Good Shepherd's Voice: January 2025

Dear Parish Family,

As we begin this new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many blessings we share as a parish community and to express my gratitude for your continued faith and dedication. Together, we are growing as a family rooted in Christ, and I am filled with hope and excitement for what lies ahead.

This month, we celebrate the incredible work of our Parish outreach center, the Bethlehem Center, a vital ministry that serves the homeless and families in need throughout Visalia. Their tireless efforts to provide food, support, and hope remind us of our call to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. The Center’s mission embodies the spirit of charity, service, and compassion. I strongly encourage all of you to find ways to support this important ministry, whether through donations, visiting the Bethlehem Café, or simply lifting them in prayer.

We also extend a warm welcome to two wonderful additions to our parish team. First, we are blessed to have Fr. Michael Egelamba join us as our new priest and hospital chaplain. Fr. Michael brings with him a heart for service and a deep faith as he begins his ministry here at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, his first assignment in the Diocese of Fresno and the United States. Let us make him feel at home and support him as he embarks on this new chapter of his journey.

Additionally, we welcome Nancy Carmona, our new Youth Minister under the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization. Nancy’s experience and passion for working with young people will be a tremendous blessing to our parish. I am confident that her leadership and qualifications will inspire and guide our youth as they grow in faith and service.

As we move forward, let us continue to pray for one another, for our ministries, and for all those who serve our parish. May this year bring us closer to Christ and deepen our commitment to living as His disciples.

In Christ,

Fr. Alex Chavez

Pastor, Good Shepherd Catholic Parish

Ministry Spotlight: The Bethlehem Center

In the heart of Visalia, the Bethlehem Center is a ministry of the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, rooted in our shared call to serve those in need. The Bethlehem Center embodies our mission: “Providing food to those in need in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.” It stands as a lifeline for the homeless and struggling families of Visalia, offering essential support. For the homeless, the Center’s hot meals may be the only nourishment they receive each day. For families in crisis, the food pantry provides pantry boxes with staples to help them through difficult times.

Every day, 365 days a year, the Bethlehem Center fulfills a critical need in our community. With hot meals served twice daily—breakfast and lunch—and sack lunches provided for dinner, the Center offers hope and dignity to those who need it most. Additionally, the pantry distributes food boxes Monday through Friday, helping families provide for their loved ones.

Meeting Critical Needs

The impact of the Bethlehem Center in 2024 demonstrates the profound need it fulfills:

Food Boxes Distributed:

• 2,400 food boxes per month, providing essential pantry items to nearly 10,000 individuals per month, most of whom are struggling families.

• Over the year, 28,800 food boxes were distributed, giving families the resources they need to prepare meals at home and find some relief from financial hardship.

Hot Meals Served:

• An average of 9,000 meals per month were served to Visalia’s homeless population, totaling 108,000 meals for the year. These meals ensure that those without a home have reliable access to food, even when all other resources are exhausted.

Sandwiches for Dinner:

• 3,000 sandwiches per month were distributed as part of the Center’s sack lunches, ensuring an additional 36,000 meals for those who would otherwise go hungry.

• These statistics illustrate the critical role the Bethlehem Center plays in addressing food insecurity for both the homeless and the poor families of Visalia. Without the Center’s consistent support, many would face the harsh realities of hunger and despair.

A Lifeline for the Community

The Bethlehem Center operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, relying solely on its dedicated staff and the generosity of donors. With no volunteers, the Center’s small team works tirelessly to meet the growing demand for its services.

In addition to its primary location, the Bethlehem Center extends its reach through two additional distribution sites: one at Holy Family Church in Visalia and another at St. Thomas Church in Goshen. These locations help distribute pantry food boxes to even more families in need, ensuring that those who may not have access to the main Center (elderly and shut-ins) can still receive the nourishment and support they require.

For many, the Bethlehem Center is more than a place to receive food—it is a source of hope and stability. For homeless individuals, it provides a warm meal and a sense of dignity. For struggling families, it offers the reassurance that their children will not go hungry.

Help Us Continue Our Mission

As the only consistent source of daily hot meals for the homeless and pantry food for struggling families, the Bethlehem Center is essential to Visalia’s fight against poverty and hunger. With your support, we can continue to serve those in need with dignity and respect.

To donate and make a difference, visit our website at www.bethlehemcentervisalia.com/ or contact us directly.

Click Here to Donate!

In addition to direct donations, you can support the Bethlehem Center by visiting the Bethlehem Café, located at St. Charles Borromeo. The Café serves delicious breakfast and coffee every Sunday after the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses.

Every purchase at the Bethlehem Café directly supports the Center’s mission to provide food and resources to the homeless and families in need. Enjoy a warm meal while contributing to a cause that makes a real difference in our community.

Together, we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

We are delighted to warmly welcome Fr. Michael Egelamba, SMMM to Good Shepherd Catholic Parish! Fr. Michael began his assignment with us on January 10th, bringing with him a spirit of service and dedication to our faith community.

From Nigeria, Fr. Michael is a member of the Congregation of the Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy, a religious community devoted to spreading God’s love and mercy. This assignment marks a special milestone as Good Shepherd Catholic Parish is Fr. Michael’s first assignment in the Diocese of Fresno and the United States.

We are excited to have Fr. Michael join our Parish family and look forward to the blessings he will bring to our community.

Blessings of the Shrines at St. Charles Borromeo

On December 20, 2024, the parish community of Good Shepherd Catholic Parish came together for a momentous occasion: the blessing of the newly installed shrines, stained glass windows, gardens, and columbaria at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Visalia. The event was led by Bishop Joseph Brennan, joined by parish priests, deacons, and altar servers, in a celebration that highlighted the faith, beauty, and unity of our parish family.

The Major Shrines of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Fatima were blessed alongside the Minor Shrines, which include Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Divine Mercy, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These shrines, now sanctified, offer spaces for prayer and reflection, inviting the faithful to deepen their devotion and seek spiritual solace.

In addition to the shrines, the ceremony included blessings of the columbaria, a resting place for urns, and the completed stained glass windows that adorn the church. These windows, vibrant with sacred imagery, bring to life the stories of our faith while illuminating the space with divine light. The blessings extended to the two beautifully landscaped gardens located on the north and south sides of the church, further enhancing the serene and sacred environment of St. Charles Borromeo.

This special day was a celebration of both spiritual and physical beauty, marking a significant milestone for Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. These sacred spaces stand as a testament to the faith and dedication of our community, offering parishioners and visitors places to connect with God, honor loved ones, and deepen their spiritual journey.

We extend our gratitude to Bishop Brennan, the clergy, and all those who contributed to this remarkable project. The blessings of these shrines, gardens, and windows are a gift to our parish and a legacy that will inspire faith for generations to come.

Reflecting on the Posadas Hosted by Renovación Carismática Católica

This past December, the ministry Renovación Carismática Católica brought the community together in a heartfelt celebration of Las Posadas Navideñas, held from December 15 to December 23. These sacred gatherings, which reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter before the birth of Jesus, were a testament to faith, unity, and the deep-rooted traditions of our Catholic heritage.

The Posadas were hosted at two locations: St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Goshen and the Serra Center in Visalia, with each evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Attendees were invited to participate in prayer, song, and fellowship, culminating in joyous celebrations that prepared the community for the arrival of Christ at Christmas.

Through the efforts of Renovación Carismática Católica and the participation of ministries across Visalia, these gatherings provided an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Families and individuals came together to share in the spirit of hospitality and faith, reminding everyone of the importance of welcoming Christ into our lives and hearts.

The success of this year’s Posadas is a reflection of the dedication and love poured into every detail by the organizing team and the overwhelming support from the community. The ministry would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all who attended, participated, and helped make this cherished tradition a memorable experience for all.

As we move into the new year, may the spirit of the Posadas continue to inspire us to live out our faith with generosity, compassion, and joy.

Reflecting on Simbang Gabi 2024

This past Advent season, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ministry brought the cherished Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi to our parish, uniting parishioners and families in faith, prayer, and celebration. Held from December 15 to December 23, this novena of evening Masses provided a spiritual preparation for Christmas, offering moments of reflection and gratitude as we awaited the birth of Christ.

The Simbang Gabi Masses were celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo and St. Mary’s Church, beautifully enriched by traditional Filipino customs, music, and a spirit of devotion. The dedication of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ministry to preserving this meaningful tradition added a vibrant cultural dimension to our Advent season and strengthened the sense of unity within our parish.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ministry for organizing and hosting this incredible celebration. Their efforts, along with the support of countless volunteers, ensured that each evening was a meaningful and joyous experience for all who attended.

Following the Masses, the community gathered in fellowship, enjoying festive meals that reflected the richness of Filipino culture. These gatherings fostered a deeper connection among parishioners and provided an opportunity to celebrate the season’s joy together.

As we move into the new year, we are deeply grateful for the ministry’s leadership and the dedication of everyone who made this year’s Simbang Gabi possible. May the faith and joy experienced during these celebrations continue to inspire us throughout the year. Maligayang Pasko! (Merry Christmas!)

Our New Youth Minister!

We are thrilled to introduce Nancy Carmona, the newest member of our parish team, as the Youth Minister under the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization. Nancy brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to her new role, and we are excited to have her lead and guide our youth on their spiritual journey.

Nancy grew up here in Visalia and is excited to give back to the community that shaped her faith and values. Her professional background reflects her deep commitment to working with youth. She has served as a teacher’s aide, behavioral therapist, and most recently, as a special education teacher. These roles have equipped her with the skills and understanding to connect with young people and support them in their growth and development.

In her own words, Nancy shares:

"I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve as the Youth Minister for our parish. I have grown up here in Visalia and now I get to give back to my community in a different capacity. I’ve worked with the youth for many years as a teacher’s aide, behavioral therapist, and as a special education teacher. Now I am super excited to help lead the youth through their spiritual journey in this ministry."

We are confident that Nancy’s enthusiasm and dedication will inspire the youth of our parish to deepen their faith, engage with their community, and grow spiritually. Please join us in warmly welcoming Nancy Carmona to Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. Let us keep her and our youth ministry in our prayers as they embark on this exciting journey together.

Welcome, Nancy!

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!