Aug. 10, 2025
Dear Most Holy Trinity Family:
Gird Loins and Lit Lamps
I recently have had the privilege of meeting Darlene Sanchez, Principal of Most Holy Trinity School. She told me that the school teachers are like the servants in this weekend’s Gospel –vigilantly waiting for the arrival of the students, and ready to serve them. They will have a Welcome Back Spaghetti Dinner on Aug. 18th, and the students will be starting the school year on Aug. 20th. I am also looking forward to the start of the school year, and ready to support such a valuable ministry in our parish.
I want to thank all of you, particularly, the staff of the parish and school community, and everyone involved in the different ministries of the MHT community for being like the servants of the Gospel – always vigilant and faithfully active in serving the parish community. Vigilance always implies service. Thus, when we are involved in ministry, we never do it for profit. It’s always done in service of others, and ultimately, in the service of Christ. But, as you can tell from the Gospel reading (often used for funeral Masses), when the time comes God will welcome us in the Heavenly kingdom. Christ himself will have us recline at table and wait on us. Blessed are you for girding up your loins and lighting up your lamps.
Mother Mary also waited vigilantly in service for the return of her Son, Jesus. This week, the Church will celebrate the day that Mary was taken into heaven at the end of her life. In the tradition of the Church, from early on, the Holy Spirt has led the Church to believe that Mary was assumed into heaven in body and soul. This is one of the oldest celebrations of Our Lady in the Church. The Assumption of Mary was originally known as the “Falling Asleep of Mary”. This solemnity concerns all of us because it also has to do with the end of life on earth. Thus, it reminds us that when it comes to our death, we are absolutely powerless and dependent on God.
Fr. Andrew will officially complete his time with us by the middle of August. I am grateful for his willingness to stay longer to support us until the full crew of Jesuits serving MHT has arrived. I can tell that Fr. Andrew has been a good shepherd to you all, but particularly to the Spanish speaking community. He is already being missed. Fr. Vincent Doung will be joining us the weekend of Aug. 15. Please warmly welcome him back to MHT. Among other duties, Fr. Vincent will be assisting us with the coordination for all liturgical celebrations.
To conclude, I want to take advantage of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary to recognize the Legion of Mary in our parish for their Marian heart and their ministerial dedication.
Thank you,
Fr. Elias Puentes, SJ
Pastor
