Pastor’s Letter | 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on August 1, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we begin this new month of August, we give thanks to God for the gift of life, for our faith, and the beautiful blessing of our parish community. Today, as we celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel according to Saint Luke presents us with a very timely teaching: the parable of the rich man who stored up many possessions, thinking he had secured his future, yet unaware that his soul was empty.

Jesus reminds us that life does not consist in material wealth, but in the richness we cultivate in the presence of God. The parable confronts us with a reality we often avoid: the brevity of life. The rich man did nothing wrong by human standards—he worked, he planned, he saved—but he forgot the most important truth: that his life was in God’s hands and that nothing he owned was truly his. “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” (Lk 12:20)

This strong warning is not meant to frighten us, but to awaken us spiritually—to remind us that we are called to live with wisdom, generosity, and trust in the Lord. What sense is there in accumulating without sharing? What value does material security have if we neglect our souls, our relationships, and our mission as children of God?

In the same spirit of communion and Christian joy, I am delighted to continue inviting you to participate in our Parish Family Festival, scheduled for August 16. It will be a lively afternoon filled with music, family atmosphere, and fellowship. We will have traditional foods from various countries and cultures, entertainment for all ages, children’s games, a fun mechanical bull, and the joyful presence of a live mariachi band that will delight everyone. This festival is not only an opportunity to enjoy ourselves, but also to strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community and to support our parish in both its pastoral and financial needs. For this reason, I kindly encourage you to purchase and return your raffle tickets as soon as possible. Even the most minor contribution makes a big difference and helps us continue serving with love.

I would also like to inform you that next week, we will begin resurfacing the church parking lot, which will include the installation of new asphalt. This improvement is necessary and will be of great benefit in the long run; however, during the construction period, we may experience some inconvenience or limited access. I appreciate your patience and understanding, and I thank you in advance for your supportive spirit during these necessary upgrades that benefit our entire parish.

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude from the bottom of my heart for your ongoing participation in the life of the parish, including the celebration of Mass, our pastoral groups, liturgical ministries, faith formation programs, and community events. You are the living heart of this parish. Through your prayers, your service, and your generosity, we are building God’s Kingdom together in our midst.

May Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles, intercede for each of you and your families, and may the Lord bless you with peace, health, and hope.

In Christ Jesus,

Fr. Diaz