Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 13:24-43
Planted for a Purpose
In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to reflect on the difference between a seed and a weed. A seed is planted with purpose, nurtured with care, and meant to bear fruit for others. A weed, on the other hand, simply takes for itself. Yet who decides what a weed is? Often, a weed is simply a plant growing in the wrong place. Wildflowers that may appear unwanted in a garden are often beautiful in the forest. In the same way, there are moments in life when we place ourselves where we are not meant to grow. Unlike weeds, however, we have the ability to move, change, and choose a better path. How we see ourselves shapes the choices we make. A positive spirit bears hope, kindness, and fruitfulness, while negativity can lead to bitterness and selfishness. The question each of us must reflect upon today is this: Do I have the attitude of a seed or a weed?
You have probably heard me speak about the two important ministries we will soon be launching to help transform our parish and strengthen our community.
Young Family Gathering
Join us every first Saturday of the month for a special gathering for young families beginning with Holy Mass at 8:30am, followed by breakfast, fellowship, faith-sharing, and fun activities for children.
This gathering is an opportunity for parents and children to grow together in faith, friendship, and community. Children from toddlers through age 10 will enjoy age-appropriate activities, and childcare will be provided. Our hope is to support and encourage our young families while reminding them how valued and appreciated they are within our parish family.
All young families are warmly welcome. Please contact the parish office or any of the clergy for more details.
CCSFX Small Groups: Journey Together in Faith
As part of our mission to strengthen our parish community and grow together in faith, Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier will soon begin forming Small Groups throughout our parish. In the coming months, we will begin pilot groups, with the hope of launching parish-wide neighborhood groups next year focused on evangelization, fellowship, and building stronger connections within our parish family.
These small groups will gather once a month in parishioners’ homes for prayer, faith-sharing, and fellowship. Our hope is that these gatherings will help us grow closer to Christ, support one another in faith, and become a more connected parish community.
Please keep these new initiatives in your prayers as we begin this journey together in faith.
With a heart full of gratitude and prayer,
Fr. Binoy A. Lucka, O.SS.T
Your Pastor, Servant Leader in Christ
