Posted on November 28, 2022 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear parishioners,
This Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, with this great solemnity we end the liturgical year and prepare to start a new one. Next weekend we will begin the season of advent and we will begin to prepare for Christmas. The liturgical cycle of this next year, 2023, is cycle A, and it corresponds to read the most significant passages of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, except in the tough times that Saint John is read. He was a publican, he was a tax collector, and so he was hated and despised, considered a sinner because he collaborated with the Romans. Jesus looked at him with mercy and called him; He without hesitation got up and leaving everything, followed Him. He himself narrates that unforgettable moment; (Mt.9, 9).
In the context of celebrating Jesus as King, our bishop will kick off the second jubilee year at the Cathedral in preparation for the fiftieth-year celebration of our diocese. This next year 2022-2023 will be focused on Mary our Mother, as a disciple and mother of the Church. Like last year we will celebrate the 40 Eucharistic hours in March of next year. Throughout this next year we will have meditations and reflections focused on the motherhood and discipleship of our Blessed Mother. I invite all of you to join in prayer and preparation on this path of joy and gratitude for the goodness that God has given us as the Diocese of Arlington. Our bishop will hold a holy hour in the Cathedral this Sunday, Nov. 20th at 4:00pm. Everyone is invited to participate.
I would like to remind you that the parish office will be closed for Thanksgiving break starting on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at noon, and we will reopen next Monday. Nov. 28th. I wish for our staff to share with their families and take a few days off.
Next Thursday, November 24th, is Thanksgiving, a family gathering, a day to give thanks to God for everything we have received; many of your relatives will stop by to share and enjoy time with you. Share food as a family, but do not forget to thank God for life and the great miracles received this year. Many are no longer with us and we will miss them, but we have faith and hope that they are already enjoying God’s presence. May this day not be a day of simple celebration and tradition, but rather one of prayer and thanksgiving. On a personal note, I thank God for being in this parish and allowing me to share with you as a great family of faith. I feel at home and supported by your expressions of affection, really, with a family like you, it is not difficult to be a pastor. Don’t forget to participate in the Solemn Eucharist of Thanksgiving, at 10:00am. On behalf of Father Paul, our deacons, the entire staff who work tirelessly, and myself as your pastor, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving.
I have you in my prayers. Happy Thanksgiving.
Fr. Alex
