Ever wonder why we have a fishing net hanging on our church wall? It’s more than a decoration. It’s a reminder of Jesus’ invitation to Peter to lower His net for a catch. (Luke 5:4)

The net reminds us to do what Peter did and trust Jesus, to listen to His guidance and follow where He leads. As we hand over control to Jesus, we’ll experience a blessing, just as Peter was blessed with an abundant catch of fish when He did what Jesus told Him to do – even though he had been unsuccessful previously.

Summer has officially begun! School is out and vacation time is here. It’s been long awaited, not only by the younger members of our community but by those of us who’ve been around a bit longer, too. There’s a different schedule, a slower pace of life, time to have some fun with family and friends, and maybe opportunities to have some adventures traveling or just enjoying a favorite summer getaway.

Do you look for the best in people? Sometimes, that’s hard to do. Jesus saw the best in people – even sinners who did terrible things. In a time when people are quick to “write off” others they don’t like or approve of, we Christians are called to “march to the beat of a different drummer” – Jesus. Here’s a reflection about a Jesuit priest who sees that there is good in violent gang members. It comes from Christopher New Notes #661 entitled, “Look for the Best in People.” (www.christophers.org)

Happy Father's Day! We remember in a special way in our prayers this weekend all "Dads" both living and deceased. This day reminds me of a fact that I learned a few years ago about the special influence fathers can have on their families. It has been shown that fathers - in particular - who practice their faith and accompany their families to Mass each weekend have a singular, significant impact on their own children's practice of their faith going forward.

Many more people are dying at home rather than at the hospital these days thanks to the great work of hospice care. Priests and other ministers entrusted with the spiritual care of the sick should do everything they can to ensure that Catholics in proximate danger of death receive the body of Christ, also called Viaticum on this occasion.

To help us provide these “last rites” and other sacramental ministry that these people are due, please do not wait until the last minute to contact the parish office.

I’d like to share with you an account of a true story told by Fr. Robert DeGrandis, S.S.J. in his book entitled, Healing Through the Mass.

NASA has developed a special camera that scientists have used to detect levels of energy in the human body, which they have tested on astronauts in space. In their study they noticed that the energy level in humans appears as light on the screen of the monitor of the camera.

Many people regard Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial beginning of the summer season and take the opportunity to get away, enjoy a cookout with family and friends or just sit back and relax. It’s wonderful to take such a break like that. Still, in keeping with the real purpose of the Memorial Day holiday, it is also fitting that we remember and pray for those who have died in service to our country.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, the time when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Jesus in a powerful way.

I think the most forgotten member of the Blessed Trinity is the Holy Spirit. Yet, the Holy Spirit, which comes to us from the Father and the Son, is what makes the presence and power of God possible within our Church and our world.

Happy Mother’s Day! I share with you some inspirational quotes and prayers for Mother’s Day.

Dear God, Bless All Mothers... In this intense nine months, when mothers-to-be are realizing that their life is about to change forever, bless them God, because they feel alternately elated and alarmed. Help each mother-in-waiting to understand that she has been carefully chosen, by both you and by her baby, to guide it through its early years on planet Earth.

Beginning this weekend and for the next two weekends at some of our parish Masses, we will welcome First Communion children around the table of the Lord. It’s been a tradition here at Holy Family for several years and in many other parishes to celebrate this important moment for these children and their families in the context of the Sunday liturgy. As a Sacrament of Initiation, reception of First Eucharist marks the beginning of their full participation with us in our weekly worship. It gives us all an opportunity to fittingly welcome them, and to provide a loving witness and support as they begin partaking regularly in the Body of Christ.