Livestream
Church of the Resurrection
Sunnyvale, California
Pastor's Column
April 26, 2026
The Voice Of The Good Shepherd
There is something both comforting and very real in the image Jesus gives us this Sunday. He is the Good Shepherd—the one who leads, guides, protects, and nourishes. He knows His sheep, and His sheep know His voice. He is also the gate—the way through which we pass into life, into safety, into something deeper and more lasting. But that image only works if we are actually listening.
Because the reality is that, many voices are speaking to us every day. Some are loud and obvious. Others are subtle, even attractive. Not every voice that sounds good leads us to what is truly good. That is why Jesus is very direct—His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. That means there is recognition. There is familiarity. There is relationship. And that does not happen by accident. We have to learn His voice.
Now, I have to admit—I am a little excited these past months. When I return from my pilgrimage, a friend of mine will finally deliver my puppy. His name is “Dax.” Already, I am thinking about the responsibility that comes with it—training, feeding, walking… and yes, making sure he actually listens! Fr. Louis has been asking about when Dax is coming home because he is excited to walk him too! But the real question is: will this puppy recognize my voice? Will he listen when I call? Because that is the difference between chaos and order… between a dog that runs everywhere and one that knows where to go.
In many ways, that simple image reflects our spiritual life. The Good Shepherd is always calling us—but are we familiar enough with His voice to recognize it? Or are we running in different directions, chasing every other sound that catches our attention?
Jesus tells us very clearly: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” The voice of the Good Shepherd always leads us toward that kind of life—full, meaningful, rooted in truth and love. His voice unites. It brings clarity. It draws us closer to God and to one another.
So the question for us this week is simple, but not easy: Whose voice am I really listening to?
Because if we are honest, it is possible to hear the Lord occasionally—but follow Him only when it is convenient. It is possible to recognize His voice—but still choose another. That is why we must be intentional. We learn His voice in prayer. We recognize it in Scripture. We encounter it in the Eucharist. The more we stay close to Him, the more His voice becomes clear—and the less confusing the other voices become.
This Sunday, as we reflect on the Good Shepherd, we also pray for those called to reflect Him in a particular way—the Pope, our bishops, our priests—and for new vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Church always needs good shepherds who will not lead people to themselves, but to Christ. And all of us, in our own way, are called to share in that mission—to guide, to care, to serve, to lead others closer to the voice that truly gives life.
As for me, I am hoping that when my puppy “Dax” hears my voice, he will come running. But more importantly, when the Good Shepherd calls… may we do the same.
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Laudato Si': Our Easter Journey
Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out…that we can always do something. --Laudato Si’, 61
We are in the midst of Eastertide reveling in the glory of Our Risen Savior. The sweet scents and sounds of Nature accentuate our joy. But in driving to these beautiful spots in Creation, we cannot ignore a war-provoked surge in gasoline prices, plastic litter, devastating storms, the evils of wars.
Laudato Si’ is not a panacea but an opportunity for directed prayer, contemplation, change and action. Throughout Lent several suggestions were offered for individuals and families to undertake. They are on the parish website in the bulletins beginning February 22 at http://www.resurrection-church.org/
Laudato Si’ is a worldwide Catholic movement that sprang from Pope Francis’ call in 2015 to care for our common home. Pope Leo XIV continues the work.
May 17-May 24 is Laudato Si’ Week when Catholics around the world take specific and meaningful actions to heal the Earth. We here at the Church of the Resurrection can use this time to begin to transform our Easter hope and Easter joy into a parish wide effort. In this space, you will be given more and detailed information on what’s next.
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April 19, 2026
On The Road Together
Today’s Gospel takes us once again to the first Easter day, with the two disciples leaving Jerusalem and traveling to Emmaus. What stands out is this: the focus is not just on the individual, but on the community.
In the Gospel of Easter morning, Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus—but she is immediately sent to bring the news to the apostles. In last Sunday’s Gospel, Thomas the Apostle struggles with doubt when he is away from the community, but comes to faith when he is with the others. Even in the first reading today, the Eleven are gathered together as Saint Peter proclaims the Resurrection.
The Church has always reminded us of this truth. In the Sacrosanctum Concilium, we are taught that the risen Christ is present when we gather in His name. The Mass itself is a memorial of the Resurrection. Easter, therefore, is not just about “me and Jesus.” It is about encountering the risen Lord within the community of faith.
In today’s Gospel, we see a small community of two walking together, discussing the events that have shaken their world. They had hoped Jesus was the one—but then He died on the Cross. Their hopes were broken. And then came the confusing news: He might be alive. Could it be true?
As they walk, Jesus joins them—but they do not recognize Him. He explains the Scriptures, showing how it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise. When they reach their destination, they invite Him to stay. And at table, something profound happens. He “took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.” In that moment, their eyes were opened.
This supper is more than a simple act of hospitality. It is also a reflection of the Eucharist. It shows us that both hospitality and liturgy are deeply communal acts—and it is within this shared moment that they recognize the risen Lord.
The Resurrection is more than just an event—it is a mystery. It is not something easily grasped alone. It takes a community—people speaking, questioning, and reflecting together: Did you see what I saw? Is it really true? What does this mean for us?
That is why the two disciples immediately return to Jerusalem. They go back to the community—to share their experience and to hear the experiences of others. Faith grows and deepens when it is shared.
