Dear Parish Family,
As we close out the year and receive the newborn King, the Prince of Peace, into our lives this season of Christmas, I am deeply grateful for the blessings our Parish has received. December is a time to reflect, celebrate, and anticipate. This month’s edition of The Good Shepherd’s Voice highlights the many ways our community has come together in faith and service. From the joyful celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the successes of Family Catechesis and Family Day, these moments remind us of the beauty of our shared mission.
From July 2023 to June 2024, we have witnessed the grace of God in our sacramental milestones, welcoming 386 baptisms, celebrating 84 marriages, and providing 1,290 anointings. We also honored the lives of 238
parishioners called to eternal life. These moments of grace are made possible by the tireless dedication of
our volunteers, including our Extraordinary Ministers, Lectors, Sacristans, and Altar Servers. To each of you, thank you for enriching the spiritual life of our parish. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, may this season bring joy, peace, and renewal to you and your loved ones. Let us continue to serve one another in faith and love, carrying the light of Christ into the world.
In Christ,
Fr. Alex Chavez
Pastor, Good Shepherd Catholic Parish
Ministry Spotlight: Guadalupana Committee
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us
On December 12th, the Guadalupana Committee led our parish in a truly inspiring celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Their devotion and meticulous planning brought together a day filled with faith, unity, and cultural richness, embodying the spirit of Our Lady’s love for her children.
The day began in the early morning hours with the heartfelt Mañanitas at 4:00 AM, a serenade of songs offered to Our Lady with deep devotion. This was followed by the recitation of the Rosary and a captivating performance by the Danzantes, whose traditional dance expressed the beauty and heritage of this special feast. At 6:00 AM, the parish gathered for a moving bilingual Mass, where the love and faith of the community shone brightly.
Following the morning's spiritual celebrations, the festivities continued in the parish hall with a lively reception and raffle. Parishioners came together to share food, fellowship, and joy, further strengthening the bonds of our faith community.
The Guadalupana Committee’s dedication made all of this possible. From coordinating the Mañanitas and Danzantes to organizing the reception, their efforts ensured every detail was meaningful and beautifully executed. The committee’s work is a testament to their love for Our Lady of Guadalupe and their commitment to fostering a vibrant, united parish community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Guadalupana Committee and the many volunteers whose time and talents enriched this celebration. Your efforts remind us of the beauty of faith lived out in service to others.
As we reflect on this joyful celebration, may we all strive to carry the example of Our Lady of Guadalupe into our daily lives, embracing her virtues of humility, hope, and trust in God.
Interview with Carmen Mata
We had the privilege of speaking with Carmen Mata, a devoted member of the Guadalupana Committee. Her heartfelt reflections offer a glimpse into the dedication, faith, and community spirit that make this ministry a cornerstone of our parish life.
A Personal Connection to the Ministry When asked what being part of the Guadalupana Committee means to her personally, Carmen shared, “It’s a sense of belonging to the ministry. Supporting the church by collaborating with my talents, sharing ideas, and learning from other members. It’s about valuing diverse perspectives and using everyone’s strengths to reach the common purpose of organizing the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” This collaborative spirit not only strengthens the committee but also reinforces its mission of devotion and service. Highlights of This Year’s Celebration For Carmen, one of the highlights of this year’s celebration was seeing how the Guadalupanas became instruments of God’s work. “Knowing the testimony of an individual whose life was impacted by attending the novena and committing to be more involved in the church was incredibly moving,” she said. This moment underscores the profound spiritual impact that the festivities can have on individuals within our parish. The Role of Community The success of the Feast Day celebrations lies in the collective efforts of the parish community. “The community plays a vital role by following the vision of our Pastor, Father Alex,” Carmen explained. This unified vision ensures that every detail of the celebration reflects the spiritual and cultural significance of the event. | New Additions to the Festivities This year’s celebration introduced a new structure to the ministry’s operations. “We incorporated members to perform specific jobs to serve the community of our church,” Carmen noted. This organized approach not only enhanced the efficiency of the event but also encouraged greater participation among committee members. Encouraging New Members "Be willing to commit, serve others, and dedicate your talents to promote the devotion and serve our church," Carmen advised those considering joining the Guadalupana Committee. Be consistent, flexible, and open to learning from others.” Her words reflect the welcoming and nurturing environment of the committee. The Celebration’s Impact The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe holds deep meaning for the parish community. According to Carmen, “It’s our roots, our faith traditions, that we are sharing with younger and future generations to connect to our beliefs, faith, and love for Our Mother Mary.” The celebration serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring the continuity of our spiritual heritage. |
Looking to the Future
As the Guadalupana Committee looks ahead, their hopes and goals remain clear. “We aim to continue spreading the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe given to San Juan Diego in Tepeyac,” Carmen said. “We hope to enroll new members, be helpful, and support our church and Father Alex in uniting all parish ministries to be one church.”
