St. Andrew holds a strong place in the life of the Church. He was the first of the Apostles to meet the Lord. The Gospel of John records that Andrew heard the preaching of John the Baptist, followed the Lord, and then brought his brother Simon to Him. This act shaped the early mission of the Church. Andrew responded to the call of Christ with conviction. His witness shows what faithful discipleship looks like.

The Feast of Christ the King closes the liturgical year and directs your attention to the authority of Christ over your life and over all creation. The Church sets this day apart to remind you where your allegiance belongs and where your hope finds its anchor. The world changes with speed. Leaders rise and fall. Systems shift. Christ remains. His kingdom stands with a strength no earthly power can match. His rule guides your choices, shapes your conscience, and forms your heart for holiness.

Pope St. Leo I, known as Leo the Great, served as Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461. He guided the Church through political turmoil, moral confusion, and doctrinal error with courage and clarity. His leadership, teaching, and devotion to truth earned him the rare title “Doctor of the Church.”

Born in Tuscany around 400 A.D., Leo served as a deacon under Pope Celestine I before being elected pope.

Each year on November 9, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. This feast honors not only a building but what it represents: the unity of all Catholics under one faith.

The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and the official church of the Pope. The Latin inscription above its entrance declares it the “Mother and Head of all the Churches of the City and the World.”

Feast of Saint Ignatius of Antioch

On October 17, the Church honors Saint Ignatius of Antioch, one of the earliest and most courageous bishops of the Christian faith. Born around the year 35, Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch, following Saint Peter and Saint Evodius. He led his community during a time of persecution and is remembered for his deep love of Christ and the Church.

Saint Carlo Acutis, canonized on October 10, 2025, is the first millennial saint - a reminder that holiness is possible even in our fast-moving, digital world.

Born in 1991, Carlo grew up in Milan with a deep love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother. He attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and often said, "The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven." Though only fifteen when he died of leukemia, his short life was filled with faith, joy, and purpose.

October 4 is the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, a saint who still shakes the Church awake. Born in 1181 to wealth in Assisi, Francis abandoned comfort and status to follow Christ with nothing but faith. He chose poverty, preached with fire, and lived the Gospel so completely that people could not ignore him. His life was a challenge, a warning, and an invitation all at once.

The Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul honors a priest whose life reshaped the Church’s mission of service. Born in 1581 in France, Vincent devoted himself to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. He was ordained in 1600 and quickly recognized the deep spiritual and material poverty in society. His response was practical and organized. He built networks of charity that still influence the Church today.

Today, the Church honors St. Matthew the Apostle—tax collector turned disciple, sinner turned saint. His story is not just ancient history; it is a living witness to God’s power to transform any life.

Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum, despised by his people as corrupt and a collaborator with Rome. By human judgment, he was the last man expected to become an apostle.

Each year on September 14, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. On this day we honor the cross not as a sign of humiliation but as the instrument of salvation. What once was a Roman tool of death has become the sign of Christ’s triumph over sin and the hope of eternal life.

The origins of the feast trace back to the early fourth century. After his conversion, Emperor Constantine sent his mother Helena to the Holy Land to seek the holy places of Christ’s life.

Dear Parishioners,

Over the last several weeks we have seen many changes in our world, as well as here at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and Mission. In our world, we have seen the election of a new Pope. Here at our parish, we have seen a pre-campaign feasibility study that we are currently in the middle of. We have even seen changes to our staff and have been working to adjust our organizational structure.

All these changes have presented us with an opportunity to reflect and discern. Amid all the changes in our world and in our church, what is the constant?

Dear Parishioners,

We are currently conducting a pre-campaign study to gauge interest and gather feedback from the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and Mission community regarding several proposed capital improvement projects.

So far, our consulting firm, Ruotolo Associates, Inc., has conducted nearly 40 personal interviews and facilitated two focus groups. The next step in this important process is an online parish-wide survey for those who did not participate in an interview or focus group.

Dear Parishioners,

First of all, I just wanted to express my deep gratitude to all of you for welcoming me here to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and the Mission at Lake Pleasant Parkway. Thank you for your welcome and hospitality. As your new pastor, it has been wonderful to experience your hospitality and love.