“’Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.”- Mark 6:3

Have you ever been a situation where you haven’t seen an old friend or coworker, maybe for many years, and then when you reunite, you think, “boy, he or she has changed!” The same can be said for a young adult returning from college, or someone returning after a long deployment in the military. When you first saw them, you may have judged first by appearance, then by what they said in sharing what’s been going on in their life since your last encounter. At times it can be disturbing to you. After all, that’s not how you remembered them.  

In Mark’s Gospel this weekend, Jesus returns to His hometown, seemingly to be welcomed by His former community. Many remembered Jesus as the son of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter. But Jesus had been gone awhile. He’d grown up.   

We read that Jesus goes to the synagogue to teach, and that those who heard Him were astonished. They become indignant, asking “How could the son of a carpenter have this kind of knowledge? What gives him the authority or right to say such things?” In essence, the people of Jesus’ hometown question His authority and all that He was doing. How could those Jesus grew up with not accept Him now?  

This account is meant for us to examine ourselves. How often are we quick to judge others, to pigeon-hole them based on nationality, color of skin or creed? Today more than ever, it seems we are not open to the opinion of others, so much so that we do not even listen to the other side.   

Our Lord shows us the way to the Father, yet often we want to do things our way instead of His. We pick and choose what we want to believe versus God’s truth. Have the courage today not to pass judgment on others based on what we have seen in the past, but what has been revealed to us as truth.  

Did you know that the Mass for Independence Day has its own set of special prayers? While we won’t hear these special prayers this year since July 4th falls on a Sunday (prayers for a Sunday Mass always take precedence), check out one of the two beautiful options for the Prayer over the Offerings in the latest episode of Catholic Planner. Click here or on the image above to watch.

Father Daniel Kayajan was originally was ordained a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, U.S. Province. On July 1, "Father Dan," as he likes to be called, was welcomed as a permanent priest of this local Church community. After the ceremony, Father Dan said, “It’s good to be home.” Click here to read more.

For two years, Jose Posada has relied on services provided by Catholic Charities at the La Esperanza Free Medical Clinic in Wimauma. Without this assistance, he would have had to face his medical condition alone and his health would likely have deteriorated.

“My medical condition has been very difficult, but I have hope. Catholic Charities has been a big support to me. I am grateful to everyone who has been there for me. Words can’t express my gratitude,” said Posada during a ceremony on June 30^th to celebrate the blessing of a new building for La Esperanza. The clinic is operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg in partnership with BayCare Health System, St. Joseph’s Hospital South, and support from other community partners and individual donors.

Click here to read more.

As a priest for 36 years, Father Ted Costello wears a collar as part of his priestly ministry. But some days you can see Father Ted dressed in blue, not black. It’s those days that he serves as a volunteer chaplain, ministering to men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line to serve and protect.

In addition to his role as associate pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Clearwater, Father Ted serves as chaplain for the Clearwater Police Department. He was recognized for outstanding dedication on June 21, 2021, when Police Chief Daniel Slaughter named him Volunteer of the Year during an awards ceremony. He was invited to serve as chaplain five years ago and he didn’t even hesitate to say yes.

“I’ve always had a heart for people who work in law enforcement. They do such a wonderful job,” said Father Ted. Click here to read more.

All are invited to attend the ordination to the transitional diaconate of Brother Lucius Amarillas, O.S.B. on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Leo Abbey (33601 State Road 52, Saint Leo, FL 33574). Bishop Elias Lorenzo, OSB, a Benedictine from the Newark archdiocese, will preside. The ordination will also be available to watch via live stream at www.facebook.com/saintleoabbey. Please keep Brother Amarillas, O.S.B., in your prayers!

Have you thought about sending your child to a Catholic school, but didn’t think it was financially possible? You may qualify for a scholarship. In fact, a family of four with an income of nearly $100,000 may qualify for a scholarship. The money can help pay for tuition and fees. The application is free, and it’s first come, first served. Make time to apply today! More students are eligible than ever before, including those with learning disabilities and children of active duty military, regardless of rank or pay. Visit www.stepupforstudents.org/catholic to apply.

As we celebrate Independence Day, Bishop Parkes reflects on the relationship of church and state and our religious freedom. Click here or on the image above to listen.