They later say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way?” There was something powerful in the way Jesus spoke—something that touched them deeply. It was not just understanding with the mind, but an experience that reached the heart. Like those moments when we hear the Word of God in a new way, and it suddenly speaks directly to us—clear, real, and alive.
This is the grace of the Easter season. We are reminded that we are, as Saint Augustine once said, “Easter people.” And as Easter people, we are called to keep alive that spirit of community and encounter.
It comes down to two essential realities: people and the Word of God. We need one another. We need someone to proclaim the Word so that we can truly listen. We need connection and communion. Whether it is participating in the Mass, listening attentively to the Scriptures and the homily, or reaching out to someone who may be alone—even a simple conversation about faith can become an Emmaus moment. Because when we walk together, listen together, and break bread together—Christ reveals Himself.
At this time, I am currently with a group on pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey: Following the Footsteps of Saint Paul the Apostle. As we visit these sacred places and reflect on the early Church, I am reminded even more of how faith is always lived and shared in community. Please know that I am praying for all of you in a special way during this pilgrimage.
May we continue to walk together in faith, listen to the Word with open hearts, and recognize the Lord in the breaking of the bread. And perhaps, like the disciples, we too may say: “Were not our hearts burning within us?”
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Laudato Si': Our Easter Journey
Astronaut Victor Glover, pilot of the Artemis II mission, once reflected on seeing Earth from space: “This is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are… and that we’ve got to get through this together.”
From that distance, there are no borders, no divisions—just one fragile, beautiful home entrusted to all of us.
As we approach Earth Day on April 22, it’s worth asking ourselves a simple but uncomfortable question: Do we really treat the Earth as a gift… or as something disposable?
For more than 50 years, Earth Day has raised awareness and inspired action. But awareness alone is no longer enough. The challenges facing our world today are not abstract—they are real, and they are already affecting the most vulnerable among us. What Laudato Si’ calls “the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth” is growing louder.
And yet, instead of listening, there is even talk today of moving on—of colonizing the moon or Mars—as if we can simply walk away from the responsibility we have here.
But we cannot abandon what God has entrusted to us.
This Earth is not a temporary stop. It is our home. It is where God meets us, sustains us, and calls us to live in communion—with Him, with one another, and with all of creation.
Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’ that care for creation is not optional. It is not a political issue. It is a moral and spiritual responsibility. To harm the Earth is to harm one another. To care for it is an act of faith.
So the question is not whether we care. The question is whether our care shows in how we live. Do we waste… or do we protect? Do we take… or do we give back? Do we see creation as something to use… or something to reverence?
Even small choices matter. They are not small in the eyes of God when they are done with love and responsibility. Let this Earth Day be more than a reminder. Let it be a turning point. Because if we truly believe that this world is God’s gift, then we must start living like it is.
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April 12, 2026
Resting In Mercy, Living With Purpose
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church invites us to rest in the boundless mercy of God—a mercy that heals, renews, and gently calls us forward with purpose. This beautiful feast reminds us that no matter where we are in life, we are always welcomed back into the heart of Christ.
The devotion to Divine Mercy comes to us through St. Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish nun in the early 20th century. Through her visions, Jesus revealed His deep desire that the world come to trust in His mercy. He asked that the Sunday after Easter be celebrated as the Feast of Divine Mercy—a day when His love and forgiveness would be especially poured out upon all who seek Him. This devotion was later officially established for the whole Church by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000, fittingly on the day of St. Faustina’s canonization.
In the Gospel, the risen Jesus comes to His disciples and says, “Peace be with you.” He shows them His wounds—not as marks of defeat, but as signs of love poured out. Even after His Passion, Jesus does not come with reproach or condemnation, but with peace, forgiveness, and reassurance. He meets His disciples in their fear and uncertainty, and He meets us in ours as well.
Divine Mercy Sunday is a powerful reminder that God never tires of reaching out to us. Like St. Thomas, we may sometimes struggle, doubt, or hesitate. We may long for clarity, for reassurance, or for a deeper experience of God’s presence. And yet, Jesus does not turn away from Thomas—He draws closer. He invites him to see, to touch, and ultimately, to believe.
In the same way, the Lord meets us personally and patiently. He knows our questions, our burdens, and even our hidden wounds. And still, He says to us, “Peace be with you.” His mercy is not something we have to earn—it is a gift freely given, again and again.
This Sunday invites us not only to receive that mercy, but to allow it to transform us. When we truly encounter the mercy of God, our hearts begin to change. We become more patient, more forgiving, more compassionate. The peace that Christ gives us is not meant to remain within us—it begins to shape how we live, how we love, and how we see others.
As a parish community, this is our calling: to be a place where God’s mercy is experienced, lived, and shared. A place where people feel welcomed, understood, and accompanied. A place where no one is alone in their struggles, and everyone is invited to encounter the healing love of Christ.
May this Divine Mercy Sunday renew in us a deep trust in God’s love. And may we carry that mercy into our daily lives—bringing Christ’s peace to our families, our community, and all those we encounter.
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Laudato Si': Our Easter Journey
There is something beautiful about how this Second Sunday of Easter—Divine Mercy Sunday—draws us into the heart of God. It is a reminder that we are held in His mercy, loved beyond measure, and constantly invited to begin again.
That goodness is not something distant. It surrounds us. We see it in the beauty of creation—in the earth beneath our feet, in the quiet growth of plants, in the rhythm of life that continues each day. Creation itself speaks of God’s love.
