Posted on May 16, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners,
We are celebrating the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Today’s Gospel reminds us of one of the most difficult moments in Jesus’ life with his disciples. At the heart of the Last Supper, just after Judas has left to betray Jesus, the Lord speaks words that resonate with special force: “I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Jesus is not offering a suggestion or a simple moral teaching. He is delivering the core of Christianity: love as a way of life, as the hallmark of his followers, and as a reflection of God’s love for humanity. The love Jesus proposes is not just “loving others” or “doing good,” but loving as He has loved: forgiving, serving, healing, giving one’s life. It is an active, concrete, sacrificial, and limitless love.
Jesus is clear: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:35) True Christian identity is proven by the way we treat others, especially the weakest, those who think differently, those we find difficult to love. Jesus’ commandment is lived out daily: at home, at work, in the community. Loving like him is not a passing emotion, but a firm decision manifested in concrete actions: a kind word, an offer of forgiveness, a shared time.
Speaking of parish life, last Thursday, the parish “Queens Cup” golf tournament was held for the third consecutive year. It was truly a beautiful sporting celebration. I was delighted to see how much the participants enjoyed the tournament. I would like to thank everyone who worked hard to prepare and find sponsors. It took long days of preparation and teamwork; it truly inspires and makes us feel more like a family. I can’t thank the sponsors enough, as well as all those who have donated their time and financial support. This will help us further support the school and the parish. Thank you so much for your support.
We are already on the fifth Sunday of Easter, yet it pains me to ask you to help us meet the goal of the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA). This year has been one of the few where we are the only parish with 76% of the goal. I ask those who have not made their commitment, please, in faith and God’s will, to make this contribution that will help us support our Bishop and all his projects. Please, I implore you to help us in this campaign.
Finally, I thank all the catechists who completed the school year last weekend in our Religious Education program. They have truly been true heroes of the faith, teaching with much love and enthusiasm. I hope that next year they can continue to support us.
May God bless you.
Fr. Alex
