Dear Good Shepherd Parish Family,
As we end the month of February, we prepare our hearts for a season of reflection, renewal, and faith. This month’s newsletter highlights the many ways our parish continues to grow through ministry, service, and spiritual formation.
Looking Ahead: Ash Wednesday & the Lenten Season
With Ash Wednesday approaching on March 5th, we are invited to reflect on our faith and prepare spiritually for the Lenten season. This sacred day of fasting and repentance reminds us of our need for God's mercy and grace. Let us come together in prayer and reflection as we embark on this spiritual journey.
Parish Highlights
This month, we shine a light on the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ministry, which continues to serve our parish with faith and dedication. Our youth and young adult ministries remain active, fostering community and spiritual growth among our younger members. We also take a look at our Religious Education program, which continues to form the next generation in faith.
A Month of Faith & Fellowship
There is much to look forward to in the life of our parish, from special events to opportunities for service and worship. Let us enter this month with open hearts and a renewed spirit, embracing the call to deepen our relationship with Christ.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Ministry: A Legacy of Devotion and Service
This June 28th marks the 27th anniversary of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Ministry, a dedicated community within Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. The ministry was established in June 1999 by the late Monsignor Tom Kleinhans with a group of fifty Filipinos. The mission of OLPH is to honor and imitate Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, through evangelization, prayers, and service to the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish and the wider community.
We are approaching our 27th year anniversary because of their continued love, commitment, dedication, and hard work to the ministry, as well as the great support from the community and our Pastor, Fr. Alex Chavez. All for God’s glory!
Celebrating Faith and Culture
OLPH Feast Day—June 26
Each year, the OLPH Ministry celebrates Our Lady of Perpetual Help's feast day with a special Mass at St. Mary’s, followed by a vibrant fellowship gathering. The celebration showcases cultural dances, traditional Filipino cuisine, and a deep sense of community.
Simbang Gabi—December
A cherished Filipino Advent tradition, Simbang Gabi (translated as Evening Mass) traces its roots to the Spanish-introduced Misa de Gallo, an early morning Mass originally held at 5:00 AM to accommodate farmers in the Philippines. Today, the OLPH Ministry celebrates Simbang Gabi with evening Masses, incorporating the rosary, liturgy of light, and Filipino hymns. Following each Mass, attendees gather for fellowship, enjoying authentic Filipino food over nine consecutive nights of novena Masses, culminating in a grand final celebration featuring a traditional lechon (roast pig).
In 2024, a remarkable act of generosity took place during Simbang Gabi when Cres Pascua’s niece purchased giveaway items, including small appliances and chocolates. An unexpected encounter with a Middle Eastern woman at a bank led to an inspiring moment of interfaith generosity. Moved by the spirit of giving, the woman later donated 20 gallons of milk to the community, making the last night of Simbang Gabi even more memorable. Another act of generosity also took place when a non-Catholic woman donated a rice cooker and an air fryer for the Simbang Gabi giveaway!
Recently, from the donations we received during the Simbang Gabi, we were able to give $2,000 to Bethlehem Center and another $2,000 to the St. Charles building fund.
Serving the Community
Bethlehem Center & Bethlehem Café
On the second Saturday of the month, OLPH members prepare and serve lunch at the Bethlehem Center. Volunteers led by Dominga Tabutol work alongside the chef and director of the center, with at least one member holding a valid food handler’s certificate.
On the last Sunday of the month, the OLPH volunteers gets together to provide funds to purchase materials for the selling of lumpia every month (egg rolls) at the Bethlehem Café, this initiative generates $450 monthly to support Bethlehem Center causes . The lumpias are made by our lead lumpia cook, Dominga Tabutol. The OLPH also helps other ministries as needed.
Supporting Parish Growth
The OLPH Ministry has significantly contributed to the St. Charles Borromeo Church, funding and donating:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Minor Shrine
St. James the Less, Altar Pillar
Priest vestments (purple and white)
Additionally, individual OLPH members have donated ciboria, parishioner seats, Stations of the Cross, Tabernacle lamp, a stained-glass Saint window and money for the building fund, enhancing the spiritual beauty of the parish.
Active Parish Involvement
OLPH members actively participate in various ministries, serving as extraordinary ministers, sacristans, lectors, and Christophers. Their dedication extends beyond OLPH, embodying the spirit of faith in action.
Join the OLPH Ministry
Membership is open to all, regardless of ethnicity. Adults 18 years and older who seek spiritual growth and community involvement are welcome. There are no membership dues, though donations are encouraged during annual appeals.
Through prayer, service, and cultural heritage, the OLPH Ministry stands as a beacon of faith within the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, inspiring others to live out their devotion through acts of love and generosity.
For more information, please contact:
Parish Office: (559) 734-9522
Attention: Cres Pasqua
Parish Life: New Seminarian from Good Shepherd Catholic Parish
With great joy and gratitude to God, we are delighted to announce that Victor Carrillo, Jr., our Parish Intern, has been accepted by Bishop Brennan as a seminarian for the Diocese of Fresno! Thanks be to God!
Victor will begin his priestly formation at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA, this August. As he embarks on this sacred journey of discernment and preparation, we invite our parish community to join in prayer and support for him during this formative time.
Victor now joins the esteemed ranks of our four other current seminarians from Good Shepherd Catholic Parish:
Scott Borba
Marco Antonio Ayala
Jorge Noricumbo, Jr.
Caleb Peltzer
Please continue to pray for all our seminarians and for those discerning the call to the priesthood. May God bless them abundantly as they prepare to serve His Church!
Parish Life: Blessed Father McGivney Relic
The Knights of Columbus Council 2268 was honored to host the Blessed Father McGivney Relic at St. Mary’s Church on Sunday, February 23rd. The event began with a 7:30 AM Mass celebrated by Father Dalton Rogers, followed by a solemn time of veneration of the relic.
Parishioners gathered in prayer, reflecting on the life and mission of Blessed Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, whose dedication to charity, unity, and fraternity continues to inspire our faith community.
Following the veneration, a membership ceremony was conducted at The Serra Center at 9:30 AM, welcoming new members into the Knights of Columbus.
The event was a beautiful testament to the faith and devotion of our parish, strengthened by the participation of so many. Thank you to everyone who attended and to those who helped make this event a meaningful and prayerful experience.
Catechesis & Evangelization: Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Our Youth & Young Adult Ministries continue to flourish, providing engaging faith-based activities for all age groups. Here’s a look at our most recent gatherings:
Children’s Youth Group (Feb 20, 2025)
Activities:
Gospel of the Week Bible Study encouraged reflection on scripture.
A craft activity allowed children to express their faith creatively.
A coloring page reinforced the lesson in a fun and interactive way.
Middle School Youth Group (Feb 19, 2025)
Activities:
An ice breaker helped build connections among students.
Adoration and Confessions provided a moment of spiritual reflection.
Fellowship time allowed participants to grow in community and faith.
High School Youth Group (Feb 19, 2025)
Activities:
Ice breakers encouraged engagement and connection.
Adoration and Confessions deepened spiritual growth and personal reflection.
Fellowship offered time for meaningful discussions and support.
Young Adults Ministry (Feb 21, 2025)
Activities:
Fellowship created a welcoming space for conversation and faith-sharing.
Adoration and Confessions provided an opportunity for spiritual renewal.
An ice breaker helped strengthen community bonds.
We are grateful for the participation and enthusiasm of our youth and young adults as they grow in faith and community. All are welcome to join! Stay tuned for upcoming gatherings and activities as we continue to foster faith formation and fellowship.
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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