We know, however, that sometimes we have not always cared for this gift as we should. Sometimes we take more than we give. Sometimes we forget that the world entrusted to us is not ours to possess, but a gift to cherish.
Divine Mercy Sunday gently calls us back—not with guilt, but with grace. It invites us to respond with small, meaningful acts of care. Even something as simple as tending a garden can become a prayer… a quiet way of saying, “Thank you, Lord.”
Planting herbs or vegetables to nourish our bodies, growing flowers that bring beauty and support pollinators, caring for the soil with intention—these are simple but powerful ways of honoring the gift of creation.
If you feel inspired, here are a few ways you might begin or continue:
• Visit local resources like the Charles Street Gardens to learn or volunteer. charlesstreetgardens.org
• Take advantage of the City of Sunnyvale’s free compost at the SMaRT Station, 301 Carl Road
• Join a composting workshop to grow in knowledge and care for the earth. Composting Basics Workshop at Murphy Park Building, 250 N. Sunnyvale Ave. The next session is June 14 from 10 am to 12 noon.
• Be mindful of what we use in our gardens, choosing what is life-giving and safe.
These are small steps—but they matter. Because in the end, we do these things not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Gratitude for the gift of life, for the beauty of creation, and above all, for the mercy of the Risen Lord who continues to renew us, again and again.
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April 5, 2026
Pastor's Easter Message
Dear Beloved Parishioners,
Christ is Risen! Alleluia! He is truly Risen! Alleluia! This is the joyful proclamation of our faith. Everything we believe stands on this truth: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. From Christmas to the Cross, everything Christ has done for us finds its fulfilment in the Resurrection. This is the heart of our faith and the foundation of our hope.
The Resurrection is a living reality we experience. It begins with seeing and believing. Like Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John, we stand before the empty tomb and discover that death has been defeated and that God works even when hope seems lost.
But Easter does not stop there. It also calls us to believe without seeing. Like Thomas, we doubt, but the Risen Lord enters our fears, saying, “Peace be with you,” and gently leads us into that deeper faith of which He speaks: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe,” a faith that rests not on sight, but on the living presence of Christ among us.
We celebrate Easter in a world still wounded by war, divisions among nations, and struggles within our hearts and families. Easter does not ignore this reality. Christ enters into our suffering and reveals that even in the darkest moments, God is bringing life out of death and hope out of hopelessness. In a special way, this feast speaks directly to us, because we are the Church of the Resurrection. This is not only our parish name; it is our identity and our mission. We are a people who believe that Christ is alive, that hope is stronger than despair, and each time we gather, we witness that He is risen and lives among us.
This Easter, our parish is filled with joy as we celebrate with those who received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. With grateful hearts, we warmly welcome our newly initiated brothers and sisters into the Catholic faith: Paul Wolfgang Geiger, Isaac Gabriel Aguilera, Jesus Aguilera III, Tyson Manzano Subaba, Myles Manzano Subaba, Carolyn Chaffee Li, Floriesa Aimie Subaba, and Mark Garstka. Your “yes” to the Lord is a beautiful gift to our community.
We are sincerely thankful to our OCIA team and Confirmation team for their faithful guidance and accompaniment. I am also deeply grateful to all our ministers—ushers, lectors, extraordinary ministers, sacristans, musicians, and parish staff—whose dedication and generosity made our Holy Week liturgies truly prayerful and meaningful. Thank you for helping our parish enter more deeply into the sacred mysteries we celebrate.
May the Risen Christ fill your hearts with His peace and joy. Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
In Christ Risen,
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Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey
This Easter, we celebrate not just an event from the past, but a living reality—the presence of the Risen Lord among us. Jesus is alive. He walks with us, renews us, and calls us into a new way of living.
As St. Paul reminds us, “we have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its Creator.” The Resurrection is not only something we believe—it is a life we are invited to live.
During this Easter season, let us embrace simple but meaningful habits that reflect this new life. Our care for creation becomes one concrete way of expressing the renewal God is working within us. Creation itself is a gift—one that reflects the beauty and love of the Creator, now renewed through the Resurrection.
Here are a few small ways we can begin:
• Find that reusable water bottle you may have set aside—and start using it daily. If you don’t have one yet, consider purchasing a reusable bottle.
• Reuse plastic produce bags for food waste instead of throwing them away.
These may seem like small steps, but they are acts of gratitude. They are signs that we are living differently—living as people renewed by Christ.
We do these things not out of obligation, but out of thanksgiving—for the gift of life, for the gift of creation, and above all, for the gift of the Risen Lord.
Let us live this Easter joy in concrete ways. Alleluia!
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March 29, 2026
Entering The Holiest Week of the Year
With the celebration of Palm Sunday, we begin the most sacred week of the entire Church year—Holy Week. During these holy days, the Church invites us to walk closely with the Lord Jesus as we remember the final moments of His earthly life: His passion, suffering, death, and glorious resurrection. These celebrations are not simply remembering events from long ago. Rather, they are sacred moments when we are invited to enter more deeply into the saving love of Christ.
Palm Sunday itself holds a powerful contrast. We begin with the joyful scene of Jesus entering Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna!” Yet within the same liturgy, we hear the solemn reading of the Passion. In doing so, the Church gently reminds us that the road to resurrection always passes through the Cross. Holy Week invites us to walk with Christ more intentionally—through prayer, quiet reflection, and participation in the beautiful liturgies of the Church.
