05/30/2026
My dear parishioners,
Last week’s celebration of Pentecost was a very special one indeed for our parish. A year ago, on our feast day, we celebrated a group wedding with fifteen couples. We tried to do another one again this year. We had about eight couples start but a few did not continue and a few could not get married due to issues with paperwork. Another couple decided they wanted a private ceremony which was an option. We then decided to have the couples pick their own dates.
This past Sunday, I had the great privilege of celebrating the wedding of Florentino Martinez and Laura Leyva. Not only did I celebrate their wedding, but I celebrated the sacrament of confirmation for Laura and gave her first communion. I first met this wonderful couple when I first arrived to the parish and I baptized their three older children. I have since baptized the other two. Their daughters, Lizbeth and Marilyn, sang in the Spanish choir with their dad for many years. Lizbeth also worked in the office before going to college and now Marilyn does. Both daughters have served as confirmation leaders and have been part of our Daughters of the King. Tonatiuh is an altar server and has been part of the Warriors of the King. I baptized the youngest child last year and Lizbeth was the godmother to her younger brother. I have been walking with this family the whole time I have been in the parish and now they are married before the Lord. It was a great day of rejoicing.
I also had the privilege of confirming my oldest goddaughter on Pentecost. As I prayed over her and Laura, I truly called down fire from heaven to anoint them and let their lives be transformed by the Holy Spirit. It was an amazing experience of the power of the Holy Spirit. Lives can truly be transformed if we allow God’s grace to enter in.
I am also proud of all those in our parish who received confirmation on May 21. The master of ceremony for Bishop Sanchez was truly impressed by the behavior and the respect shown by our confirmandi. Our parish continues to shine in many ways. I am so grateful to everyone who helped to make these celebrations wonderful. Let us keep praying, “Come Holy Spirit!”
God bless,
Fr. O’Connor