The Guadalupana Committee’s dedication to Our Lady of Guadalupe is a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to the parish. Through their efforts, they continue to inspire and unite our community, ensuring that the love and message of Our Mother Mary remain alive in our hearts and actions.
Parish Life: A Year in Review
As we reflect on the fiscal year of 2024, we celebrate the many ways our Parish has been a place of spiritual growth, community, and service. From June 2023 to July 2024, our parish has witnessed an abundance of sacramental and liturgical activities, highlighting the vibrant faith life of our community.
Sacramental Milestones
Baptisms: 335 infants, 33 minor children (ages 7 and older), and 18 adults were welcomed into the faith.
Quinceañeras: 15 young women celebrated this special milestone with the blessing of the Church.
Marriages: 84 couples united in the sacrament of Matrimony, beginning their journey together in Christ.
Anointings: A remarkable 1,290 anointings were administered, offering healing and comfort to those in need.
Deaths: We lovingly remembered and prayed for 238 members of our parish who were called to eternal life.
A Community of Service
Our parish thrives through the dedication and generosity of our volunteers, who serve in a variety of ministries. Currently, our parish is blessed with:
179 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
115 Lectors
50 Sacristans
110 Altar Servers
These numbers do not include the many greeters, funeral servers, and readers who contribute their time and talents to ensure our liturgies and services run smoothly. Together, they embody the spirit of stewardship and commitment that strengthens our parish family.
As we look forward to another year of ministry and service, we give thanks for the blessings of this past year and remain inspired by the dedication and faith of our parishioners. May our collective efforts continue to bring glory to God and deepen the bonds of our community.
Catechesis & Evangelization: Family Catechesis and Family Day
Family Catechesis at St. Thomas
The final session of Family Catechesis at St. Thomas for this year took place on Saturday, December 14. Parents and children gathered for a meaningful hour focused on Advent, Posadas, and the Christmas season. Led by Adriana and catechists Alma and Rocio, the session offered engaging discussions and reflections. The highlight of the gathering was a mini-Posadas, where children brought the story to life through colorful costumes and heartfelt presentations.
This vibrant event was complemented by a delicious meal, thanks to the coordination of Asusena, who arranged food pickups from the Bethlehem Center, Costco, and the Holy Family office. Families contributed an array of gelatinas, cookies, drinks, and other treats.
Rice and chicken were served, delighting all in attendance. Each child received a goody bag to take home, ensuring smiles all around. The ambiance captured the essence of Advent—somber yet joyful, embodying the spirit of Gaudete Sunday with hope and anticipation for the year to come.
Family Day's Success
This year’s Family Day was held as a two-hour activity, with separate sessions in Spanish and English, the day began with a welcoming period of food, sign-ins, and table visits. The Catholic Daughters of America generously provided the food, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for families to connect.
The program continued with a thought-provoking 20-minute talk by Fr. Carrillo, which led into engaging group discussions. The event concluded with a reverent 15-minute exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, leaving attendees spiritually enriched and inspired.
The success of Family Day was made possible by the hard work and dedication of Stefanie, the catechists, and their aides. Their efforts ensured a smooth and meaningful experience for everyone. As we look ahead, the next Family Day in February promises to build on this success and continue fostering connection and faith within our parish community.
Share Your Stories: Celebrating Our Parish Community
At Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, every parishioner and ministry plays a vital role in building our vibrant, faith-filled community. Each of you brings unique experiences, talents, and contributions that make our parish a place of worship, service, and fellowship. Now, we invite you to share your stories with us!
Whether you’re part of a ministry, have participated in a parish event, or have a personal story of faith and service, your experiences matter. By sharing them in The Good Shepherd’s Voice, you can inspire others, strengthen our community, and highlight the incredible work happening across our parish.
Ministries, too, are encouraged to submit updates, events, and stories that showcase the positive impact you are making. These stories are a way to recognize the hard work and dedication that often happens behind the scenes and to inspire even greater involvement.
If you have a story or event to share, please submit it using the Communications Request Form. Together, we can continue to celebrate the many ways God is working through each of us in our parish community. Let’s keep building a parish where every voice is heard, and every story of faith is celebrated!
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