Posted on October 10, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parish Family,
This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 17:11–19) tells the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. Only one of them — a Samaritan — returned to thank Him. That act of gratitude, though small, carried a profound message: faith and thanksgiving are inseparable. True faith doesn’t end with receiving blessings; it naturally leads to recognizing the Giver. When Jesus says to the man, “Your faith has saved you,” He reminds us that gratitude opens the door to salvation. To believe is to be thankful — to see everything, even the ordinary, as a gift from God.
Every Sunday, we gather as a parish family to celebrate the Eucharist — a word that literally means “thanksgiving.” Each Mass is our way of saying “thank you” to God for His countless blessings: for our lives, our families, our work, our health, and our faith. Within that sacred act, the offertory has a special meaning. It is not simply a financial contribution; it is a spiritual offering. When we give, we are expressing our trust in God and our willingness to share what He has given us. As Scripture teaches, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The offertory sustains the life of our parish — it keeps our ministries active, supports our school, maintains our church and facilities, and allows us to reach out to those in need. But beyond its practical impact, our offering is a statement of faith. It says, “Lord, I believe in what you are doing here, and I want to be part of it.” Giving becomes a form of discipleship, a way of participating in God’s work in our midst.
Next weekend, October 18–19, we will begin our Offertory Increase Program. This is an important moment for our parish — an opportunity to renew our commitment to the Lord and to ensure that Queen of Apostles remains strong and vibrant for years to come. I ask each of you to pray about your weekly offering. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your decision. The goal is not simply to give more, but to give with greater awareness, faith, and love.
For those who prefer the convenience of digital giving, I encourage you to use Pushpay, our secure online donation platform. It is an easy and consistent way to support the parish, especially when you travel or are unable to attend Mass. You can access it directly through our parish website. Your participation, whether in person or online, truly makes a difference.
Finally, please note that the parish office will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day, and there will be only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. that morning. May you enjoy a peaceful and restful day with your loved ones, giving thanks to God for His many blessings.
I hope you have a blessed week.
Fr. Diaz
