Pastor's letter for this week
April 24, 2026,
Dear Parishioners of St. Andrew,
I hope you are all doing well and staying strong! Things are busy at the parish this week as we prepare for the Tallis Scholars Concert this Sunday (see information below). Today is also Fr. Sebastian Josephraj’s birthday so we wish him well. The Cuban priest who was visiting me last week is now back home in Cuba. His last night in Los Angeles consisted of accompanying me to the Los Angeles Master Chorale for a performance of Mozart’s magnificent Requiem. I think he had a memorable visit with us.
Last night we had a lot of fun watching the children of our school perform the musical “Alice in Wonderland” and they did it very well. This morning our 2nd graders from St. Andrew School made their First Confessions in preparation for their First Holy Communion which will take place on May 9th. This is always a wonderful time of the year as we see our children receive the Sacraments. Tomorrow night I’ll be at the St. Monica Academy Gala and am very much looking forward to it. I’ll be celebrating the Sunday anticipated Mass for them as this year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding. It is simply amazing to me that 25 years have already passed. What a great milestone!
This coming week I will finally be taking my Easter break. Even though Easter was almost 4 weeks ago I had not had a chance to take those days off yet so I’m looking forward to it. My doctor is also since he’s telling me that I’m too stressed out! I’ll still send out my weekly email next Friday, however.
Here is the rest of the news from the parish:
TALLIS SCHOLARS CONCERT THIS SUNDAY! – We are once again hosting an incredible concert: The world renowned Tallis Scholars is a British professional early music vocal ensemble normally consisting of two singers per part, with a core group of ten singers. They specialize in performing a cappella sacred vocal music. They tour widely around the world performing over 70 converts in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They’ve been to St. Andrew’s before to sold out crowds and we are very honored to host them once again. Their concert will take place on Sunday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale on our parish website at: www.standrewpasadena.org
This is a concert NOT to be missed! There is a discount code available for seats in the rear seating section of the church: TALLIS2026SA50 will get you 50% off.
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY – VOCATIONS SUNDAY – This Sunday is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday” because the gospel tells us about our Lord Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd who never leaves his flock untended. It is also designated as World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
This year we are honored to host four seminarians studying to be priests for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. They will take turns speaking briefly at each Mass and then be outside to meet our parishioners and answer questions.
I urge you each day to say a prayer for more Priests, Brothers and Sisters to serve God and His people. Over the course of our parish history, we have been blessed with many vocations to the priesthood and Religious life from St. Andrew's. Currently we have two young men from St. Andrew’s studying to be Dominican Fathers and an additional two studying to be diocesan priests for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This is a great blessing! However, a parish of our size should have many young men in the seminary and many young women in the convent. Our prayers, good advice and example can help many others to answer the Lord’s call to service in the Church.
MONTH OF MARY – The month of May, which begins this Friday, is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. During this month we will have the traditional “Crowning of Mary” by our School and Religious Education children. The May Crowning by the children of our Religious Education Program will take place on Monday, May 4th at 7:15 p.m. followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
This Friday, May 1st is First Friday so we will have our Eucharistic Holy Hour at 9:00 a.m. and then additional all-night Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament following the evening Mass.
The St. Andrew School May Crowning will take place on Tuesday, May 13th Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, at 10:30 a.m. followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Everyone is invited to either or both of these beautiful celebrations. I encourage you this coming month especially to pray the Rosary which is the most wonderful of Marian devotions.
In Christ and St. Andrew,
Fr. Gonzalez
ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS IN CHURCH
HOW TO RECITE THE HOLY ROSARY
PROCEDURE FOR THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION