Posted on July 2, 2026 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Warm greetings to all of you as we begin the month of July. I hope this summer season has been an opportunity for you to rest, spend quality time with your families, and renew both body and spirit. I also wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s Independence—a special occasion to give thanks to God for the many blessings we have received, to pray for peace, unity, and freedom, and to renew our commitment to building a society founded on the values of the Gospel.
This Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30) contains one of Jesus’ most comforting invitations: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” We live in a world filled with stress, uncertainty, financial concerns, illness, and many burdens that we often carry in silence. Christ does not promise us a life without crosses; rather, He promises us the grace to carry them with Him. When we walk beside Jesus, our burdens do not simply disappear, but they take on a new meaning because we discover that we are never alone. The Lord invites us to place our trust in Him, to surrender what is beyond our control, and to find in Him the true peace that the world cannot give. Prayer, the Holy Eucharist, and a close relationship with God remain the source of the strength and serenity our hearts long for.
I would also like to share with you a matter that I have been carefully considering over the past several months. I am exploring the possibility of installing a fence around the perimeter of our parish property. I understand that this idea may not be welcomed by everyone, and I respect that there will be different opinions. However, I would like to explain why I believe it deserves serious consideration.
Over the past three years, I have personally observed that, particularly during the nighttime hours, our parish grounds have increasingly been used by individuals who have no connection to our parish for activities that are not appropriate for a sacred place. We have witnessed suspicious vehicles entering our parking lot for what appear to be illegal transactions, individuals using the property for immoral behavior, and other situations that are inconsistent with the dignity and sacredness of a church. My greatest concern is that, if we do nothing, we may eventually find ourselves facing a serious incident or scandal that could jeopardize the safety of our parishioners and damage the reputation of our parish.
As your pastor, one of the responsibilities entrusted to me by the Church is to protect, preserve, and safeguard this sacred place, not only for our present community but also for future generations. My desire is that Queen of Apostles will always remain a safe, welcoming, and prayerful environment where everyone can encounter Christ. I ask for your understanding, your prayers, and your support as we continue to evaluate the best way to address this concern.
Thank you, as always, for your kindness, your trust, and for everything you do to help our parish grow as a family of faith. May this summer be a season of rest, spiritual renewal, and joyful time with your loved ones. Please know that you remain in my daily prayers, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving you as your pastor.
In Christ
