Good Shepherd's Voice: May 2025

Dear Good Shepherd Parish Family,

As we enter the summer season, our Parish continues to be alive with faith, gratitude, and joyful service. This month, we reflect on the many ways God is moving within our Parish—through new beginnings, meaningful gatherings, and the faithful witness of those who serve.

We are blessed to welcome Fr. James Tasy as our new Parochial Vicar. At the same time, we give thanks for the dedicated service of Fr. Alex Chavez, Fr. Dalton Rogers, and Fr. Jose Maria Carrillo, each celebrating their ordination anniversaries. Our Parish staff and parishioners are truly grateful that they have answered God's call to the priesthood and continue to guide us with humility, strength, and love.

We also took time to renew our own hearts and mission during a staff retreat held at St. Charles Borromeo. With guidance from Fr. Moses Blain, O.Praem, and the prayerful presence of Adoration and Mass, our staff was reminded of the importance of stepping away to reconnect with Christ and one another.

Let us continue to grow in faith, and remain rooted in Christ, who is the heart of all we do.

Ministry Highlight: Adoración Nocturna

Ministerio Destacado: Adoración Nocturna

At Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, a group of parishioners comes together each month for a special time of Eucharistic Adoration. This ministry, known as Adoración Nocturna, was founded on August 16, 2000, when a small group of men felt called to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer during the night.

En la Parroquia Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, un grupo de feligreses se reúne cada mes para un momento especial de adoración eucarística. Este ministerio, conocido como Adoración Nocturna, fue fundado el 16 de agosto del año 2000, cuando un pequeño grupo de hombres sintió el llamado de profundizar su relación con Cristo a través de la oración durante la noche.

Mario Sánchez, the ministry’s president, leads the group by coordinating the monthly vigils and ensuring that each gathering is carried out in a spirit of prayer and in keeping with the tradition of Adoración Nocturna.

Mario Sánchez, presidente del ministerio, dirige al grupo coordinando las vigilias mensuales y asegurando que cada encuentro se realice con el espíritu de oración y según la tradición de Adoración Nocturna.

The ministry offers a peaceful and personal opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Members gather to pray for the needs of the world, for our priests, and in reparation for offenses committed against the Eucharist. These moments of adoration are filled with intercession, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

El ministerio ofrece una oportunidad tranquila y personal para estar en la presencia de Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento. Los miembros se reúnen para orar por las necesidades del mundo, por nuestros sacerdotes, y en reparación por las ofensas cometidas contra la Eucaristía. Estos momentos de adoración están llenos de intercesión, reflexión y renovación espiritual.

For Mario and many others, this experience has strengthened their faith and helped them grow in their relationship with God. “It helps me stay close to Jesus,” he shares, “and to live according to His will.”

Para Mario y muchos otros, esta experiencia ha fortalecido su fe y los ha ayudado a crecer en su relación con Dios. “Me ayuda a mantenerme cerca de Jesús,” comparte, “y a vivir según Su voluntad.”

Anyone who feels the call is welcome to participate. While all are invited to join in prayer, full participation in the ministry requires being in communion with the Church and actively receiving the sacraments. New members receive formation to help them understand the mission, structure, and responsibilities of the group.

Cualquier persona que sienta el llamado es bienvenida a participar. Aunque todos están invitados a unirse en oración, la participación plena en el ministerio requiere vivir en comunión con la Iglesia y recibir activamente los sacramentos. Los nuevos miembros reciben formación para comprender la misión, la estructura y las responsabilidades del grupo.

Men, women, and even children are part of this ministry, each offering one night a month in dedicated prayer. As Mario says, “If you feel called to join, it is because Jesus is calling you.”

Hombres, mujeres e incluso niños forman parte de este ministerio, cada uno ofreciendo una noche al mes en oración dedicada. Como dice Mario, “Si sientes el llamado a unirte, es porque Jesús te está llamando.”

In addition to its monthly gatherings, Adoración Nocturna supports the Parish through special events such as the annual Mother’s Day flower sale, which helps raise funds for Parish needs.

Además de sus reuniones mensuales, Adoración Nocturna apoya a la Parroquia con eventos especiales como la venta anual de flores del Día de las Madres, la cual ayuda a recaudar fondos para las necesidades parroquiales.

This year, the ministry will celebrate its 25th anniversary, and the entire community is warmly invited to take part in this special occasion. The celebration will be held on Saturday, August 16 at St. Charles Borromeo, beginning with Holy Mass at 4:00 PM, followed by Adoration at 5:00 PM, and a gathering with food and drinks at 6:30 PM in the St. Charles Parish Hall.

Este año, el ministerio celebrará su 25.º aniversario, y toda la comunidad está cordialmente invitada a participar en esta ocasión tan especial. La celebración se llevará a cabo el sábado 16 de agosto en San Carlos Borromeo, comenzando con la Santa Misa a las 4:00 PM, seguida de la Adoración a las 5:00 PM, y una convivencia con comida y bebidas a las 6:30 PM en el salón parroquial de San Carlos.

We invite you to join us in giving thanks for 25 years of prayer, faith, and devotion. Adoración Nocturna continues to be a faithful presence in the life of our Parish, lifting up the Church and our community in prayer.

Los invitamos a unirse a nosotros para dar gracias por 25 años de oración, fe y devoción. Adoración Nocturna continúa siendo una presencia fiel en la vida de nuestra Parroquia, elevando en oración a la Iglesia y a nuestra comunidad.

Parish Life: Welcoming Father James Tasy

Our Parish community is filled with joy as we welcome Father James Tasy to Good Shepherd Catholic Parish as our new Parochial Vicar, beginning June 13.

Father James was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Fresno on May 27, 2023, and has already shown a deep love for serving God’s people. He comes to us from

St. Joseph’s and San Clemente Parishes in Bakersfield, where he served as Parochial Vicar from 2023 to 2025. His ministry is marked by compassion, humility, and a sincere desire to accompany others in their walk with Christ.

In 2017, Father James entered Mount Angel Seminary, where he dedicated himself to prayer, study, and discernment. He earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology, equipping him with a solid foundation in both spiritual and academic formation.

Please join us in giving Father James Tasy a warm welcome to Good Shepherd. Let us pray for him as he begins this new chapter of priestly service, and may we walk together in faith, unity, and love.

Celebrating Our Priests' Ordination Anniversaries

This month, we joyfully celebrate the ordination anniversaries of three beloved priests who faithfully serve our Parish community.

We give thanks for the 13 years of priestly service of Fr. Alex Chavez, our pastor and spiritual leader, who continues to guide our Parish with humility, wisdom, and deep pastoral care. We also celebrate Fr. Dalton Rogers, who now marks 3 years since his ordination, and we honor Fr. Jose Maria Carrillo, who celebrates 2 years of priesthood.

Our Parish staff and parishioners are deeply grateful that these men said “yes” to God's call to the priesthood. Their vocation is a gift to our community, and their service touches lives in ways seen and unseen each day.

Let us continue to lift each of them in prayer and ask the Lord to bless them with renewed strength, joy, and grace as they continue their priestly ministry.

Parish Life: A Morning of Reflection and Renewal

On Thursday, May 29, the Parish staff gathered at St. Charles Borromeo for a special retreat day. The morning began at 8:00 a.m. with a reflection offered by our guest speaker, Father Moses Blain, O.Praem, a priest of St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, California.

Father Moses shared profound insights rooted in prayer, tradition, and spiritual renewal, guiding us through a meaningful time of reflection. Following the talk, the staff spent time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, then came together to celebrate Holy Mass, offering prayers for one another and the work we do in service of the Church.

The morning concluded with a luncheon at noon, where staff had the opportunity to share fellowship, and gratitude.

We are thankful to Father Alex for his leadership and to Father Moses for inspiring us with his presence and words. Moments like these remind us of the importance of stepping away from our daily tasks to rest in the Lord and grow together as a team in faith.

Catechesis & Evangelization: Forming Faith Together

Become a Catechist – Make a Difference

Are you passionate about your faith and enjoy working with children, youth, or adults? Our Parish is actively recruiting catechists, aides, and volunteers to serve in our faith formation programs for the 2025–2026 year. Whether you have experience or are just feeling called to help, we will provide the support and training you need.

By becoming a catechist, you’re not just teaching—you’re planting seeds of faith that grow for a lifetime. This is a beautiful opportunity to serve the Church, deepen your own faith, and walk with others on their journey toward Christ.

If you are interested in joining our catechetical team, please contact the Office of Catechesis & Evangelization.

Catechesis & Evangelization: Enroll Before It’s Too Late

Final Month to Register for Religious Education

Religious Education enrollment for the 2025–2026 formation year is open until June 30. This is the last month to enroll your child in one of our faith formation programs, including:

• First Communion

• High School Confirmation

• Adult Confirmation

• OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)

• Children's Catechumenate

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

• 
  

Visit www.gscparish.org to schedule your appointment and view required documents.

Vacation Bible School: True North

This summer, we invite all children entering 1st through 6th grade to join us for Vacation Bible School from June 23–27, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Holy Family Hall in Visalia.

Through games, music, crafts, and Bible stories, kids will learn what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world.

The cost is $50 per child, and registration is available online at www.gscparish.org.

Give your child a joyful week of faith, fun, and friendship—register today!

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!