Brothers and Sisters,

Who was the most influential in the spread of the Christian faith? Today we celebrate two saints—Peter and Paul—whose paths were different and whose relationship was not without tension.

Peter was the first pope, called personally by Jesus. Though hesitant at first, this fisherman left his nets to follow a virtual stranger. Peter was bold, often the first to speak when others stayed silent. Sometimes his boldness led to moments of grace, other times to rebuke—like when he tried to convince Jesus that suffering and the cross were not necessary.

Yet, relying on mercy and grace, Peter responded to the Lord’s invitation after the Resurrection: “Peter, do you love me? Feed my sheep.” And he did, even to the point of giving his life.

Paul, on the other hand, took a very different road—both literally and spiritually. A Pharisee by training, he began as a fierce persecutor of Christians, complicit in the death of St. Stephen. But everything changed on the road to Damascus. There, Jesus stopped him in his tracks and turned his life around.

From that moment on, Paul became one of the Church’s most tireless missionaries. His letters and journeys carried the Gospel far beyond Jerusalem, helping to spread the faith throughout the Roman Empire.

There was real tension between these two apostles, rooted in a foundational question: did a person need to become Jewish before they could become Christian? It may seem obvious to us now, but at the time, it was not. Together, they helped the early Church navigate this struggle, agreeing to let go of certain external customs while remaining faithful to the heart of the covenant.

Their unity—despite differences—remains a model for us.

So, back to the question: who was the most influential in spreading the faith? In the end, the answer is Jesus. And if that feels like a bit of a cheat, then we might say Mary. From the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to the Church as Mother. And so we turn to her in our time here on earth, especially as we marked our parish’s patronal feast—Our Lady of Perpetual Help—this past Friday.

Mary, help us. Help us listen well to the Holy Spirit, that we might become more fully the Body of Christ for the life of the world.

As we approach Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, please keep our nation in your prayers. Daily Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. that morning. Please note that there will be no confessions that afternoon. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will instead be available on Wednesday, July 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 12 Noon and again from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (or longer if needed). Confession will also be offered the following week at our usual times on Wednesday and Friday.

Just as the early Christians went out on mission, we now send forth Fr. Anthony as he begins his next chapter of priestly ministry in Livingston, Montana at St. Mary Parish.

Thank you, Fr. Anthony, for your four years of dedicated ministry at OLPH. Your kindness and faith have blessed us. May the Lord reward your service and fill you with joy.