In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the greatest commandment:

(Matthew 22:37 to 39)

Love is at the very heart of the Gospel. Saint Augustine beautifully reminds us that love is not merely words or feelings. Love has hands that help others, feet that hasten to those in need, eyes that see suffering, and ears that hear the sorrows of others. This is the love that Christ calls each of us to live every day.

This morning we are blessed to celebrate the Holy Mass in our beautiful chapel. As a community, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the King family whose generosity helped make this sacred place possible. The chapel stands as a visible reminder of God’s presence among us and a place where countless prayers, Masses, confessions, and moments of grace continue to transform lives.

As we begin to wind down another wonderful school year, we also wish to extend our sincere thanks to Good Shepherd Church for its unwavering support and dedication to Saint John Paul II Academy. Thank you, Father Augustine, Father Edwin, and Father Francis, for your faithful service and for the many Holy Masses celebrated throughout the year. Every Tuesday and Friday, you have brought Christ to our community through the Eucharist, prayer, and your priestly ministry. We are deeply grateful for your commitment, your friendship, and your love for our school community.

Yesterday, Andy Szocs shared some exciting news with us. Our very own Bryanna Russell will be a featured speaker at this year’s Catholic Congress at the Napa Institute, taking place July 22 to 26.

This is a tremendous honour and a beautiful reflection of the impact faithful Catholic leaders from our community are having throughout North America.

Each year, hundreds of Catholic leaders, educators, clergy, business professionals, philanthropists, and apostolate leaders gather to deepen their faith, strengthen their leadership, and build meaningful relationships with others who are striving to bring Christ into every aspect of society. Through Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, inspiring keynote presentations, and fellowship with faithful Catholics, attendees leave renewed, encouraged, and inspired to live their faith more boldly.

We are especially grateful to Andy Szocs for introducing many within our community to this remarkable opportunity. Those who attend often describe it as one of the most inspiring Catholic experiences of their lives. It is a place where faith is strengthened, friendships are formed, and leaders are encouraged to bring Christ more fully into their families, businesses, parishes, and communities.

If you have ever considered attending, this may be the year to do so. Come and be inspired, challenged, and renewed in your faith while connecting with like minded Catholics who are helping shape the future of the Church.

As many of you know, we are currently assembling our community magazine and are awaiting the final few articles before it goes to production on Friday.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their stories, photographs, reflections, and articles.

There is something very special about a community magazine. It allows us to celebrate the many blessings God has bestowed upon our school and community. It preserves our memories, shares our stories, and inspires others through the witness of faith lived out in everyday life.

Our hope is that every person who reads it will be encouraged in their Catholic faith, inspired by the goodness of others, and reminded of the countless ways God continues to work through our community.

Thank you again to all who contributed and helped make this publication possible.

For those who have not yet registered, we warmly encourage you to join us this Saturday for 2 extraordinary events.

Raising Saints. Building Culture. A Morning for Catholic Parents

Every parent desires the same thing: that their children grow to become men and women of character, conviction, virtue, and joy.

This special morning for mothers and fathers will include prayer, reflection, formation, Eucharistic Adoration, opportunities for confession, fellowship, and practical guidance on how ordinary family life can become a path to holiness.

Inspired by the teachings of Saint Josemaría Escrivá and the spirituality of Opus Dei, participants will be reminded that holiness is not reserved for a select few. God calls every person to sanctity through their daily responsibilities, family life, work, and service to others.

In a world that often pulls families in many different directions, this morning offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rediscover the beauty of God’s plan for family life and the important role parents play in forming the hearts, minds, and souls of their children. We encourage all mothers and fathers to attend and be renewed in their calling as the primary educators and spiritual guides of their children.

Come and spend a few hours investing in what matters most. Your faith, your family, and the formation of future saints.

An Evening of Faith, Beauty, Art, and Inspiration

If you appreciate beauty, meaningful conversation, exceptional artistry, and an evening spent in the company of people who value faith, culture, and creativity, we warmly invite you to join us this Saturday evening.

Step away from the busyness of daily life and immerse yourself in an elegant evening where art, storytelling, and the beauty of creation come together.

Experience the remarkable work of internationally acclaimed artist, filmmaker, author, and conservationist John Banovich as he shares a collection inspired by some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.

This is much more than an art exhibition. It is an opportunity to encounter beauty in a way that lifts the heart and elevates the soul. Great art has the power to draw us closer to truth, goodness, and beauty, all reflections of God Himself.

Enjoy an evening of fine art, conversation, fellowship, refreshments, and inspiration while supporting a meaningful cause. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a supporter of Catholic education, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and excellence, this promises to be a memorable experience.

Come and be inspired by the beauty of God’s creation, the power of great storytelling, and the opportunity to support future generations through Catholic education.

Join us for an evening of elegance, beauty, faith, and purpose. Bring a friend, bring your family, and come experience an unforgettable evening in the company of others who appreciate what is true, good, and beautiful.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family for what promises to be a truly special day and evening.

May God bless each of you abundantly and grant you a joyful, peaceful, and grace filled Tuesday.