eBulletin March 16, 2025

It was a great joy that our parish catechumens and candidates participated in the Rite of Election this past weekend. This rite, presided over by the bishop, marks the beginning of the journey toward the sacraments of Christian initiation. The "catechumens" (those who are unbaptized) were "chosen" to receive the sacraments at Easter. Also participating were the "candidates," who, although already baptized, have not yet received First Communion or Confirmation.

Usually in the story of the Transfiguration, we focus on Jesus, on what happens to him.  Something mysterious and special happens—he is changed in appearance, and his clothes became dazzlingly white.  But what about Peter, John, and James, who walked with him up the mountain.  Were they not also changed? They decided to walk up the mountain with Jesus, but weren’t they different when they walked down?   Could we not say that they, too, were transfigured?   Wasn’t something awakened in their hearts? 

 In a similar way, having a migrant shelter in our own Salon Tepeyac this past year and a half has had an effect on us.  We never set out to start a shelter, but in September and October of 2023, when migrants were knocking at our door, we chose to answer.  Upon opening Salon Tepeyac to migrants, parishioners quickly brought in blankets from their homes and meals from their kitchens.  In a way, we decided to walk up the mountain with Jesus along with Peter, John, and James.  We felt an invitation.  And it has changed us. 

Given the change of presidential administration and the closing down of the border, the stream of migrants seeking shelter has dried up.  We have therefore made the decision to suspend the shelter until further notice.  We have now moved into a kind of discernment mode, where we will carefully and prayerfully determine how we might next use our resources to serve migrants and immigrant people.  Our commitment is unchanged—we stand with immigrants.   That is our history as a parish, it is who we are.  But a migrant shelter is not needed.  We must adapt. 

 

Let us give thanks for the ways that having the migrant shelter transfigured us.  It was beautiful to receive first migrant men and then migrant families.  Their presence enriched us.  When we heard their stories in conversations or their testimonies at masses, we know that something inside them became dazzlingly alive.  At the same time, something deep in our hearts was also awakened.  We saw in them our own stories as immigrant peoples.  It felt good to help them.  As we walk down this particular mountain, we cannot doubt that we have been changed.  We come down the mountain in a new way, knowing more deeply who Jesus is, and who we are in relation to him.  We have been transfigured.  Thanks be to God. 

Next Sunday, Lieutenant Cesar Jimenez from the SDPD will be making a brief presentation explaining to us how the San Diego Police Department and immigration enforcement do not work together. We also hope to have someone from the sheriff's office present.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Inside the church 

After the 10:30 am & 12:30 pmMasses

We thank all parishioners who supported our migrant shelter by volunteering, bringing food, or donating money or items. We invite you to join us for a mass of appreciation with dinner on Saturday, March 29.  Mass is at 6 pm in the church, and dinner is at 7 pm in the parish hall. If you plan on joining us, please call the parish office to reserve your spot.  

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

If you need one, please ask one of the ushers.

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

Join us on March 29th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Salon Tepeyac of the Parish.
Led by: Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Ignatian Spirituality Center.
We look forward to seeing you!
Confirm your attendance at 858-255-0012 with Father Brad. 

In the "Other Announcements" section, you'll find invitations to join us and continue your journey of faith.
Take time to listen to the Spirit… Stop, Seek, and Listen.
We look forward to seeing you!