection to touch every part of our lives – especially the places where we feel afraid: fear of suffering, uncertainty, weakness, or the future. It is there that the Risen Lord meets us and says again, “Do not be afraid.” This Easter, we are invited not only to hear these words, but to take them to heart. Christ stands before us – alive, present, and full of love. He calls us to trust Him more deeply, to follow Him more faithfully, and to share His love more confidently. May our encounter with the Risen Lord heal what is wounded in us, strengthen what is weak, and fill us with quiet courage and joy. May it also continue to renew our parish community, helping us grow as faithful disciples of Jesus, following the example of St. Martin of Tours. A blessed and grace-filled Easter to you and your loved ones. Alleluia! Fr. Andrzej

Palm Sunday and Holy Week

By Jennifer Moscatello • March 29, 2026

The Sixth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Palm Sunday. This name comes from the Gospel proclaimed at the beginning of Mass, which describes the solemn entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. The people welcomed Him with palm branches, showing reverence for the great prophet and spiritual leader known for His teaching and miracles. This Sunday is also called Passion Sunday, as we proclaim the Passion of our Lord during Mass. With this celebration, we begin Holy Week – the final week before Easter. Holy Week is the most important week of the entire year for us as Catholics. During these sacred days, we celebrate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For this reason, we are invited to make a special effort to live this week in a more prayerful and intentional way and making it truly holy. Each day of Holy Week is marked by particular Gospel events connected to the mystery of our salvation. Over time, these days have received meaningful names in the tradition of the Church. Let me mention a few that may not be as familiar: Spy Wednesday recalls Judas’ decision to betray Jesus. Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” On this day, we remember the New Commandment of love which is perfectly expressed in the Holy Eucharist and in the gift of priesthood by Jesus Christ. Good Friday commemorates the Passion and death of the Son of God, who gave His life out of love for us. Good Friday reminds about God who is very good and loves us unconditionally. Black Saturday reminds us of the day when Jesus lay in the tomb, marked by mourning and silence, symbolizing the darkness of Jesus’ death and descent to the dead (Sheol or Hades), bringing hope to those who had gone before Him. Day of the Resurrection marks the victory of Christ over sin and death. It is the beginning of new life for all and is celebrated as Lord’s Day or Eighth Day. Dear parishioners, I warmly invite you to join us for the liturgies and celebrations of Holy Week at our parish. We look forward to celebrating these sacred mysteries together with you and your families. I am especially grateful to our Vietnamese and Anglo communities for preparing the liturgies together. It is a beautiful sign of unity and a meaningful witness when we come together as one religious family during this most important time of the year. Finally, I encourage each of you to make this week truly special – not only by participating in the liturgies, but also in your personal and family life. Each of us is called to make these days holy through prayer, reflection, and acts of love. Wishing you a blessed and grace-filled Holy Week. Fr. Andrzej