Posted on August 21, 2026 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I hope that you and your families are doing well, strengthened by God’s grace and encouraged by the joy of belonging to our parish community. Each Sunday, the Lord gathers us as one family to nourish us with His Word and the Eucharist, renew our faith, and help us continue walking together as His disciples.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples a deeply personal question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Mt. 16:15-16). This profession of faith comes not only from his human understanding, but from a heart open to God’s grace. For this reason, Jesus entrusts Peter with a mission, saying: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” (Mt.16, 18).
The same question Jesus asked His disciples continues to resound in our lives today: Who is Christ for us? It is not enough simply to know His name. We are called to recognize Him as Lord, to place our complete trust in Him, and to demonstrate our faith through our actions. When Christ occupies the center of our lives, we also become living stones of His Church and collaborators in building a community that is strong, united, and filled with hope.
Changing topic, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all the parishioners who contributed to the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. Through your generosity, sacrifice, and commitment, our parish reached its assigned goal. On behalf of our bishop, and on my own behalf, I thank you wholeheartedly for your contributions. Every donation, large or small, is a concrete expression of communion with our diocesan Church and supports many important works of evangelization, education, formation, and charity.
And how could I fail to mention, with profound gratitude, the great success of our Sixth Parish Festival? I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, coordinators, ministry leaders, families, and sponsors who made this wonderful celebration possible. The festival was a visible testimony to what we can accomplish when we work together, set aside personal interests, and unite for the common good and the growth of our community.
Beyond the financial proceeds—which certainly assist in sustaining and developing our parish ministries and projects—this festival has also left a spiritual mark upon our community. We have grown in fellowship, belonging, and communal joy. We laughed together, helped one another, and shared as brothers and sisters. That, dear friends, is priceless. This is the true face of the Church: a family united in faith, strengthened by love, and always ready to serve.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who offered their time, talent, effort, prayers, and generosity. To the businesses and organizations that supported us through their sponsorships, may God reward you and multiply your generosity abundantly. To every volunteer—both those whose service was visible and those who worked quietly behind the scenes—thank you for giving your very best.
In next week’s letter, I will share some additional details about the festival and offer a more personal acknowledgment of the groups, ministries, and individuals who made this beautiful celebration possible. For now, please accept my sincere affection, gratitude, and blessing.
May our profession of faith in Jesus Christ never remain merely in words, but be reflected in lives of service, generosity, and communion. Let us continue building our parish together upon the firm foundation of Christ, so that we may always be a living, joyful, and united Church.
With affection and gratitude in Christ,
Fr. Diaz
