We can think of our family as sometimes being a blessing and sometimes being a challenge! But the two concepts of “blessing” and “challenge” often go together. Who knows us better than our family? Who can challenge us better than our family to truly be honest and good? We also belong, as Catholics, to a Family of Faith. The Church is a special spiritual family that is rooted in the love of Christ. In baptism, we become members of this family of faith. Every weekend, as we pro

A parish community is a place where many people come together to grow in faith. Sometimes this is quite harmonious and sometimes we can encounter difficulties. But working and praying together, people of faith can move forward in important ways. The many ministries and organizations of St. Cecelia Parish are a good example. We have a rich spiritual heritage here. Let’s continue to work and pray together in the name of Jesus, as a vibrant and purposeful community of faith. Thi

Summer is a great time for vacations. It is also a time in which we can reconnect with friends and family in so many ways. We pray for all those who are on vacation at this time. May they be renewed in every way. Like the Apostles in today’s Gospel, all of us are sent forth to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom. That’s where the term “Gospel” comes from. It is Old English for Good News! How can we be kinder and more loving towards others in the name of Jesus Christ? This i

During this coming week, on July 11, we will celebrate the Feast of St. Benedict. He was the founder of monasteries in the western Church and is known as a great man of prayer. We are fortunate to have a Benedictine monastery in our diocese … St. Leo Abbey which is in Pasco County near San Antonio. The monks there were early pioneers in bringing the faith to this part of Florida. St. Leo University is a product of their hard spiritual work in our area. St. Benedict is known t

This weekend marks the first year anniversary of my being pastor here at St. Cecelia Parish. I want to thank all of our clergy, staff and parishioners for making this a very happy and productive year for us. I truly feel blessed to be here and I am so thankful for the great things that are happening in our parish community. May we continue to grow and work together in the future! Also, this weekend we welcome a new priest to our parish, Fr. Jacinto Vera Mejia. We look forward