At the center of Holy Week is the Sacred Easter Triduum, the three holiest days of our faith. The word Triduum simply means “three days,” but these days form one continuous celebration of the Paschal Mystery: the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Triduum begins on Holy Thursday, April 2, with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 PM. On this night we remember the Last Supper, when Jesus gave us the priceless gift of the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood. During the Mass, we will also witness the moving gesture of the washing of the feet, reminding us of Christ’s call to serve one another with humility and love. After Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be transferred to the Altar of Repose, where we are invited to spend quiet time in prayer, keeping watch with the Lord as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Adoration will take place in the Farana Center until 11:00 PM.
On Good Friday, April 3, we gather in deep reverence to remember the Passion and Death of the Lord. On this solemn day, the Church does not celebrate Mass. Instead, we come together for the Good Friday Liturgy at 12:00 noon, where we listen to the Passion according to Saint John, venerate the Holy Cross, and receive Holy Communion. Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 3:00 PM in the church, allowing us to reflect on Christ’s journey to Calvary.
Then, on Holy Saturday evening, April 4, we gather for the most beautiful and solemn liturgy of the entire Church year: the Easter Vigil at 8:30 PM. The celebration begins in darkness with the blessing of the new fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle, symbolizing Christ as the Light who conquers the darkness of sin and death. Through the proclamation of Scripture, we hear again the story of God’s saving love throughout history, culminating in the joyful announcement of the Resurrection. During this Mass, our catechumens and candidates will receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and all of us will renew our baptismal promises.
Holy Week is not simply another week in the Church calendar—it is the very heart of our faith. I warmly encourage you and your families to set aside time to participate in these sacred liturgies. When we walk with Christ through His Passion and Death, our celebration of Easter becomes more meaningful, more joyful, and more life-giving.
May this Holy Week renew our faith, deepen our love for Christ, and strengthen our unity as a parish family. I look forward to praying with you during these most sacred days.
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Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey
As we enter Holy Week on Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ humble yet triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people welcomed Him with palm branches, laying them on the road as a sign of honor and hope. It was a moment filled with joy—but also one that would lead to the Cross.
Palm branches are not just symbols of celebration; they are also signs drawn from creation itself. In this simple act of waving palms, we are reminded that all of creation participates in praising God. As Pope Francis beautifully reminds us in Laudato Si’, creation is not separate from our faith—it is a gift entrusted to us, reflecting the beauty and goodness of God.
On Palm Sunday, we are invited to reflect: How do we welcome Christ into our lives today? Do we receive Him only with words and rituals, or do we also honor Him by caring for what He has entrusted to us?
The same crowd that cried “Hosanna!” would later cry “Crucify Him!” This reminds us how easy it is to praise God one moment and forget Him the next—especially in how we treat others and how we care for the world around us. Our faith must move beyond words into action.
Caring for creation is one concrete way of living out our discipleship. When we respect the environment, avoid waste, and act responsibly toward the earth, we are not just being environmentally conscious—we are honoring the Creator. As Pope Francis teaches, care for our common home is an expression of love for God and neighbor, especially the poor who are most affected by environmental harm.
As we begin this Holy Week, let us welcome Christ not only with palm branches, but with hearts ready to follow Him. Let us walk with Him not only to Jerusalem, but all the way to the Cross—and ultimately to the joy of the Resurrection.
As we approach Easter, please reflect on the steps you have taken during Lent to become more aware of our relationship to Creation. During the coming Easter Season, there will be additional information about what we can to do to “care for Our Common Home” right here at the Church of the Resurrection.
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March 22, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
In every generation, the Church is called to renew her mission and to prepare the way for those who will come after us. As members of this parish family, we have received so much from those who came before us—the gift of faith, a community of prayer, and a place where we encounter Christ. Now it is our turn to continue that legacy. With that spirit of gratitude and hope, I would like to share with you an important initiative taking place throughout our Diocese: the capital campaign called “Sowing Seeds of Faith.”
Over the past year, the Diocese of San Jose has been conducting this campaign to support the implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, which seeks to renew and strengthen the mission of the Church across all 54 parishes and missions in our Diocese.
Many parishes have already begun participating in this effort, and our parish will soon take part as one of the final groups to launch the campaign. While a capital campaign may sound like simply a fundraising effort, it is truly much more than that. It is an invitation for all of us to reflect on our faith journey and to consider how we can help strengthen the Church for future generations. It is also an opportunity for us, as a parish family, to grow together in faith, to listen to one another, and to deepen our encounter with Christ.
One of the encouraging aspects of this campaign is that 50% of the funds raised by our parish will remain here at the our parish to support our own parish priorities. These resources will help us move forward with initiatives that align with the six key priorities of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, including evangelization, family and youth ministry, liturgy and worship, pastoral care, leadership development, and parish sustainability.
Over the past months, many of you generously participated in our parish listening sessions and surveys, sharing your hopes, concerns, and dreams for the future of our parish. I am deeply grateful for your thoughtful participation. Your voices have been an important part of our discernment as we prayerfully consider the priorities for our parish.
From these conversations, several themes clearly emerged. Please find the results of our listening sessions and survey at the entrance tables in our church.
These insights will help guide the three key parish investments that we hope to support through this campaign.
In the weeks ahead, I will continue to update you about the development and phases of this effort. My hope is that this process will not only strengthen our parish but also deepen our sense of unity and mission as the Body of Christ.
