Pastor's letter for this week
September 18, 2026
Dear Parishioners of St. Andrew,
I hope you are all doing well and staying strong!
Here is the rest of the news from the parish:
BEATIFICATION OF ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN- this week the Church in the United States will celebrate a wonderful event as we will witness the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen in St. Louis on Thursday, Sept. 24th at 2:00 p.m. CST (12 noon our time). The Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Luis Cardinal Tagle whom the Holy Father appointed as his delegate. The ceremony will be livestreamed so everyone can see it. The website is: www.celebratesheen.com Also visit: www.bishopsheen.com
Those of you who are older would remember when it was just “Msgr. Sheen” or “Bishop Sheen” on television in the 1950’s. He had the highest rated program on television at the time. Those of us who came later remember him through his incredible sermons and conferences. He was probably the greatest evangelizer in the history of the Church in the United States.
When I was in the seminary in the theological desert of the 1980’s, I would regularly listen to the cassettes of his sermons and conferences. These were my own private annual retreats for years. After having to endure the torture of listening to whatever insipid retreat master the seminary chose for us, I would go to my room and listen to Sheen. His talks were a source of strength and inspiration and truly motivated me to get through the seminary and get ordained. I owe him a great deal!
Having a new Blessed is a great honor for us as American Catholics as we now have another powerful intercessor in heaven. Blessed Fulton Sheen pray for us!
MUSIC IN THE SACRED LITURGY- Last month, our Holy Father, Pope Leo, used his Wednesday audience talks to review various points regarding the Sacred Liturgy from the documents of the Second Vatican Council. He emphasized especially the importance of liturgical music.
Our parish choirs are preparing right now for returning to our Sunday Masses. Our children’s choirs are already starting.
If you have a child ages 7 to 17, encourage them to join our Children’s Choirs. Encourage them to share their voice with their brothers and sisters in Christ. The choir will soon be singing once again at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. In addition to their liturgical service, the choir performs in special concerts and is currently preparing for an unforgettable Italian tour, where they will have the honor of singing for His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
As members of the St. Andrew Children’s Choir, choristers will have a chance to grow musically, make wonderful friends and experience the joy of singing in a vibrant community. Whether they are experienced singers or just starting out, their voices will be part of something truly meaningful. Together, our youth choirs bring music to life in worship and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Children’s Choir Director, Mr. Patrick Flahive, is an acclaimed leader in the world of children’s and youth choirs. His choirs have sung on several occasions for each of the last three Pontiffs: Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. As the American President of the official children’s choir organization of the Catholic Church, the American Federation of Pueri Cantores, he oversaw its growth from just five choirs to 252 nationwide. Under his guidance, your child’s voice can join a tradition of excellence and faith. Please contact Mr. Flahive either by email pflahive@saspasadena.com or by phone, 626-374-2410
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR PLEDGE? – Our annual Together in Mission Campaign began back in February. As you know, this campaign assists the poorest parishes and schools of the Archdiocese. Our parish goal this year is $75,322.00. This reflects our income in 2025. It is a great opportunity to help out these poor parishes even more.
Now that we are already in September, it means we are getting quite close to the end of the year and the end of the campaign. However, we are still quite short on our goal for this year. So I urge you to please consider making a donation to the Campaign as soon as possible.
Some parishioners have asked me if any of these funds go to other expenses of the Archdiocese such as the settlement of lawsuits, etc. The answer is: no. These are restricted funds that go specifically to assist the poorest parishes to keep their doors open. It is very greatly needed.
The important thing is that everyone participates according to their means. If you have more then give more, if you have less, then give less. But everybody’s part is important. The pledge envelopes are available in the pews and in the Pastoral Center. You may also make your contribution online by going to: togetherinmission.org. Please be sure to click on "St. Andrew Church" as your parish so that it is credited to our goal.
To all those who have already donated or made their pledge for 2026: thank you!
In Christ and St. Andrew,
Fr. Gonzalez
EUCHARISTIC CONCOMITANCE
ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS IN CHURCH
HOW TO RECITE THE HOLY ROSARY
PROCEDURE FOR THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION