A Note From the Pastor: September 7, 2025

This weekend, two young men, both of whom lived in the modern age, will be formally canonized as saints: Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. Their respective stories are interesting and it’s wonderful to see their lives heralded. I mention Carlo Acutis, because he was a child of the electronic information age, regarded as a computer geek.

When it comes to technology, like many of you, I have mixed feelings. I find it to be useful, but I also acknowledge that it’s a gateway to so much that stifles human flourishing, and things destructive to our souls. Frankly, it’s addicting, and I personally have to self-monitor what sometimes feels like an attachment. Like many things, if properly used and in right balance, technology has good things to offer. From the time I started at our parishes, fourteen months ago, one of the things I’ve hoped to do is expand our use of technology. At St. Thomas, it was utilized, but very little at St. Philomena.

So, regarding our respective websites. My hope is that our website(s) can serve as a central hub for communication within the parish community, providing information about Mass times, events, and other activities. Secondly, to connect those who are new to the area or those exploring their faith, to serve as an inviting and informative first point of contact. Third, to serve as resource for spiritual growth, such as daily readings, prayers, and educational

materials, etc. And finally, (eventually) to help connect our parishioners with ministries and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of community and involvement.

With all that in mind, I’m grateful to the volunteers at our respective parishes who have worked hard and have put many hours into establishing our new parish websites:

Rainier Reyes, Marie Evans, and Angel Alvarado. To be clear, at St. Thomas, an even newer version is under construction, while the current version is still accessible. At St. Philomena, I believe we’ve finally got the website developed enough that I feel confident that the information is organized and accurate. Please, see for yourself.

We will continue to make advancements to our websites, but already both parishes’ websites can toggle between Spanish and English at the click of a button. Both are for￾matted to be viewed easily through a mobile device, including your smartphone.

While we will still create printed postings of important in￾formation, and will continue to print Sunday bulletins, and don’t intend to leave anyone behind who is not used to technology, more and more, we will communicate through devices that most all of us already have and use, rather than printing everything on paper. And we will encourage you to adjust your habits, to be informed, to learn, to engage through these more dynamic forms of communication. More to come.

Yours in Christ,

Father Todd O. Strange