Let us continue to pray for our parish and for our Diocese. With the Lord as our guide and with unity as our strength, we can sow seeds of faith that will bear fruit for generations to come.
With gratitude and hope,
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March 22, 2026
Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey (Fifth Week of Lent)
As we approach the final days of Lent, the readings this Sunday speak powerfully about life, renewal, and hope.
In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel describes the vision of the dry bones. What once appeared lifeless and beyond hope is brought back to life by the breath of God. It is a powerful reminder that God can restore what seems lost—whether in our hearts, our families, or even in our world.
In the Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Before performing the miracle, Jesus declares: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Christ does not only promise life after death; He brings new life even now. When we allow Him into the places of our lives that feel like “tombs”—our worries, sins, or discouragement—He calls us out just as He called Lazarus: “Come out!”
This message also resonates with the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’. The Holy Father reminds us that God’s Spirit continues to bring life not only to human hearts but to all creation. Our world, sometimes wounded by neglect and misuse, is not meant to remain in a “tomb.” Through responsible stewardship and care for our common home, we participate in God’s work of renewal and hope.
Lent invites us to believe that God is still breathing life into what seems dry and lifeless. As we prepare for Easter, may we allow Christ to roll away the stones in our lives and lead us into the fullness of life He promises—for us and for the whole of creation.
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Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey
Prayer for a Non-violent Heart
Recognizing the violence in our own hearts, yet trusting in the goodness and mercy of God, we ask you, O Nonviolent One, to help us carry out in our lives the love and example you gave us: by striving for peace within ourselves and seeking to be peacemakers in our daily lives; by refusing to retaliate in the face of provocation and violence; by persevering in nonviolence of tongue and heart; by living conscientiously and simply so we do not deprive others of the means to live; by actively
resisting evil and working nonviolently to abolish war and the causes of war from our own hearts and from the face of the earth. O God, we trust in your sustaining love and believe that you will grant us your abundant grace to help us live this prayer. Amen.
- Courtesy of Maryknoll Lay Missioners
What God has created, humanity is destroying through war, hate, greed and indifference.
1. This Fifth Week of Lent, please pray this “Prayer for a Nonviolent Heart” every day.
2. Take a walk in nature and observe all the new life—flowers, budding trees, breeding birds.
3. Make a note of ways in which you can be a force for life and follow up on at least one of your own ideas.
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March 15, 2026
Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey (Fourth Week of Lent)
On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, often called Laetare Sunday, the Church invites us to rejoice because Easter is drawing near. The readings speak about seeing clearly—not just with our eyes, but with the eyes of faith. In the Gospel, Jesus heals the man born blind. While the man gradually comes to see the truth about Jesus, the religious leaders—who believe they see clearly—remain spiritually blind.
The story reminds us that blindness is not only a physical condition; it can also be a condition of the heart. Sometimes we fail to see the presence of God around us, in other people, and even in the beauty of the world that God has entrusted to our care.
In his encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis reminds us that the earth is our “common home,” a gift from God meant to be cherished and protected. Yet too often, we become blind to the damage caused by careless consumption, waste, and indifference to creation.
Just as Jesus restored sight to the blind man, Lent invites us to ask Christ to restore our spiritual vision. When we truly see with the light of Christ, we begin to recognize that caring for creation is not merely an environmental issue—it is a spiritual responsibility. The forests, oceans, animals, and even the air we breathe are part of the wonderful gift God has placed in our hands.
Seeing clearly with the eyes of faith changes the way we live. It may lead us to waste less, appreciate the beauty of nature more deeply, and teach future generations to respect the earth as a sacred trust.
The blind man in the Gospel ends with a simple yet profound profession of faith: “I do believe, Lord.” Lent invites us to make the same prayer. When Christ opens our eyes, we begin to see the world as God sees it—filled with dignity, beauty, and responsibility.
As we continue our Lenten journey, may the light of Christ heal our blindness so that we may see more clearly, believe more deeply, and care more faithfully for God’s creation—our common home.
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Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey
Prayer for Light and Help
Jesus, I feel within me
a great desire to please you
but, at the same time,
I feel totally incapable of doing this
without your special light and help,
which I can expect only from you.
Accomplish your will within me—
even in spite of me.
--St. Claude La Colombiere, SJ
1. 1. Go through the day without complaining, and instead write or share one positive story or testimonial about faith, creation care and resilience.
2. Find out how you can help local groups that work to provide education to frequently under-represented groups. Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, www.ccscc.org, Sunnyvale Community Services, www.svcommunityservices.org.
3. Find out if your bank is fueling the climate crisis. If so, pledge to switch to an ethical bank. Resources: Ten Commandments of Climate-Responsible Banking by World Council of Churches; Is Your Money Green? By Blessed Tomorrow; Banking On Our Future by Third Act.
4. Pray outdoors with creation paying close attention to what you see. How are these manifestations of God’s love? How can we protect these gifts?
5. Write an email to or call Trader Joe’s asking that they reduce plastic packaging: Customer Relations crelations@traderjoes.com (626) 599-3817.
6. Donate or volunteer with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County and/or Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. www.catholiccharitiesscc.org; www.shfb.org
7. Please take 10 minutes to reflect on the actions you have chosen to undertake this week from these suggestions. Are there any you would like to continue? Lenten Affirmations are powerful tools for observing this Season.
