From the Desk of Father Jason - August 23, 2026

Dear Saint Francis Xavier Parishioners,

This past week I went to the doctor for a checkup. It went well. As with many people, I could stand to lose some weight. As part of my conversation with the doctor, I made the comment, “well, it seems that I will outlive my dad,” who died at 71. The doctor agreed.

This got me thinking about how long I have left. I am 46, soon to be 47 in September. I have only a finite number of days in this world. If I live to 80, I have about 33 years left, or about 12,045 days. I am in the last half of my life, in the third quarter. Not much more time in all honesty.

One question that I ask myself is, how do I make each of these12,045 days matter? The key to that is discipleship. Discipleship is the Church word that we use for how we follow Jesus Christ. Because of all things that matter in this life, the one that most matters in relation to the next life is my relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the salvation that comes from it.

So, how do I attempt to make each day matter? Long ago I asked Jesus what he wants to be a part of each of my days. First, he wants to celebrate the Mass daily. Second, Jesus wants me to pray each day for an hour. Third, he was me to read the Bible for thirty minutes a day. Finally, he wants me to love those he puts in my life.

What quarter of life are you in? How do you make each day matter? Have you asked Jesus what he wants your spiritual practice to look like? I know that it includes weekly Mass, daily prayer, daily Bible reading, and loving those whom he puts in our lives.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason