Pastor's letter for this week

May 15, 2026,

Dear Parishioners of St. Andrew,

I hope you are all doing well and staying strong!  Today is the feast of St. Isidore the Farmer.  Perhaps you’ve never heard of him, but he’s one of my favorite saints along with his wife, Maria de la Cabeza, both of whom are saints.  If you look at their lives you would see nothing extraordinary: they were tenant farmers who worked on the same farm and for the same landowner their whole lives.  Yet they are beloved in Spain and in rural communities as patrons of the working poor.  Their lives show us that anyone can be a saint regardless of status or position provided we live a life of virtue and do our work diligently and to the best of our ability.  

We’re in the midst of “Sacraments season” as we celebrate First Communions and Confirmation. (see below).  Last night all the children of our Religious Education Program as well as our Homeschoolers made their First Confessions in preparation for tomorrow.  

It is also the wonderful month of May which is dedicated to Our Lady, so we’ve had both May Crownings already.  This past Wednesday was the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, so the children of our parish school had their May crowning, and it was a most beautiful celebration which ended with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  

On Wednesday, Fr. Sebastian and I were able to attend the annual Catholic Charities of San Gabriel Region Dinner honoring volunteers.  We went especially because our next-door neighbor at Sacred Heart Parish, Fr. Gilbert Guzman, was honored for his leadership through the aftermath of the terrible Eaton Fire last year.  It was a wonderful event honoring all those who volunteer in our Region for Catholic Charities.

Here is the rest of the news from the parish:

PUERI CANTORES CONCERT TOMORROW, MAY 16 - The Music at Saint Andrew Concert Series presents “Voices of Peace, Songs of Joy” featuring Mass in G by Franz Schubert performed by our resident children's choir, Pueri Cantores San Gabriel Valley, orchestra, and soloists under the direction of Musical Director, Patrick Flahive. Saturday, May 16th at 7:30pm

Suggested donation of $20 general and $15 for seniors and children under 12.  For further information check our website: www.standrewpasadena.org

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION – This Sunday we celebrate the beautiful Solemnity of Our Lord’s glorious Ascension into heaven following his Resurrection.  Next Sunday brings the Solemnity of Pentecost which ends the Easter season.

CARDINAL MC INTYRE FUND FOR CHARITY – Also this Sunday, throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, a special collection is taken up for this charitable fund.  This charity is unique to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  It was established many years ago by the late Archbishop, Cardinal James Francis Mc Intyre to assist parishes in meeting the emergency needs of parishioners.  The funds from this charity assist in emergency shelter, medicine, utilities, rent, etc.   Each parish is allotted $5,000 per year for a variety of emergency charitable needs.  Our parish uses these funds regularly to assist in emergencies.  Thank you for your generosity to this fund.

FIRST COMMUNIONS & CONFIRMATION – Tomorrow the children of our Religious Education Program received their First Holy Communion at two separate Masses.  By coincidence it also happens to be the 50th anniversary of my own First Holy Communion.  I’ve always remembered that day prominently in my mind.  It was one of the happiest days in my life.  It is good for all of us to remember and be grateful for the wonderful gift Our Lord gave us in the Most Holy Eucharist.  

Our Confirmation Mass for this year will be on Saturday, June 6th at 2:00 p.m. with Bishop Brian Nunez officiating.  Please keep the candidates in your prayers.

MEMORIAL DAY – Monday, May 25th, is Memorial Day.  We will pray for the repose of the souls of those who gave their life for our country.  Please note that since this is a civic holiday, there will be only one Mass that day at 9:30 a.m. The parish office and school will be closed.  

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