Pastor's letter for this week
October 9, 2026
Dear Parishioners of St. Andrew,
I hope you are all doing well and staying strong! Well, I don’t know about you but I am quite ready for a change in weather. The heatwave we’ve just had simply wipes me out! I’m looking forward to some rain and some colder weather and it looks like that will be happening starting tomorrow.
This week we had two beautiful school Masses: on Tuesday we celebrated the feast of Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, SNJM. Blessed Marie Rose was the co-foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary who founded our parish school and staffed it for most of its history. Her charism still guides us today.
I took the opportunity to give each child and teacher at our school a Miraculous Medal which I had brought back from the Shrine in Paris. The children were most grateful. I reminded them to pray the rosary every day and especially during this month of the Holy Rosary. They sang happy birthday to me although, at my age, I don’t celebrate birthdays anymore. Haven’t since the 40th. I actually prefer to just have a regular workday which is what I did. However, I did go out for a special dinner that night.
Yesterday after the morning Mass we had our annual Blessing of the Animals. I always greatly enjoy that event as our parishioners bring their pets for a special blessing. Our school children also brought a lot of pets to be blessed as well as their stuffed animals. I love that they’re building these memories of Catholic School.
This weekend we will have the visiting image of Our Lady of Fatima during this Marian month of the Holy Rosary.
Here is the rest of the news from the parish:
THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING FOR OUR ANNUAL BACH TO BROADWAY CONCERT! – Our parish’s annual “Bach to Broadway” is coming up fast in just less than 2 weeks! It is scheduled for 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.
A VERY SPECIAL VISITING IMAGE – We have been given the privilege of hosting the International Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima in our parish. This will take place, very appropriately, during this month of the Holy Rosary, this weekend. After each Mass you will have the opportunity to receive a little holy card.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY – Next 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.
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”. On 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!
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