Church of the Little Flower
Father JC's Page
A little about me....
I was born in the Philippines on April 14… many years ago! Growing up, I wanted to be either a pilot or a lawyer - but early on in my childhood, I realized my passion for the arts, especially for music and theater.
Music has always been my connection to God. Music brought me close to church as a youth. Music is also my best form of prayer. I have gained real friends (and families) through Music. It has always been a part of my life.
I see that the spiritual life is a journey. Life itself is a journey: an Emmaus walk with a friend, the Camino - a pilgrimage. We walk together - where Jesus Christ is at the center, and our Blessed Mother Mary holding our hand. I am thrilled that I am with you on this journey - our path - the Little Way.
Building friendships and small christian communities have always been my passion. Sharing faith and simple stories nourish me spiritually; I find that sharing the grief, pain and struggles - as well as the joys, victories and successes - of people is at the core of my calling. I thrive in places where there are real people who are searching for real questions and answers in life.
I have a lot of favorite things to do and places yet to see. I have recently found myself passionate about technology and the New Media. (I don’t like selfies, but always find myself having to do it anyway!)
I like to binge-watch series on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus and Hulu. I like food and I enjoy traveling - exploring new places and learning little things about their great people and their history.
In summary - Who is JC? One who loves God and is fascinated by people:
a very happy Catholic priest!
Fr. JC Merino
Your Parish Priest
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Fr. JC's Pastoral Letter
My dear Little Flower,
September begins a new spiritual pilgrimage for our parish: Faith & Love in Action, rooted in the richness of Catholic Social Teaching.
On September 1, the Church observed the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, reminding us that faith is never only private. It must shape how we care for creation, how we treat the poor and vulnerable, how we build peace, and how we uphold the dignity of every human person.
This month, I want to offer one simple challenge to every household: Let our children see us take ownership of our parish.
Let them see you pray, serve, learn, give, participate, and belong. Children remember what we make important by the way we live. There are many ways to put faith and love into action this September. Parents, if you are wondering what Artificial Intelligence means for your children, your family, and our Catholic faith, join our “Little Flower Beyond Series” on Artificial Intelligence and Catholicism. Crack open the Scriptures with us. Join a Bible Study, whether in person, online, for men, or for women. Give an hour to the next generation. Help with Religious Education and reach out to Genevieve. We will help you find a place that fits your schedule. Dads, stop by our First Friday Men’s Gathering before work or come to a Men’s Ministry meeting. There is a seat waiting for you. Pray together as a family. Follow my pilgrimage through Poland, learn more about Divine Mercy and St. Maximilian Kolbe, or stop by the Story Wagon after the 11:30 Family Mass and bring home a faith-centered book. Practice the corporal works of mercy. Donate to the food pantry. Support our clothing and household-goods drive for Mercy House. Help a family experiencing homelessness. And make room for joy and friendship too. Come golf with us, become a sponsor, donate to the silent auction, or place a bid. Grab your spouse for a Beatles Concert by Candlelight or join us for movie night featuring Heaven in Stone and Glass.
You do not have to do everything. Choose one thing this September. Pray more intentionally. Serve somewhere. Join something. Engage. Give something. Learn something. Invite someone. Let your faith become visible.
Catholic Social Teaching can be summed up in one beautiful conviction: Every human person matters to God, therefore every human person must matter to us.
May this September become more than the start of another busy season. May it become a new pilgrimage of the heart. May our children see a parish alive because they see us living it. Faith is love in action.
Buen Camino!
Your parish priest,
Fr. JC Merino
Pastor
All events mentioned are in the bulletin or on our website!
2026 Archive
Pilgrimage