Aug 23 - Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

As we celebrate the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus asks His disciples a question that reaches far beyond that moment in the Gospel:

“But who do YOU say that I am?”

It is a question Jesus asks each one of us personally.

Peter responds with faith and conviction: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” In response to this profession of faith, Jesus entrusts Peter with an extraordinary mission: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.”

This Gospel brings us to the very heart of our Catholic faith. Our relationship with Christ cannot be built only on what others tell us about Him. Jesus invites each of us to know Him personally, to recognize Him as our Saviour, trust Him with our lives, and have the courage to proclaim who He is through the way we live. 

What a beautiful reminder that we are part of the Church Christ continues to build. Every prayer offered, every act of service, every family growing in faith, every young person discovering Christ, and every person who walks through our doors becomes part of that living Church.

This week, we give heartfelt thanks for the beautiful Annual Parish Picnic we celebrated together. To every organizer, volunteer, parishioner, family, and friend who prepared food, helped with activities, shared their time and talents, or simply came to enjoy the day. Thank you! The laughter, generosity, friendship, and fellowship we shared were a wonderful expression of the unity of our parish family.

Our journey of faith also continues through exciting opportunities for the next generation. Our Children & Youth Bible Study begins its journey through Genesis, while our Young Adults Adoration and Bible Study continues with Eucharistic Adoration and the Gospel of John. These gatherings offer spaces where our young people can encounter Christ, ask questions, build friendships, and discover for themselves their answer to Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?”

We also invite our parish family to support this weekend’s special collection for our Building Fund – Roof Project. Caring for our parish home is about more than maintaining a building, it is about preserving a sacred place where generations can continue to worship, receive the Sacraments, encounter Christ, and grow together as His Church.

And as we look toward September, we warmly welcome those who may be considering becoming Catholic. Our 2026–2027 RCIA Program begins September 20, offering adults an opportunity to journey deeper into the Catholic faith and discover the beauty of life in Christ and His Church.

As you read through this week’s bulletin, allow Jesus’ question to become personal: Who do YOU say that I am? 

Not your family.
Not your friends.
Not the world around you.

You.

May our answer be found not only in the words we speak, but in the lives we live—with faith like Peter, hearts rooted in Christ, and a joyful commitment to helping build the Church He entrusted to us.

For Christ is still building His Church.

And each of us has a place in it.