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March 8, 2026
Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey (Third Week of Lent)
This Third Sunday of Lent, we meet Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman. In her thirst, we see our own. We come to the well carrying empty buckets—fatigue, worry, distraction—and Jesus offers something deeper: “living water.” He does not condemn her past; He awakens her future.
Lent reminds us that our deepest thirst is not for success, comfort, or recognition, but for God. When we allow Christ to sit with us at the well of our daily lives, He gently reveals what truly satisfies and what merely distracts.
In his encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis speaks of another kind of thirst—the earth’s thirst. He reminds us that creation itself longs for care, reverence, and healing. The same living water that renews our souls also calls us to renew the world around us. Conversion is never only personal; it is ecological, communal, and practical.
This week, let us ask: Where am I truly thirsty? And how can I both receive and share the living water Christ gives?
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Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey
This week, let us focus on the gift of water. “… access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right…” (Pope Francis Laudato Si’ 30). Let us pray with gratitude for what we have and resolve to address the inequities.
Dear God, to you we owe our hymn of praise.
You visit the earth and water it, and make it abundantly fertile.
Help us to protect, conserve and share this gift wisely.—Amen
1. Take a few moments to reread and contemplate the First Reading from the Third Week of Lent (Exodus 17:3-7). Imagine what it feels like to have prolonged thirst. Consider making a donation to Catholic Relief Services, targeting its well building initiatives. www.crs.org
2. Marine scientists have forecasted that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic waste than fish in our oceans. Step up efforts to reduce plastic use in your home, school, or workplaces.
3. Read about the water conservation programs at Santa Clara Valley Water District at www.valleywater.org.
4. Take a walk near water: a creek, river, the San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Ocean and pick up any trash you may find. Add a prayer of gratitude.
5. Investigate local “Buy Nothing” websites on social media before you make a purchase. Also, consider using them to pass along usable belongings that you no longer need.
6. Notice signs of spring around you. Have you observed that the flowers are blooming earlier; birds are exhibiting breeding behavior earlier?
7. Please take 10 minutes to reflect on the actions you have chosen to undertake this week. Are there any you would like to continue?
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March 1, 2026
Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey (Second Week of Lent)
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reminds us that creation is not merely a backdrop to our lives. It is a gift. It is our common home. He writes that the earth “cries out” because of the harm we have inflicted upon it through irresponsible use and abuse. The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are one.
On the mountain of the Transfiguration, the disciples heard the voice of the Father: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” If we listen to Jesus, we will hear Him speak not only in Scripture, but also in the beauty of creation—the whisper of the wind, the rhythm of the seasons, the dignity of every human person.
To follow Christ during Lent means more than prayer and fasting. It means conversion of heart. It means recognizing that caring for God’s creation is not optional; it is part of our Christian vocation. When we waste carelessly, consume selfishly, or ignore environmental harm, we fail to live as faithful stewards.
The Transfiguration reminds us that glory comes through transformation. Lent invites us to be transformed—not only in our personal holiness, but in how we relate to one another and to the earth itself.
May this holy season lift our eyes to the glory of Christ and open our hearts to protect the beauty of His creation. Let us climb the mountain with Him, so that when we come down, we may reflect His light in the world.
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Last week, we introduced this guide for your use this Lent. There are seven actions. You may choose any or all for this or subsequent weeks. There will be some touchstones that will repeat throughout the sessions.
Prayer to Know God’s Will
(pray every day this week)
May it please the supreme and divine Goodness
to give us all abundant grace
ever to know [God’s] most holy will
and perfectly to fulfill it. –St. Ignatius of Loyola
Take a few moments to reread and contemplate the Gospel from the Second Sunday of Lent. “This is My beloved son…listen to Him.” (Mt 17:5) Ask what Jesus wants you to do to care for creation.
• Replace 30 minutes of secular media consumption with a spiritual podcast.
• Consider: Center for Action and Contemplation, www.cac.org; www.prayasyougo.org; www.catholicclimatecovenant.org
• WEBINAR recording: Removing Obstacles to Grace This Lent with Tim Muldoon through loyolapress.com.
• Pray outside in creation using whatever pray source serves you.
• Spend 15 minutes on the Laudato Si’ Movement website, paying attention to the section marked “Resources”.
• Take another step toward reducing the presence of one-time-use plastic in your household.
• Consider joining “Climate Action Now”. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to begin earning trees for taking actions that help the planet.
• Please take 10 minutes to reflect on the actions you have chosen to undertake this week from these suggestions. Are there any you would like to continue?
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February 22, 2026
Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey (First Week of Lent)
In his letter Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reminds us that the world is a beautiful gift from God, not just a resource to use. It is our common home. When we take care of the earth, we are also taking care of each other—especially our neighbors in need and our children’s future.
Lent is a perfect time for renewal. It is the perfect time to “hit the reset button” on our habits. It is about more than just giving up something; it is about learning to love more deeply. This year, let us show that love by becoming better stewards of God’s creation and commit to it.
We do not have to change the world overnight. Rather, small acts, done with great love, are powerful prayers in action. During this Lenten season let try simple ways to make a difference in preserving God’s creation for generations to come.
Caring for the environment is not an “extra” task—it is a vital part of our faith. By making these small sacrifices, we grow closer to God and help ensure that the world remains a reflection of His goodness for years to come.
Every small gesture is an act of faith. Let us work together to leave behind a world that reflects God’s beauty.
