eBulletin March 16, 2025

Not all water satisfies our thirst. Jesus is saying this, and of course he is not talking about actual thirst, but about something deeper. He is talking about quenching our heart’s deepest desire when he says, “Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

St. Ignatius learned from experience that not all things were equally satisfying. Some things on first appearance seemed to satisfy, but they later ran out of gas. Being popular and good-looking, and impressing others—these things at first glance made him feel good.  But then they left him empty. What was truly satisfying to him was doing great things for God and living not for himself but for others. This was, as Jesus would say, the water that wells up to eternal life.

At the diocesan prayer service and procession, “The Church stands with Immigrants” last month, people came together on a Sunday afternoon. They decided to forego watching the Superbowl, because they thirsted for something deeper. People who went—undocumented as well as documented—felt at that event, in the presence of some 1500 people, including priests, religious, deacons, and members of other faiths, that they were truly safe. They were protected. This was something that no law in this country can give them right now.  It was the water that truly satisfies.  

A similar experience happens for members of our parish when they participate in other parish groups and activities. The young adult group right now has a bible study during Lent. They gather each week on Wednesdays in the teachers’ lounge. They read the Bible and talk about it. And something deeper happens when they gather: it is a recognized connection that they all share with one another. And I believe they find this connection deeply satisfying, the water that truly quenches their thirst.

There are a lot of opportunities at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and in the Church to find this water and to drink it.    If you read this letter, you are probably already involved in some activities or groups of the parish. But if you are not, I encourage you to get involved. Draw nearer to the water that truly satisfies. And I invite you to our next diocesan procession for immigration April 12 at 10 am.

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!

Additional parking will be available from Friday to Sunday at 22nd and Commercial, near @Triple K Manufacturing.
On Sunday, parking will be available only at Calvary Baptist Church.