eBulletin March 9, 2025

As we begin Lent, we find ourselves once again in the desert with Jesus.  We watch as he decides how he will use his power.  He is tempted three times, first to do a magic trick to satisfy his hunger, then to gather glory to himself, and then show off how close his relationship with God the Father is.  In all three instances, the devil is trying to tempt Jesus to use his power for himself.  But at every turn, Jesus resists the temptation to serve himself, to glorify himself, to show off.  He never does anything to assuage his ego, or to make himself bigger than he was.  He always chooses the path of humility and service. 

 

And later in Lent, during Palm Sunday and Good Friday, we will see Jesus give his power over to others.  He stands up to Pilate in a significant way, saying in John’s gospel, “You have no power over me if it had not been given up to you.”  He is dignified, and he stands up for himself.  Yet he ultimately does not use power from above to escape his death.  He does this for a greater good of service, to somehow mysteriously bring about salvation for all. 

 

The question we must answer is, how will we use our power?  You might think you do not have any power at all.  But we all do have power. In our relationships, we have power.  We can choose words to build up people in our families or tear them down.  We can decide to be generous with our kindness, or we can withhold our kindness.  My 15-year-old nieces have power over me, their uncle, simply by being in a good mood or not, which then quickly affects my mood! 

As individuals we have power, but we also have power as a community of people.  When we join our voices together and speak up for ourselves, we have power.  That was the common experience of people at the diocesan prayer service and procession, “The Church Stands with Immigrants” on February 9.  Even though harsh orders are being handed down, when we joined together, we no longer felt alone.  It made us feel stronger, more powerful. We did not use that power for individual gain, but for the good of the community. I pray this Lent you will use your power generously for the good of the community.  

Your time and support are greatly appreciated!

Please stop by the parish office to register during office hours 

We’re happy to help!

Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and 2 to 6 pm

Join us for a free Wellness Class every Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:45 am to 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Hall. Improve your strength, balance, and flexibility!

Open to all—no experience needed.
No fee—donations are welcome!
Floor mats are provided (or bring your own). Come move, breathe, and feel your best! See you there!

For more information, contact Ana Fandrey at 619-895-0621 or afandrey@SistersOfMercy.org.

Last Sunday our 2nd collection total for the Annual Catholic Appeal was $3,778. This, combined with the previous week’s amount, brings the ACA total to $7,728. Our goal, assigned to us by the Diocese, is $13,003.  We still need to raise $5,725 for this appeal, which goes in support of important diocesan programs, like the formation of priests, care of migrants, and our Catholic schools.  We will no longer have second collections, but to parishioners who received the ACA envelope in the mail, we ask you to send in your donation as soon as you can.  Thank you all for your generosity!  Together we will surpass our goal.

                               

For more information, visit giving.sdcatholic.org.

Please pick up QR code cards from the front of the church.  These cards help you access information that can be helpful in these challenging times for immigrants.  It is important to know your rights!

The Lenten Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday at 5:00 pm inside the church. It will be led by the Grupo Guadalupano.

Retreat "In Spanish" for couples with and without sacrament.

Sat, Mar 22: 8 am - 4:30 pm | Sun, Mar 23: 8 am - 5 pm 

Donation of $30, which includes meals.

No Children

For information:

Ricardo and Nereyda

(858) 880-5952

(619) 954-6428