Pastor's letter for this week
April 10, 2026,
Dear Parishioners of St. Andrew,
I hope you are all doing well and staying strong! I’m sending this to you from Dallas, Texas, where I am for a two-day meeting of the senior officers of the Order of St. Lazarus to which I belong. I’ll be back at the parish in time for Sunday Masses, however.
The celebrations of Holy Week were wonderful and spiritually uplifting. This year I was a lot more tired than in other years. Not really sure why since it’s always the same schedule. Maybe just age. On Holy Saturday I was so tired that I literally slept through two alarms and missed the 8:15 a.m. Lauds. Have never done that before! But I’ve had some sleep this week so I’m back to 100%.
A few people have been asking me about my health because I mentioned on Good Friday that I had recently had a heart scan which showed some plaque. It was concerning and my physician sent me to a cardiologist who performed a battery of tests. I got the results of those earlier this week and they all turned out well. I’m in overall good health but need to make some modifications with my medicines. So overall good news! As Mark Twain said, “the reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!”
Actually, this has been a quiet week at the parish since the school was closed for Easter vacation and no Religious Education classes either. It’s nice having a quieter Easter week as we continue to celebrate the joy of Easter. I hope you’ve had a little break as well. The school vacation has also allowed us to make some needed repairs at the school with plastering and painting walls and installing a new drinking water fountain. Always something happening!
Here is the rest of the news from the parish:
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY – This Sunday is the Sunday in the Octave of Easter and also Divine Mercy Sunday. The Feast of Mercy is a Celebration and a Summation of God's Merciful Love. The Triduum of Holy Week, along with the entire Easter season, focuses on various aspects of the paschal mystery. Holy Thursday celebrates the Mass of the Chrism and the evening Mass of the Mandatum - the washing of the feet of the disciples, ordination to the priesthood, the institution of the Eucharist, and the last discourse of Our Lord promising the sending of the Holy Spirit. Good Friday commemorates the passion and death of Jesus on the cross. The Easter vigil, the pinnacle of the paschal mystery, celebrates the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Redeemer who is our light and salvation, bringing us new life by water and the Holy Spirit. The Easter season continues this celebration, leading to the Ascension of the Lord and to Pentecost - the fulfillment of the promise to send the Holy Spirit.
The Feast of Mercy, which we celebrate this Sunday, focuses on God's mercy as an event! It focuses on God's continuing action of mercy throughout salvation history as we see it recorded in the letter to the Romans, chapters 9, 10,11, culminating in His loving plan to have mercy on all! (See Rom 11:32.) This Feast is a summation of the event to His mercy active in our lives now. It is because of His mercy that we have forgiveness of sin and new life as children of God.
VERY SPECIAL CONCERT COMING UP! – We are soon 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!
SCHOOL GALA “AN EVENING IN BLOOM” COMING UP! – I want to extend a warm invitation to all of our parishioners to attend the annual St. Andrew School Gala which will be held at the Westin Pasadena on April 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. It promises to be a wonderful night of friendship, music, dancing and good food. This is the 23rd annual Gala and this year we are honoring the Christ Child Society of Pasadena which does so much for our community. Please see the attached flyer. I hope to see you all there!
Here is the link to purchase tickets, book with our room block, and learn more about the event:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/standrew2026galaauction/
HOLY WEEK WAS EXHAUSTING BUT WONDERFUL!- Holy Week is always such a beautiful celebration. Each of the days of the Triduum are unique and all have a particular character. Yes, our Holy Week celebrations were beautiful and spiritually enriching but very tiring also. During the Triduum we also have a lot of Confessions and this year I think there were more people than ever. Same with the attendance at each of the liturgies. They were all full. It was wonderful!
By Easter Sunday night I was exhausted. I think the same is true for our musicians, decorators and liturgical ministers. All worked very hard to ensure that our Holy Week liturgies were celebrated with due solemnity and beauty and added to the devotion of our parishioners. We also had a lot of visitors from all over who have apparently heard of the quality of our liturgies. They were very complimentary of our efforts. That’s good to hear!
Our two seminarians were an invaluable help this year in service as Masters of Ceremonies at all the liturgies. They worked very hard! Jack left on Easter Sunday afternoon to fly to see his parents in Spain while John has this week off to rest. Having them handle all the ceremonial details of Holy Week really allowed the priests to focus on the actual celebrations and preaching. That’s a great gift.
PLEASE DON’T FORGET THE POOR PARISHES – Our annual Together in Mission Campaign began two months weeks ago. As you know, this campaign assists the poorest parishes and schools of the Archdiocese. Our parish goal this year is $75,322.00. This reflects our income in 2025. It is a great opportunity to help out these poor parishes even more.
The important thing is that everyone participates according to their means. If you have more then give more, if you have less, then give less. But everybody’s part is important. The pledge envelopes are available in the pews and in the Pastoral Center. You may also make your contribution online by going to: togetherinmission.org. You click on “Give Now” then “Find your Parish.” Please be sure to click on "St. Andrew Church" as your parish so that it is credited to our goal.
To all those who have already donated or made their pledge for 2026: thank you!
In Christ and St. Andrew,
Fr. Gonzalez
St. Andrew School Gala - April 17th
ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS IN CHURCH
HOW TO RECITE THE HOLY ROSARY
PROCEDURE FOR THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION