Vacation Bible School June 1st - 5th
Father's weekly message
May 17, 2026, The Ascension of the Lord: Reflection on the Lord’s Prayer:
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (2)
We continue our reflection on the petition, “forgive us our trespasses.” Why must we pray for forgiveness? Forgiveness is necessary because of the existence of sin. What is sin? Take a moment to reflect on this question. Is sin simply about dos and don’ts? Is it merely about disobeying established rules and regulations? Our modern world, especially the present generation, has lost sight of the true nature of sin and its consequences. Scripture and ancient writers on morality and spirituality define sin under four categories. Key words found in the Hebrew and Greek languages can help us understand the real meaning of sin.
1. The Hebrew word chata’ and the Greek words hamartano/hamartia literally mean “missing the mark” or “missing the target.” Everyone regrets missing an opportunity, failing to do the right thing at the right time, not being the best version of oneself, or not putting forth one’s best effort in accomplishing tasks set before us. In this sense, sin refers to a failure to perform one’s duties toward God, family, and community. God is our telos, that is, our goal and purpose. We must do everything in our power to become one with Him. Failing to reach that goal is sin. We must not only try our best to overcome obstacles but also make the best use of our talents and gifts to reach God. Therefore, as St. Augustine says, our souls are restless until they rest in Him.
2. The Hebrew word ‘avon (iniquity/crookedness) refers to perversity, depravity, or a twisted moral nature. The Greek word anomia (lawlessness) denotes a disregard for divine law. Human beings are governed by law. We must obey divine law, moral law, civil law, and laws that promote justice, freedom, and peace. All human beings break laws in small or significant ways. For example, driving over the speed limit is breaking the law; just because someone is not caught by the police does not mean they have not disobeyed it. Therefore, everyone is guilty of breaking the law in one way or another, and thus it is sin.
3. The Hebrew word pesha’ and the Greek word parabasis refer to transgression, rebellion, or stepping over a set boundary. These words indicate a more intense and willful violation of a covenant or betrayal of trust. The sin of Adam and Eve falls into this category of violating God’s commandment. God had set rules for them, but they disobeyed and transgressed His law of life, becoming subject to the law of death. Willful acts of rebellion are not only crimes but are also punishable. The Hebrew word ra’a’ (evil/brokenness) suggests moral wickedness or a state of being broken. The Greek word paraptoma (trespass/false step) is often used to describe a mistake or a slip.
These diverse terms highlight that sin is not merely about breaking rules, but also about twisting one’s nature (‘avon), damaging relationships (pesha’), rebelling against established norms and boundaries, and breaking the covenantal relationship with God. Sin is contrary to our true human nature, because the purest form of our nature reflects divine qualities. We are made in the image of God. Therefore, what we choose to do does not always reflect who we are in our purest form. Sin refers to the evil acts we commit, not to our very essence. For this reason, Jesus teaches us to pray for the forgiveness of our sins and the sins of others. —Fr. Jesu.
Announcements for May 17, 2026
There is a second collection today for the Building Maintenance Fund.
Hoy habrá una segunda colecta para el Fondo de Mantenimiento del Edificio.
Mother’s Day Mass envelopes are available in the narthex. Kindly make use of them to request masses for your mothers, living or deceased.
Los sobres para la Misa del Día de las Madres están disponibles en el nártex. Por favor, utilícelos para solicitar misas por sus madres, vivas o fallecidas.
Next Sunday, May 24th, help us to congratulate all of our High School Seniors at 10:15 a.m., in the Parish Hall, with cake, punch and more!
El próximo domingo 24 de mayo, ayúdanos a felicitar a todos nuestros estudiantes de último año de preparatoria a las 10:15 a.m., en el Salón Parroquial, ¡con pastel, ponche y más!
We will have a Parish Workday on Saturday, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Please come and help to clean and organize all of our church facilities.
Tendremos una Jornada de Trabajo Parroquial el sábado 16 de mayo de 8:30 a.m. a 12 del mediodía. Por favor vengan y ayuden a limpiar y organizar todas nuestras instalaciones de la iglesia.
On Sunday, May 17th we will be celebrating Father Jesu’s anniversary of ordination (33 years) after the 9:00 a.m. Mass with cake and punch. Please join us for this very special occasion.
El domingo 17 de mayo celebraremos el aniversario de ordenación del Padre Jesu (33 años) después de la Misa de las 9:00 a.m. con pastel y ponche. Por favor acompáñenos en esta ocasión tan especial.
Also on Sunday, May 17th, help us to give Deacon Jon the best sendoff a parish can give! Join usafter the Spanish Mass at 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall for lunch, laughter, stories and more! Deacon Jon will be leaving the end of May so don’t miss this opportunity to say thank you for all he’s done!
También el domingo 17 de mayo, ¡ayúdanos a darle al Diácono Jon la mejor despedida que una parroquia puede dar! Únete a nosotros después de la Misa en español a la 1:00 p.m. en el Salón Parroquial para disfrutar de un almuerzo, risas, historias y más. El Diácono Jon se irá a finales de mayo, así que no pierdas la oportunidad de darle las gracias por todo lo que ha hecho.
Kindly mark your calendar for our Annual Parish Dinner on Friday, June 12th beginning at 6:00 p.m. Join us for an elegant catered meal, fabulous door prizes and an update on the State of the Parish and Rejoice in Hope Campaign. You must RSVP by May 22nd to attend this fun-filled, entertaining event.
Por favor marque su calendario para nuestra Cena Anual Parroquial el viernes 12 de junio comenzando a las 6:00 p.m. Únase a nosotros para una elegante comida servida, fabulosos premios de puerta y una actualización sobre el Estado de la Parroquia y la Campaña Rejoice in Hope. Debe confirmar su asistencia antes del 22 de mayo para poder participar en este evento lleno de diversión y entretenimiento.
Hey kids! Get ready for an exciting week of fun, friends, and faith at Vacation Bible School June 1st– 5th! Join us for music, engaging Bible stories, creative crafts, fun games and activities all while learning how to become a saint! All kids must be registered by May 24th. Contact Jade Hopson to volunteer. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or the Bulletin for more information.
¡Hola niños! ¡Prepárense para una semana emocionante de diversión, amigos y fe en la Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones del 1 al 5 de junio! Únanse a nosotros para disfrutar de música, historias bíblicas interesantes, manualidades creativas, juegos y actividades divertidas, ¡todo mientras aprenden cómo convertirse en santos! Todos los niños deben estar registrados antes del 24 de mayo. Contacta a Jade Hopson para ser voluntario. Por favor, consulta el volante en el Nártex o el Boletín para más información.
There is a second collection next Sunday for Catholic Communications.
Habrá una segunda colecta el próximo domingo para las Comunicaciones Católicas.
Please prayerfully consider giving to this year’s Bishop’s Appeal for Ministries. Pledge cards are in the Narthex. Please turn your pledge cards into the church office. Do not mail them directly to the Diocese.
Por favor, considere en oración hacer una donación a la Campaña Anual del Obispo para los Ministerios de este año. Las tarjetas de compromiso están en el Nártex. Por favor entregue sus tarjetas de compromiso en la oficina de la iglesia. No las envíe directamente a la Diócesis.