God bless,
Fr. Mark
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Laudato Si': Our Lenten Journey
Lent invites us into a sacred journey of return—a return to the heart of God, to the heart of our faith, and to the heart of our common home. In this season of prayer, fasting, and conversion, we are called to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to rediscover what truly sustains life….
May this time of Lent help us return to what matters most—nurturing an inner silence that renews our commitment to care for our common home and for one another. We ask for the grace of contemplation that sustains us in moments of uncertainty, strengthens us amid crisis, and transforms our prayer into faithful action.
During Lent, we try to pray more fervently, give alms and make sacrifices, all in pursuit of a deeper spiritual conviction culminating in the joyous celebration of Easter. This guide offers an opportunity to connect those more familiar behaviors to an urgent need for Ecological Conversion—to care for Creation. Some suggestions may ask little; others may make additional demands on our time, talent and/or treasure. All are presented with an open hand of compassion and good will.
Daily Lenten Prayer: Prayer for Light and Help
Jesus, I feel within me a great desire to please you but, at the same time, I feel totally incapable of doing this without your special light and help, which I can expect only from you. Accomplish your will within me—even in spite of me. --St. Claude La Colombiere, SJ
Week one activity, below are some Lenten Resources:
1. Go through the day without complaining, and instead write or share one positive story or testimonial about faith, creation care and resilience.
2. Find out how you can help local groups.
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, www.ccscc.org,
Sunnyvale Community Services, www.svcommunityservices.org.
3. Pledge to switch to an ethical bank. Resources: Ten Commandments of Climate-Responsible Banking by World Council of Churches; Is Your Money Green? By Blessed Tomorrow; Banking On Our Future by Third Act.
4. Celebrate the gift of creation by taking a walk with a loved one.
5. Write an email to or call Trader Joe’s asking that they reduce plastic packaging: crelations@traderjoes.com (626) 599-3817.
6. Begin a plan for sustainable reduction of one-time plastic use in the home. Plastic Jesus Rebranded.pdf at creationjustice.org.
7. Please take 10 minutes to reflect on the actions you have chosen to undertake this week from these suggestions. Lenten Affirmations are powerful tools for observing this Season.
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February 13, 2026
Dear Parishioners:
During January, we invited you to share your thoughts, hopes, concerns, and dreams for our parish by completing a parish-wide survey and taking part in our listening sessions. We are deeply grateful to all who took part in this important process. Your voice truly matters.
More than 250 parishioners responded to the survey, and over 120 parishioners attended the listening sessions, generously offering their time, insights, and heartfelt input. Thank you for your openness, honesty, and commitment to the life and future of our parish.
In the coming months, our pastoral leadership team and parish council will prayerfully compile and analyze all the feedback received. From this work, we will develop a clear action plan that will help guide our parish forward. Some goals will be easier to carry out, while others will require more time, discernment, and resources. We ask for your continued prayers, patience, and trust as we move into this next phase of planning and implementation together.
As an outgrowth of what we have heard from you, we are also pleased to introduce our Diocesan Sowing Seeds of Faith Campaign. Through your generosity, our campaign will support the top three priorities that emerged from the survey and listening sessions, helping us focus our efforts, resources, and energy on what matters most to our parish community at this time. More details about this campaign will be shared with you soon.
Once again, thank you for your participation, your care for our parish, and your ongoing support. Together, guided by the Holy Spirit, we continue to sow seeds of faith for today and for future generations.
God bless,
Fr. Mark
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January 18, 2026
Dear Parishioners:
We continue to live out the vision of our Diocesan Pastoral Plan, focusing on our strategic priorities: Worship, Outreach,
Formation, Youth and Young Adults, Family Ministry, and Structural Renewal.
Worship: We remain committed to deepening our love for the Eucharist. Each Thursday, we have Eucharistic Adoration after the 8:15 a.m. Mass until 12:00 noon. Our Adoration Chapel is also open during weekday office hours for anyone who wishes to spend quiet time in prayer before the Lord. Last September, we completed a parish-wide formation series, “Loving the Mass, Loving Jesus: A Four-Weekend Journey Through the Parts of the Mass,” helping us grow in our understanding of the Holy Eucharist and in recognizing Christ’s transforming presence in our lives.
Outreach: We continue our ongoing ministries such as the St. Vincent de Paul outreach, the Tijuana Mission Trip, monthly Masses in neighboring nursing facilities, and our Grief Support Group. In addition, we will soon begin a new outreach to our seniors (January 27), extending care and presence to our elders in the community.
Formation: Faith Formation remains central to our mission. We continue to offer weekly Scripture Studies and Faith Sharing groups for both men and women. In our Catechetical Ministry (CM) family, we have also started a weekly catechism session with CM parents—a wonderful opportunity for parents to renew their faith while their children are in catechism class. Everyone is welcome to join!
Youth and Young Adults: Our Youth Ministry continues to meet every Sunday at 11:15 a.m., offering a space for prayer, community, and service.
As part of our ongoing response to the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, we have launched a Parish Survey to help us understand the needs and hopes of our parishioners. This will give us valuable insight into how we can better serve our community.
Please register for the Listening Session of your choice:
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Saturday, January 17 at 6:00 pm
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Friday, January 23 at 10:00 am
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Both listening sessions held in the Farana Center Hall.
As part of our ongoing response to the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, we have launched a Parish Survey to help us understand the needs and hopes of our parishioners. This will give us valuable insight into how we can better serve our community.
