From the Desk of Father Jason - May 3, 2026

Dear Saint Francis Xavier Parishioners,

What does Jesus expect of us?

What does being a Catholic look like? It looks like something. It is more than a bunch of thoughts in the mind.

One common thing confessed is “I do not pray enough.” The tricky thing about this confession is that it is not specific.

“How much does Jesus want me to pray?” I have come to realize that I cannot answer for other people. Saint Francis de Sales says that we should pray for one half hour. For some a half hour might be too much and for others that might not be enough.

What are we to do? We ask Jesus. We put Him on the spot. Personally, Jesus has asked me to pray one hour a day in addition to the prayers that I have to pray as a priest. I know every day whether “I prayed enough.” Ask Jesus, “how much do you want me to pray each day?”

Daily prayer is one of the basics of the Catholic life. There are others.

Catholic Life Basics:

1.      Daily Prayer – See above.

2.      Daily Bible Reading – This is God’s Word and we need to connect with it daily.

3.      Weekend Mass – Jesus is at the Mass in a unique way we cannot get anywhere else.

4.      Regular Reconciliation/Confession – I used to have an answer about how much to go but realized that it depends on the person. I personally go once a month.

5.      Serving those in need regularly – This could mean going to the food pantry but also includes visiting our grandparents or helping a classmate, serving people in our daily lives.

These Catholic basics are suggestions from me and in no way should be taken as requirements from the Church (see the Precepts of the Church for that, Catechism of the Catholic Church 2041, 2042, 2043).

Being Catholic looks like something. It is a life. It is a good life.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason