Posted on July 26, 2024 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus and Mary,
As we approach the end of July, we also approach a significant event in our parish- our fourth family festival. This festival, a celebration of faith, communion, and family, is a day we all eagerly anticipate. I am sure it will be a day filled with joy and abundant blessings for all of us, bringing us closer together and strengthening our faith.
This Sunday, the gospel tells us about the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Jesus, with this miracle, shows the prefiguration of the Eucharist; at the same time, we can contemplate how both human love and supernatural love are forged within us since we have the same heart to love God and others. Generally, love makes its way into the human heart when the attractiveness of the other is discovered through sympathy and goodness. This is the case of the “boy who has five barley loaves and two fish” (Jn 6:9). He gives Jesus everything he carries, the loaves and the fish, because he has allowed himself to be conquered by the love of Jesus. The fullness of love is the love of donation when you seek the good of others without expecting anything in return, even at the price of personal sacrifice.
Today, I can tell Him: “Lord, you make us participate in the miracle of the Eucharist: we ask you not to hide, to live with us, to see you, to touch you, to feel you, to always want to be at your side. On the other hand, may you be the King of our lives and works” (Saint Josemaría).
On another subject, a few weeks ago, the diocese assigned Father Luke Dundon to help us on the weekends; Father Dundon serves as chaplain at the Naval Academy, and during this year, 24-25, he will study at the Catholic University, our bishop wants him to have a permanent ministry in a parish, and he chose ours for this service, I invite you to welcome him to the parish, his presence will do us much good.
Also, I want to thank the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who visit our sick on Sundays and for their beautiful work every Sunday. I appreciate that great effort; they are favorite servants of the Lord because they bring Him to the neediest; in the same way, I sent a cordial greeting and a special blessing to all these brothers and sisters whom they visit Sunday after Sunday, I honestly have you in my prayers. After the festival, I will see you individually to get to know you more closely and have a little time with you in your homes. Father Ramón and I will take turns month by month to visit you; each month, you will receive a different priest to share with both of us.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone supporting the preparations for our summer festival. Your efforts are not just crucial, but they are the very heart of the success of this event. Some of you have already returned the tickets sold, and we are beginning to see the results of our collective efforts. I invite each of you to participate in our parish raffle and ask for your invaluable help as volunteers on the festival day. On the weekends, August 3 and 4 and 10 and 11th, our staff members will sell tickets for the raffle and food and festival activities. If you are still waiting to receive your tickets, please let us know, and we will gladly send them to you. Let us all unite and hope for a successful and joyous summer festival.
Thank you, each and every one of you, for your unwavering support and dedication. I deeply appreciate your contributions, whether big or small, and I pray for you. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for your commitment to our parish community. Each one of you is a vital part of our parish family, and your presence and efforts make a significant difference.
Fr. Alex
