Posted on August 15, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners,
We are just a few weeks away from the end of summer. Our children are already getting ready to return to school. This Sunday we celebrate the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and in today’s Gospel, St. Luke presents us with some strong and challenging words from Jesus: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” These words, far from referring to destructive conflict, invite us to live the Gospel radically. Jesus did not come to bring superficial peace, but to provoke a deep transformation that begins in the heart—often making us uncomfortable, and even dividing families, friendships, or customs when these oppose the truth of the Kingdom. May this fire of the spirit purify our intentions, strengthen our faith, and move us to live with greater commitment and authenticity.
With that same spirit of renewal, hope, and enthusiasm, I want to warmly welcome back all our beloved teachers who returned to school on August 13 to begin their week of preparation. A new school year is approaching, and with it, a new opportunity to plant not only knowledge but also values, faith, and hope in the hearts of our children. I sincerely thank you for your dedication and commitment. We know it’s not easy—that teaching is a vocation that demands great sacrifice and love. But we also know that the reward is great: to help form the children of God with wisdom and heart. Please count on our prayers so that this week of preparation may be fruitful and that the start of the school year on August 20 will be a blessing for everyone.
And I cannot fail to mention, with profound gratitude, the great success of our Fifth Parish Festival. Thanks to all the volunteers, coordinators, ministry leaders, families, and sponsors who made this beautiful celebration possible. It was a tangible testimony of what we can achieve when we work in unity—when we set aside personal interests and come together for the common good and the growth of our community.
Beyond the financial gains—which certainly help support and develop our ministries—this festival left a spiritual mark. We have grown in fraternity, in our sense of belonging, and in communal joy. We laughed together, we helped one another, and we shared as brothers and sisters. And that, dear friends, is priceless. That is the true face of the Church: a family united in faith and in service. I thank from the bottom of my heart all who offered their time, talent, effort, prayer, and generosity. To the businesses and companies that supported us with their sponsorships, may God multiply your generosity! And to each volunteer, visible or anonymous, thank you for giving your best.
In next week’s letter, I will share with you more details about the festival and offer a more personalized thank-you to the groups, ministries, and individuals who made this beautiful event possible. But for now, please receive my love and blessing.
May the fire of the Holy Spirit that Christ came to ignite in the world burn first in our hearts, and from there, may we continue transforming the world with love, unity, and faith.
With affection and gratitude in Christ,
Fr. Díaz
