Posted on March 6, 2026 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this Third Sunday of Lent, the Church leads us to Jacob’s well, where Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman (cf. Jn 4:5–42). Beneath the heat of the midday sun, in the midst of an ordinary and somewhat broken life, the Lord begins with a simple request: “Give me a drink.” Yet this is far more than a conversation about water. It is the revelation of a deeper mystery the thirst of God for the human heart, and the profound thirst within the human soul that only God can satisfy. Jesus speaks of “living water,” a grace that does not merely refresh for a moment, but becomes within us a spring flowing into eternal life.
This Gospel invites us to confront our own hidden thirst. Like the Samaritan woman, we often carry wounds, regrets, and longings we try to fill with passing comforts. Christ does not approach us with condemnation, but with patient mercy. He waits for us in the ordinary places of our daily routine, ready to draw us into honest dialogue. Lent is the season in which we are invited to set aside the empty jars we cling to and allow Him to fill us with His living grace. Through prayer, silence, sacrifice, and works of charity, our hearts are opened to receive what only He can give. And when we truly encounter Him, we cannot remain the same we become witnesses, joyfully proclaiming that we have found the Savior who alone satisfies the deepest thirst of the human heart.
This Sunday at the 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm Masses, we will celebrate the First Scrutiny with our catechumens who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The word “scrutiny” can sound intimidating, but its meaning is deeply spiritual and full of grace. The Scrutinies are ancient rites of the Church within the catechumenal journey. They are not examinations, but solemn moments of prayer in which the community intercedes for those preparing for Baptism. Through these prayers, we ask the Lord to purify their hearts, strengthen all that is good within them, and free them from anything that may distance them from Christ.
In the Scrutinies, the Church asks God to search and know the human heart to enlighten it, heal it, and renew it. They are moments of spiritual protection, encouragement, and communal support. For this reason, it is important that we, as a parish family, be present in prayer, accompanying them with love. Their journey toward the Easter Sacraments is also a reminder of our own baptismal calling and the ongoing conversion to which we are invited.
I would also like to speak to you, with pastoral clarity and sincerity, about this year’s Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. This appeal supports many essential diocesan ministries: the formation of seminarians, assistance to parishes in need, Catholic education, charitable outreach, and pastoral programs that serve our broader diocesan family.
At this time, fewer than 10% of our parishioners have made a contribution. I am truly grateful to those who have already responded so generously. At the same time, I respectfully invite the rest of our community to prayerfully consider participating.The Church is not an abstract institution; it is us. The mission of the diocese is our shared mission. If each family makes a sacrifice according to its means, we will not only reach our goal, but perhaps even surpass it.
Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Supporting the Bishop’s Appeal is a concrete way to live out this call to charity and communion.
Let us ensure that the responsibility does not fall on only a small percentage of our parish family. I encourage each of you to bring this to prayer and ask the Lord: “What are You asking me to offer?” With the participation of all, I am confident that we will meet our goal and continue strengthening the mission of the Church in our diocese.
May this Lent be a true season of renewal for each of us. Let us climb the mountain with Christ, listen attentively to His voice, and come down strengthened to live our vocation with greater fidelity and hope.
With my prayers for you and your families,
Fr. Diaz
