13th Sunday in ordinary time, June 28th.

 From the Pastor's Desk

   A Message of Deep Gratitude and Farewell

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." — Philippians 1:3-5

My Dear Parishioners of St. Wenceslaus and Sacred Heart, as we celebrate this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, my heart is filled with a profound mixture of deep emotion, immense joy, and overwhelming gratitude. This marks my final Sunday mass with your wonderful communities. For the last two beautiful years, you have welcomed me not as a stranger, but as a true brother and shepherd in Christ. I am endlessly grateful for your unwavering love, constant concern, and boundless generosity. Through your compassionate hearts, you have directly supported the education of poor children in India through me. Your incredible kindness will leave an eternal impact on their lives, providing them with hope and a brighter future.

My time with you has been an absolute grace. I have learned so much from your vibrant faith, resilient hope, and inspiring dedication to the Church. You have taught me the true meaning of a living, welcoming parish community. Please know that whatever wisdom, love, and goodness I have gathered from you here, I will carry with me always and follow faithfully in my life ahead.

Upon my return to India, my Bishop has asked me to take charge of a diocesan Retreat Center. In this new ministry, I will serve as the main preacher, offering spiritual talks and guidance to the many laity, priests, and religious sisters and brothers who come seeking spiritual renewal for two, five, or seven days. I humbly ask that you keep me in your daily prayers as I begin this sacred and demanding responsibility.

You will never be forgotten. I promise to keep you all in my prayers, and most especially, whenever I offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I will place you and your intentions upon the altar. May the Good Lord continue to shower His abundant blessings upon you, granting you excellent health, peaceful hearts, and a long, fruitful life. For your beloved children, I pray that God blesses them with divine knowledge and heavenly wisdom. Thank you for being such an encouraging, loving, and faithful flock. Please stay in touch.

With my deepest love and prayers,

Welcome V. Rev. Brandon Guenther

July 26, 2026  17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

             What is prayer? That seems like a simple question, but maybe take a second and answer in your own words…what is prayer? There are so many ways to define “prayer.” But there are a few definitions that I think we can find helpful as we seek to be holy. Holy people go to heaven. And holy people pray!

             Maybe the simplest way to define prayer is simply “talking with God.” Indeed that is what prayer is at its core. But maybe more deeply, being able    to talk with God is truly incredible in and of itself. The creator of the universe not only gives us the ability to talk with Him, but He enjoys talking to us! This definition highlights the relational aspect of prayer. If we knew of a married couple that deeply loved each other, but never talked, we’d probably wonder  if they really loved each other! If we say we love God, but never talk with    Him, do we really love Him?

             Defining prayer as “talking with God” also highlights the necessity of silence in prayer. Sometimes we call this meditation or contemplation, but  very simply we can and should spend time in silence with God. If prayer is “talking,” then this makes sense. If we say all the words, prayer isn’t not  talking with God, it's talking at God. Prayer necessarily leaves room for God   to speak. God often chooses not to speak audibly in our ears, but, in my experience, He speaks softly and slowly directly to our hearts…if we are listening.

             Another definition of prayer might simply be “communing with God.” Communing (or communicating) is very similar to “talking,” but has a different connotation. Communing means “sharing life” with God. Sharing our joys, struggles, and everything in between. And God shares His life with us; we sometimes call this “grace:” the free, unmerited favor and love of God.   Sharing life with God is seen most especially in the Eucharist (AKA Communion), where Christ literally shares Himself with us and we with Him.

             This week I’d like to challenge you to first spend time with God, if   you don’t already. And if you already pray regularly, simply ask God how he’d like  to talk with you. How can you commune more deeply with Him?    You might be surprised by the answer!