Posted on August 30, 2024 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners,
We are beginning the month of September. Summer is practically over, and most have already returned to normal activities. Our children and young people have already returned to school, and we must begin to focus on their education and the challenges that each year brings. I hope you had a good summer, that family time has brought you closer together, and that you have been able to rest as needed to begin this new stage.
The children from our school also returned almost two weeks ago; this year, we have 158 children, some less than last year; some did not return for family reasons, and others because their parents moved out of the area or for different reasons. Several families wish to send their children to study with us at our school, but unfortunately, the economic part is one of the biggest barriers, and we need more funds to provide more financial assistance. I am very worried about the school’s finances. The deficit will be high if we do not attract more children next year. Please help me pray for this cause, and I invite those who have school-aged children to send them with us. I am doing everything in my power to be able to solve this economic crisis, and I have to find a way to find the means to reduce it because it is also worth mentioning that we are still paying the loan of half a million dollars with which we repaired the roof of the school. With this, I want to let you know where we are, both as a parish and with the school, which is a parish ministry. Our children’s education is a shared responsibility, and I urge you to support us in any way you can.
On another subject, next weekend, we begin with the Religious Education program, so I want to welcome all the children. I ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit so they can learn and get to know Jesus better. They are the church’s future; therefore, we must form them in the faith as best we can. I thank the volunteers who agreed to be catechists. It is a beautiful ministry with a great responsibility. God bless you for lending your lips to announce the gospel to these little ones. I welcome you all with hope and optimism for a very fruitful year ahead!
Speaking of the parish environment, I share with you that the profit from the Parish Festival was $41,155. It was worth the effort and all the work we did as a parish family. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the parish volunteers, sponsors, movements, and ministries. Your help was invaluable, and your enthusiasm gave joy and unity to the parish. I am proud of the unity we showed. We have set a precedent, and our festival grows year after year and creates an identity due to its structure: the quality of the food, the entertainment, and participation for children, youth, and adults. The staff, volunteers, and sponsors gave everything to make this work.
I hope you have a blessed week; I have you in my prayers.
Fr. Alex
