Pastor's letter for this week
October 16, 2026
Dear Parishioners of St. Andrew,
I hope you are all doing well and staying strong! This week I finally got around to reading all the birthday cards that the children of our school sent me last week. I am always amused by their drawings of me dressed in what is supposed to be a cassock or perhaps Mass vestments but look to me like costumes from Star Wars. My favorite, though, was one which said: “Yes, you’re getting old, but the school students still love you!” Well, that’s nice. I think. (It’s always good to be reminded you’re getting old!)
Last week’s heatwave took a weekend break but came back again this week. I can’t wait until it finally starts to cool permanently.
This has been a busy week in preparation for the Bach to Broadway concert which is next Friday. I am very much looking forward to that. It is always one of the most beautiful events of our parish community. I especially recommend it to those of you who have never come. You’ll love it! Those who have come before don’t need convincing. You already know it’s a wonderful event. Please see information below.
Let us continue to pray for a speedy recovery for our Holy Father, Pope Leo. From what the news reports say, he is doing quite well and should be back to the Vatican tomorrow or Sunday. Here is the rest of the news from the parish:
IT’S NEXT WEEK! - OUR ANNUAL BACH TO BROADWAY CONCERT! – Our parish’s annual “Bach to Broadway” is finally arriving! It is next Friday, October 23rd at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. It is my hope that we have a sold-out concert.
As you know, the proceeds from the concert go to the restoration efforts of our church. That funding is greatly needed as our church building continues to age yet must constantly be maintained and beautified. The Restoration Committee is working hard to ensure that the church is in beautiful condition for the Centennial next year. Please save the date: Friday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale right now on our website: www.standrewpasadena.org.
There will be a beautiful reception for patrons in the piazza ahead of time and a dessert reception for everyone afterwards on Raymond Avenue. The details are on the website. I hope to see you all there!
Please note that there will be NO Spanish Mass OR evening Confessions that evening.
GROUP WEDDING – For many years here at St. Andrew's we have offered the opportunity to couples who are married civilly (or simply cohabitating) but have not received the Sacrament of Matrimony the option of a “Group Wedding”. Next Monday, Oct. 19th I will hold an Information Night held in the Sacristy Chapel to offer all details, distribute applications and answer questions. If you are in a situation where you are civilly married or just living together without marriage, please consider the call of the Lord to the Sacrament of Matrimony. If you have friends or relatives in this situation, encourage them to come and get the necessary information. Don’t miss this opportunity!
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY – PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH – This Sunday is World Mission Sunday. On this day we pray especially for all missionaries who spread the truth of Christ’s gospel to the farthest corners of the earth. We will also support our missionaries through our second collection. Thank you for your generosity!
ALL SAINTS DAY- This beautiful Solemnity which celebrates the Church Triumphant in heaven with all those holy ones who came before us, famous as well as the unknown, is celebrated on Sunday, November 1st. Since it falls on a Sunday this year it will be celebrated at all our Sunday Masses.
ALL SOULS DAY – Monday, November 2nd is the Commemoration of All Souls. We affirm our belief in the reality of sin as an offense against the awesome majesty of Almighty God, and in His just punishments. We affirm as well our belief that prayer is a powerful instrument before God's throne, that by it we are able to intercede for our deceased brothers and sisters.
As is our custom, we will pray especially for all those who died in our parish this past year. If you had a family member who passed away this year and the funeral was held here, then that person will be automatically on the list. If the funeral was held elsewhere and you’d like to include them in our prayer, please call the Pastoral Center at (626) 792-4183.
Our special annual Requiem Mass with the beautiful music of Gabriel Fauré will take place at 7:00 p.m. and all those who had a death in their family this last year will receive a special invitation. I highly recommend coming to this beautiful Mass which will be celebrated solemnly.
November 2nd also begins our All Souls Novena so now is the time to begin to enroll your deceased loved ones in the Novena of Masses which will begin on November 3rd and continue for 9 days. The envelopes are available in the Pastoral Center and also in the church gift shop.
In Christ and St. Andrew,
Fr. Gonzalez
EUCHARISTIC CONCOMITANCE
ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS IN CHURCH
HOW TO RECITE THE HOLY ROSARY
PROCEDURE FOR THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION