Posted on June 17, 2026 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope that you and your families are doing well and enjoying these summer days that offer us more opportunities to spend time together, rest, and create cherished memories with those we love. After months filled with work, studies, activities, and responsibilities, this season gives us the chance to renew our strength and dedicate more time to family, friendship, and our spiritual lives. Rest is a gift from God, and when lived properly, it helps us regain the energy needed to continue our daily mission with joy and enthusiasm. At the same time, let us remember that we should never take a vacation from our faith. Wherever we may be, Sunday Mass remains the most important appointment of our week and the source of the grace that sustains our Christian life.
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mt 10:26–33), Jesus speaks words that continue to resonate deeply in the hearts of His disciples: “Do not be afraid.” In a world filled with uncertainties, worries, and challenges, the Lord invites us to place our complete trust in the loving providence of the Father. Jesus reminds us that God knows every detail of our lives and that none of us is insignificant in His eyes. These words are a call to live with hope, knowing that even amid difficulties, we never walk alone. Those who place their trust in God discover that His love is stronger than any fear.
I would also like to take this opportunity to address an important aspect of our Christian life: the respect and reverence with which we participate in Holy Mass and in our liturgical celebrations. Summer brings warmer temperatures, and naturally we all seek to dress in a way that is lighter and more comfortable. However, as Catholics, we must remember that when we enter the church, we are entering a sacred place—the House of God—where Christ is truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The way we present ourselves for the celebration of the Eucharist is also an expression of our faith and reverence. Therefore, I encourage everyone to avoid overly casual attire at Mass, such as very short shorts, athletic wear, inappropriate T-shirts, overly revealing clothing, or attire more suited for the beach or recreational activities. Sacred Scripture reminds us that God said to Moses, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Ex 3:5). These words teach us that God’s presence deserves a special attitude of reverence. Likewise, the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that our outward signs and actions help express the interior worship that we owe to the Lord.
The way we dress is not about fashion, elegance, or financial means. Rather, it is about recognizing that the Eucharist is the most important event of our week and that the church is unlike any other place we visit throughout our day. Just as we take care in our appearance for an important occasion, we should also do so when we come to encounter God. As your pastor, I ask that we take this matter seriously and approach it with a spirit of faith. Men and women, young and old alike, are called to help ensure that our liturgical celebrations reflect the dignity, reverence, and beauty that the sacred mysteries deserve. Let us also teach our children and grandchildren this beautiful tradition of respect for the House of God. I am convinced that this small outward act of attentiveness can help us rediscover a profound truth: when we come to church, we are not attending a social event or just another gathering—we are coming to encounter the Lord. And He deserves our very best.
Finally, this Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all the fathers in our community. Thank you for the love, sacrifice, and dedication with which you care for your families. Fatherhood is a beautiful and demanding vocation, a special participation in the fatherhood of God Himself. May Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and guardian of Jesus, be for all fathers an example of faith, strength, responsibility, and generous love. We entrust all fathers, living and deceased, to the loving care of the Lord.
May God bless you abundantly throughout this week, and may Mary, Queen of the Apostles, always accompany you with her maternal love.
In Christ,
Fr. Diaz