In the meantime, we invite everyone to participate in the many activities and ministries of our parish. Each gathering, prayer, and act of service is a step in nourishing your faith and growing as a disciple of Christ.
Our Parish Pastoral Committee continues to meet monthly to discern and plan programs that will help us live out our mission as a community of faith.
Serving you in Christ,
Fr. Mark
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November 23, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
As we enter this beautiful season of Advent, our hearts are invited once again to wait in hope and prepare in faith for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Advent is a time of quiet expectation, of joyful anticipation, and of renewed longing for God’s presence among us. It reminds us that Christmas is not merely about decorations, gifts, or festivities—but about welcoming Christ into our hearts, our homes, and our world.
Let this Advent be more than a countdown to December 25. Let it be a season of spiritual preparation—a time to pause, to pray, and to let the Lord transform us from within. We are invited to make room for Him through acts of kindness, reconciliation, and deeper prayer.
May this Advent season renew our hearts and help us walk together toward the light of Christ. Let us keep watch, stay hopeful, and prepare the way of the Lord!
Fr. Mark
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November 23, 2025
Dear Parishioners:
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who joined me for my installation as your 6th Pastor of the Church of the Resurrection. Your presence, prayers, and support made the day truly grace-filled and memorable.
I am especially grateful to Bishop Oscar Cantú for presiding, to Bishop Andy Ligot, to my brother priests who concelebrated, and to everyone who helped prepare the liturgy and the reception that followed. Your generosity of time, talent, and wholehearted service is a beautiful witness to the faith, unity, and love that define our parish community.
I humbly ask for your continued prayers for me and for Fr. Louis. Together, may we continue strengthening our parish family in faith, hope, and love—always seeking to bring Christ’s light to one another and to the world.
As we celebrate this season of Thanksgiving, our hearts turn with gratitude to the Lord for the countless blessings He pours into our lives. Everything we treasure—our faith, our families, our friendships, and this community—is a precious gift from a God who loves us without limit.
Together with Fr. Louis, we are especially grateful for all of you, the faithful people of our parish. Your prayers, generosity,
willingness to serve, and love for one another reflect God’s goodness in so many ways. You make our parish not only a place of worship, but truly a home of faith and love.
As you gather with family and friends around the table this Thanksgiving, may your hearts be lifted in gratitude for the
blessings of the past year, and may you find joy in the simple but profound gift of being together—sharing love, laughter, and thanksgiving.
Let us also remember those who may be alone, struggling, or in need. May our gratitude move us to kindness, to generosity, and to bringing the warmth of God’s love to others.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed, joyful, and grace-filled Thanksgiving!
Fr. Mark
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All Souls' Day Remembrance
November 2, 2025
As we approach All Souls’ Day on November 2, we invite everyone to bring a picture of your loved ones who have passed away when you come to Mass on the weekend of November 1 and 2, 2025.
A Remembrance Shrine will set-up at the back of the Church, in the Alcove of Mary and Jesus, where you place their photo. These pictures will remain there throughout the month of November, as we remember and pray for all the faithful departed at every Mass.
Please keep in mind:
● Photos should be no larger that 8 by 10 inches.
● If you have lost a loved one during this past year, you are especially invited to take part in a Candle Remembrance Procession at the beginning of the Mass you attend that weekend.
● To participate in this procession, please call the parish office to sign-up.
● All Souls’ envelopes are also available at the doors of the Church for those who wish to include the names of the loved ones to be remembered throughout the month.
Let us come together as a parish family to honor and pray for those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.
Fr. Mark
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Introducing the Parish Leadership Team
August 10, 2025
Dear Parishioners,
The Diocese of San Jose, under the leadership of Bishop Oscar Cantú, has embarked on a meaningful Pastoral Planning Process—a spiritual and strategic journey to better serve the People of God through our parishes, schools, and diocesan offices. This process leads us toward a joyful celebration: the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese in 2031, which will also mark the 500th Anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Since the official launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan in December 2023, we have witnessed inspiring momentum across our diocesan community. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the support of the newly established Pastoral Plan and Implementation Office, we are moving forward with hope and purpose. The plan focuses on six key priorities (or what the diocese calls “pillars”).
* Worship
* Outreach
* Formation
* Youth and Young Adults
* Family
* Structural Renewal
Here at our Church of the Resurrection, our Parish Leadership Team (Pastoral Council) has taken this call to heart. We have been actively discerning and working together to align our parish life with these priorities — all with the goal of strengthening the practice of faith, building a more vibrant, welcoming and engaging community, and mission-centered parish.
This journey will require all of us — clergy, lay leaders, and parishioners — to walk together in faith, to listen deeply, and to act boldly with clarity and charity. We look forward to sharing updates with you, inviting your participation, and celebrating the fruits of our shared labor in Christ in the months and years ahead.
For more information about the pastoral plan, you may visit www.dsj.org.
Let us continue to pray for our Diocese, our parish, and one another as we take these hopeful steps toward renewal and growth.
Serving you in Christ,
Fr. Mark
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Etiquette for Participating at Sunday Mass
August 3, 2025
A few reminders for all of us as gather for Sunday Mass. I found the following
list, "Etiquette for Participating at Sunday Mass," particularly helpful in
reminding ourselves of the sacredness of the Eucharist and the Real Presence
of Jesus in our midst.
